Expandable Loading Dilator with Slits for Tracheostomy Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for creating a passageway into a body opening, such as tracheostomy tubes, often face challenges in providing a smooth transition during insertion, requiring multiple dilators and designs to accommodate varying tube sizes, which complicates the procedure and increases trauma to the patient.
Innovation Solution
A loading dilator with a first portion that can transition between a relaxed state and multiple expanded states, featuring slits that expand to accommodate different diameters, allowing for a snug engagement with a tubular member, facilitating a smooth entry into the body opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loading dilators with various sizes are used to accommodate different tracheostomy tube sizes, then the ability to accommodate various tube sizes is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loading dilator incorporates an expandable first portion with slits that allow it to transition between a relaxed state and an expanded state. This dynamic structure enables a single dilator to adapt to multiple tube sizes by expanding to match the required diameter, eliminating the need for multiple static dilators of different sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading dilator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can accommodate various tracheostomy tube sizes through its expandable structure, provide a smooth transition during insertion, and maintain a generally smooth transition from the loading dilator to the tracheostomy tube. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loading dilators with various sizes are used to accommodate different tracheostomy tube sizes, then the adaptability to various tube sizes is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single loading dilator that can accommodate multiple tube sizes through its expandable structure, the system eliminates the confusion of selecting and managing multiple different dilators. The provider only needs to select one dilator and activate the appropriate expansion state, significantly simplifying the operational process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dilators are used in the procedure, then the ability to accommodate various tube sizes is improved, but the trauma to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading dilator combines the functions of multiple separate dilators into a single integrated device. By merging the dilation and loading functions into one component with an expandable structure, the procedure requires fewer interventions and reduces the cumulative trauma that would result from sequentially introducing multiple different dilators.
4Ease of operation
If a loading dilator with a smooth transition is designed, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the adaptability to various tube sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The loading dilator features a dynamic first portion with slits that can expand to match different tube diameters while maintaining a generally smooth transition. The expandable structure allows the dilator to adapt to various tube sizes without compromising the smooth transition design, as the expansion occurs in a controlled manner that preserves the geometric continuity needed for easy insertion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a single loading dilator to accommodate various tracheostomy tube sizes, reducing the number of components needed, minimizing user confusion, and minimizing trauma to the patient by providing a smooth transition during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion (12) configured to transition between a relaxed state with a smaller diameter and a plurality of expanded states with a plurality of varying larger diameters
Data Source
AI summary
A loading dilator may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may include a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first outer surface extending between the first proximal end and the first distal end. The second portion may include a second proximal end, a second distal end, and a second outer surface extending between the second proximal end and the second distal end. The first outer surface may include a plurality of slits extending along at least a portion of the length of the first portion. The plurality of slits may be spaced apart circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the first portion. The length of the second portion may be smaller than the length of the first portion.