Head Immobilizer with Integrated BVM Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional emergency respiratory support devices require ongoing manual intervention by medical caregivers, limiting their ability to perform other tasks due to the need to stabilize the patient's head and maintain a seal with oxygen masks or endotracheal tubes, especially in situations where only one caregiver is available.
Innovation Solution
The use of a modified head immobilizer with a hook and loop system and straps to secure emergency respiratory support devices in place, allowing for hands-free operation and reducing the need for continuous manual intervention, enabling caregivers to perform other patient care tasks during ventilations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual mask securing methods are used, then the seal around the patient's mouth and nose is maintained, but the caregiver's hands are occupied and cannot perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the mask securing function from the caregiver's hands by using independent head straps and a head holder assembly. The mask is secured through a system of straps attached to head blocks, dividing the securing task into multiple components that do not require manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The head holder assembly and strap system automatically maintain the mask position and seal without requiring continuous manual adjustment. Once positioned, the mechanical structure self-maintains the seal through the head blocks and straps working together.
2Productivity
If both hands are used to hold the BVM device and maintain seal, then respiratory support is provided, but the caregiver cannot perform diagnostic actions or record notes
Solution Approach 1:
The hands-on securing task is extracted from the respiratory support procedure and transferred to the automated head holder assembly. This allows the caregiver to remove hands from device control and perform additional tasks while the device continues to function independently.
3Reliability
If the patient's head is manually stabilized, then the mask position is maintained, but the caregiver cannot use communications devices or call for support
Solution Approach 1:
The head holder assembly with head blocks provides automatic head stabilization without requiring manual intervention. The mechanical structure self-maintains mask position and head stability, freeing the caregiver to perform communications and coordination tasks.
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
This solution allows for efficient and uninterrupted respiratory support, enabling medical caregivers to provide other necessary care without compromising the seal of oxygen delivery devices or displacing endotracheal tubes, thereby enhancing overall patient care efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a modified head immobilizer configured to immobilize the patient's head, securely hold the mask in place using a hook and loop system
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and/or methods for immobilizing a patient's head and simultaneously providing emergency respiration for the patient includes, in some embodiments, a head immobilizer, a bag valve mask (BVM), an endotracheal tube (ET) bracket, and/or an oxygen face mask. In some embodiments where head immobilization is not needed, a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) board may be used in lieu of the head immobilizer. Each such embodiment is configured to require reduced manual intervention by a caregiver without reducing the effectiveness of each medical device and/or system. An adjustable BVM holder integrated into the head immobilizer secures the BVM on the patient. In embodiments with a BVM, only a single hand is necessary to provide emergency respiration, freeing the caregiver's other hand for other caregiving tasks. Such a head immobilizer may secure an ET bracket and/or face mask to a patient, allowing for hands-free operation during patient treatment, movement, and transportation.