Integrated Bougie Suction Device for Airway Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intubation procedures for difficult airways are hindered by the need to switch between bougie and suction devices, leading to delays and increased risk of aspiration and hypoxia due to continuous suction or oxygen removal during endotracheal intubation.

Innovation Solution

A gripping device that integrates a hollow bougie with suction capabilities, allowing simultaneous use of both functions without device exchange, featuring a curved handle for improved bougie control and a vent port for controlled suction, enabling efficient aspiration and oxygen delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a separate suction device (yankauer) is used to clear secretions before endotracheal tube insertion, then the airway can be cleared of fluids, but time is lost due to device exchange and the patient's oxygen reservoir is depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway clearanceVSAvoidtime for device exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the bougie (intubation guide) and suction device into a single integrated apparatus. The bougie has a lumen that accommodates a suction catheter, allowing both intubation guidance and suction functions to be performed simultaneously through one device, eliminating the need to exchange between separate bougie and yankauer devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions: it guides the endotracheal tube during intubation while simultaneously providing suction capability to clear secretions, blood, or gastric contents from the airway. This multi-functional design allows the single device to replace both the traditional bougie and separate suction device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If continuous suction is applied during intubation to clear secretions, then the airway remains clear, but oxygen is removed from the patient causing hypoxia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway clearanceVSAvoidhypoxia from oxygen removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction function is activated periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The operator can activate suction when secretions are present and pause when the airway is clear, allowing oxygen to remain in the patient's lungs during periods when suction is not active, thereby preventing hypoxia

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The operator uses visual feedback from laryngoscopy to monitor the airway for secretions and activates suction only when needed. This feedback-based control allows the operator to balance airway clearance with maintaining adequate oxygen levels by applying suction selectively rather than continuously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible bougie is used to navigate the airway, then passage into the trachea is facilitated, but the bougie is hard to grip due to its flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation capabilityVSAvoidgrip control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bougie is divided into segments with different properties: a flexible distal portion for navigating the airway and a more rigid proximal portion with a handle for gripping and control. This segmentation allows the bougie to be both flexible enough to navigate tortuous anatomy and rigid enough to be controlled by the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bougie incorporates curved or angled sections, particularly at the tip and handle regions, to facilitate navigation through the natural curves of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. The curvature allows the bougie to follow the anatomical path more easily while maintaining operator control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Productivity

If repeated intubation attempts are made with separate devices, then the airway can be instrumented, but trauma occurs causing bleeding and edema that obstructs the view of vocal cords

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintubation attemptsVSAvoidairway trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the bougie and suction device into one integrated apparatus, the number of separate instrumentations is reduced. The single device can perform both intubation guidance and suction functions, minimizing the trauma associated with repeated insertions of multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction capability is available from the beginning of the procedure, allowing secretions, blood, or gastric contents to be cleared proactively before they accumulate and obstruct the view. This preliminary suction action prevents the need for repeated instrumentations to clear obstructions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10272217B2Device for gripping and directing bougies for intubation

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 GAO BOYI

AI summary

An apparatus for endotracheal intubation. The apparatus allows medical personnel to grip and stabilize a bougie inside the apparatus and maintain a curve position during intubation processes. The apparatus can be used for a solid bougie and/or a hollow bougie. The apparatus may further have a connector for connecting the apparatus to an external suction device or oxygen delivery device.