Inline Ventilator Condensation Trap Minimizes Dead Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory ventilation systems face complications due to condensation forming on tubing, which can lead to 'rain out,' causing issues like drowning, airway occlusion, and infection, and existing solutions are either expensive, cumbersome, or require disconnecting the ventilator, disrupting ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A condensation trap system that connects directly to ventilator tubing, featuring a stem with an internal channel and fluid collection reservoir, allowing condensation to form and be drained without interrupting ventilation, positioned close to the patient interface to minimize dead space and prevent fluid from entering the airway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a collection canister is placed on the floor below the patient, then condensation can be collected, but additional tubing length is required which substantially increases dead space and may become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation trap is nested within the existing ventilator tubing structure. The trap comprises a first connector that connects to a first segment of ventilator tubing and a second connector that connects to a second segment of ventilator tubing, effectively embedding the collection function within the existing tubing pathway rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a floor-level collection canister to an inline trap positioned within the tubing at the patient's airway level. This dimensional change allows condensation collection to occur at the same level as the patient interface, eliminating the need for additional tubing length and reducing dead space.
2Quantity of substance
If ventilator tubing is disconnected to pour out condensation, then fluid can be removed, but ventilation is interrupted causing respiratory arrest and patient distress
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful condensation fluid is extracted from the main ventilator tubing pathway into a separate collection reservoir within the trap. The trap includes a collection reservoir with a drain port that allows fluid removal independent of the main ventilation circuit, enabling condensation evacuation without disconnecting the ventilator tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensation trap acts as an intermediary device between the ventilator tubing and the patient. It provides a separate fluid evacuation pathway through the drain port and collection reservoir, allowing condensation removal while maintaining the integrity and continuity of the main ventilation circuit.
3Quantity of substance
If a collection canister is used with inlet and outlet in the cap, then condensation can be collected, but the system requires extra tubing length which increases dead space and may adversely affect ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation collection function is merged with the existing ventilator tubing structure. The trap integrates a first connector for inspiratory tubing and a second connector for expiratory tubing, combining the collection function within the existing circuit rather than requiring separate canister and additional tubing components.
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
Enables continuous ventilation without risking fluid aspiration, reducing the risk of complications like lung damage and infection, while being cost-effective and not increasing dead space, allowing for intermittent fluid removal without disconnecting the ventilator.
Implementation Method 1
allowing a portion of the water vapor to condense within the inspiratory or expiratory segment of ventilator tubing to form water
Data Source
AI summary
Condensation traps are disclosed herein for the purpose of trapping and removing water condensed from the humidified air present within respiratory ventilatory systems and tubing. Traps disclosed herein can be positioned inline with the tubing, and therefore allow the trap to be positioned very near the patient interface, and minimize dead space between the trap and the patient interface. Minimizing the dead space in this manner prevents water from condensing prior to entering the trap. Respiratory ventilator systems incorporating condensation traps and methods of mechanical ventilation relying on condensation traps are also disclosed herein.