Handheld Respiratory Device with Deformable Reservoir for Auto-PEEP Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with auto-positive end expiratory pressure (auto-PEEP) face respiratory distress due to increased alveolar pressures at the end of expiration, requiring their diaphragm to work harder for inhalation, leading to fatigue and potential respiratory failure.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device that delivers positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the airway, using a deformable reservoir and pressure relief valve to provide a constant supply of pressurized breathing gas, reducing the diaphragm's workload by alleviating auto-PEEP through positive pressure application at the nose or mouth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If positive pressure is applied at the patient's upper airway to reduce diaphragm workload, then respiratory muscle fatigue is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for pressurized gas delivery system
Solution Approach 1:
A handheld respiratory assist device serves as an intermediary between the pressurized gas source and the patient's airway. The device includes a deformable reservoir that stores pressurized gas, a pressure relief valve that maintains safe pressure levels, and a mouthpiece that delivers the gas directly to the patient's upper airway, thereby reducing diaphragm workload without requiring complex integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The respiratory assist device is divided into separate functional components: a deformable reservoir for gas storage, a pressure relief valve for pressure control, and a mouthpiece for gas delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effectiveness in reducing auto-PEEP
2Productivity
If the diaphragm descends further to overcome auto-PEEP and initiate inspiration, then breathing can be maintained, but the diaphragm workload increases leading to fatigue and respiratory failure
Solution Approach 1:
Pressurized gas is delivered to the patient's upper airway before the patient's own inspiratory effort begins. This preliminary application of positive pressure counteracts the auto-PEEP buildup, reducing the magnitude of diaphragm descent required to initiate inspiration and thereby decreasing the energy consumption of the diaphragm muscle
Solution Approach 2:
Positive pressure is applied to the upper airway in advance to counteract the harmful effect of auto-PEEP. This preliminary anti-action reduces the opposing pressure that the diaphragm must overcome, preventing the need for excessive diaphragm descent and the associated energy expenditure that leads to fatigue
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 device effectively reduces respiratory muscle fatigue and lowers the risk of respiratory failure by alleviating the need for the diaphragm to descend further to initiate inspiration, thereby improving breathing difficulties in patients with auto-PEEP.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable reservoir that stores a volume of pressurized breathing gas
Implementation Method 2
The deformable reservoir expands to contain approximately one tidal volume pressurized breathing gas
Implementation Method 3
The pressure relief valve is constructed and arranged to vent the pressurized breathing gas to the atmosphere when the pressure in the deformable reservoir exceeds a safe level
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held apparatus that delivers pressurized breathing gas to the airway of a patient, thereby creating positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and reducing respiratory muscle fatigue. The apparatus includes a deformable reservoir, a breathing interface, and a pressure relief valve. The apparatus may include a means for creating fluid communication between the deformable reservoir and a source of pressurized breathing gas. The apparatus may also include an adjuster that allows a user to vary the pressure of the breathing gas contained in the deformable reservoir.