Infant Tracheal Device with One-Way Valve for Spontaneous Exhalation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infant breathing assistance devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure therapy, are inadequate for infants with tracheotomies, as they are cumbersome and limited to nasal or mask therapy, necessitating the use of mechanical ventilators, which are expensive and not suitable for infants with special needs.
Innovation Solution
A positive pressure infant tracheal device comprising a molded tracheal connector interface, pressure release port, pressure monitor port, dispenser port, one-way valve, smooth-walled tubing, and universal connector, designed for cuffless tracheal tubes, allowing continuous air transmission to the lungs while facilitating spontaneous exhalation through the nose and mouth, with interchangeable tracheal connectors and adaptable to various air sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional continuous positive airway pressure therapy is used, then nasal or mask therapy can be provided, but it cannot be used for infants with tracheotomies and requires cumbersome mechanical ventilators
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components including a tracheal adapter, tubing, one-way valve, and connector that can be assembled independently. This segmentation allows the device to be customized for infants with tracheotomies while avoiding the complexity of full mechanical ventilators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential function of positive pressure delivery through the trachea, separating this function from the complex mechanical ventilator system. The tracheal adapter with one-way valve isolates the necessary components to provide breathing assistance without requiring the full ventilator system.
2Reliability
If mechanical ventilators are used for infants with tracheotomies, then breathing assistance can be provided, but the devices are expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential breathing assistance function from the complex mechanical ventilator, creating a simplified device that delivers positive pressure through the trachea using basic components like tubing and a one-way valve, thereby reducing cost and complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses inexpensive, disposable components such as sterile tubing, one-way valves, and tracheal adapters that can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex mechanical ventilators that require maintenance and cleaning.
3Stress or pressure
If conventional tracheal tubes are used, then positive pressure can be delivered, but they prevent spontaneous exhalation through the nose and mouth
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the airway into two separate pathways: one for positive pressure delivery through the tracheal adapter, and another for spontaneous exhalation through the nose and mouth. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve acts as an intermediary component that allows air to flow in one direction (into the lungs) while preventing backflow, thereby enabling positive pressure delivery without interfering with spontaneous exhalation through the nasal and oral pathways.
4Loss of time
If longer tracheal connector is used, then more dead space is created, but shorter connector reduces dead space and air transmission time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows changing the parameter of connector length to optimize the balance between dead space volume and air transmission time. The standardized connector design enables selection of appropriate lengths based on the infant's size and specific clinical needs.
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 reduces the need for mechanical ventilators, enhances mobility and comfort, promotes environmentally safe conditions, and is cost-efficient, improving oxygenation and reducing the work of breathing for infants with tracheotomies, while allowing for the removal of secretions through natural exhalation.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way valve, a smooth walled tubing, a universal connector... the one-way valve which will not allow exhaled air to return into the tubing
Implementation Method 2
Positive pressure air supplied by an air source flows through the molded tracheal interface into the trachea inflating the lungs
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an infant tracheal device used with a source of air that provides transmission of continuous positive pressure into the lungs of an infant breathing spontaneously using a single tube inspiratory line. The invention serves as an interface with an open trachea. A one-way air valve placed within the tube will not allow pressure to return through the inspiratory line. The internal pressure within the line is measured with a monitor line which is connected to the source and the tracheal device as the pressure enters the infant lungs via a cuffless tracheal tube. A minimal amount of pressure will now be necessary to keep the lungs open. Voluntary exhalation occurs as the pressure of the exhaled air exiting the lungs goes around both the cuffless tracheal tube and out through the nose and mouth of the infant. A pressure release port located on the tracheal device facilitates monitoring and emergency pressure release as necessary. A dispenser port allows use of medication.