Expandable Suction Catheter Cleaning for Endotracheal Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endotracheal tubes in intubated patients lead to secretion accumulation, which can cause ventilator-acquired pneumonia and other complications due to ineffective cough mechanisms and mucociliary transport, and existing suction systems require removing patients from ventilation for cleaning, disrupting mechanical support.
Innovation Solution
A closed suction system module with an expandable cleaning member on a suction catheter that allows for in-situ cleaning of endotracheal tubes, coupled to a manifold or adapter, enabling simultaneous suction and expansion for biofilm removal without disconnecting from the ventilator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard closed suction system is used to clean endotracheal tubes, then secretion removal is achieved, but the patient must be disconnected from ventilation, disrupting mechanical support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suction catheter and expandable cleaning member into a single integrated device that can be inserted through the endotracheal tube. The cleaning member expands inside the tube to contact and clean the inner surface while suction simultaneously removes secretions and biofilm, allowing cleaning without disconnecting from ventilation
Solution Approach 2:
The suction catheter with the expandable cleaning member is nested within the endotracheal tube lumen. The cleaning member collapses during insertion and expands inside the tube to perform cleaning, enabling the cleaning function to be contained within the existing ventilation system without requiring disconnection
2Ease of operation
If a bronchoscope is used to visualize airways, then airway visualization is achieved, but the patient must be removed from the ventilator and air travel is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the functions of visualization and suction/cleaning by incorporating a visualization lumen separate from the suction lumen. This allows a bronchoscope to be inserted through the visualization lumen while the suction catheter operates independently through the suction lumen, enabling simultaneous ventilation, visualization, and cleaning without mutual interference
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the endotracheal tube is cleaned frequently to prevent biofilm accumulation, then infection risk is reduced, but patient time on ventilator increases due to repeated disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable cleaning member is designed to be inflated and used for cleaning at the bedside without requiring disconnection from the ventilator. The closed system allows continuous ventilation while enabling repeated cleaning interventions, maintaining the beneficial action of biofilm removal without interrupting the useful action of mechanical ventilation
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
Facilitates effective cleaning of endotracheal tubes while maintaining ventilation, reducing secretion-related complications and enabling visualization of airways, thus minimizing infection risk and improving patient care efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable cleaning member may comprise one or more rings, shavers or removal members. The rings, shavers or removal members may comprise one or more shearing or squared (or substantially squared) edges or may comprise a smooth contact surface with rounded edges
Implementation Method 2
a suction catheter configured to clean the interior surfaces of body-inserted tubes or artificial airways (alone or in addition to suctioning natural airways or portions of the respiratory tract or other body lumens)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A suction cleaning system module is provided. In one embodiment, the suction cleaning system module comprises a coupling member configured to couple to a suction port of a multi-port manifold or endotracheal tube adapter (e.g., dual-port or tri-port adapter). In one embodiment, the suction cleaning system module comprises a suction catheter configured to clean the interior surfaces of body-inserted tubes or artificial airways (alone or in addition to suctioning natural airways or portions of the respiratory tract or other body lumens). The suction catheter may comprise a cleaning portion at a distal portion of the suction catheter (e.g., near the distal end or tip of the suction catheter). In some embodiments, the cleaning portion comprises at least one expandable cleaning member (e.g., balloon, sleeve, wiper).