Intubation Assistance Device for Patient Shoulder Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for intubation require external objects to elevate the subject's neck, which is time-consuming, cumbersome, and increases the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A person support surface with an integrated intubation assistance device that can adjust the position of a person's shoulders relative to their head, allowing for optimal positioning during intubation without the need for external objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external objects (towels, sheets) are used to elevate the subject's neck, then the subject's airway can be opened, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The support block integrates the neck elevation function directly into the person support surface structure, merging the positioning function with the support surface itself. This eliminates the need for separate external objects and reduces the steps required for positioning during intubation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block is pre-positioned within the person support surface structure, ready for immediate use during intubation. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for caregivers to search for and manually position external objects during the procedure.
2Ease of operation
If external objects are used to elevate the subject's neck, then positioning can be achieved, but contamination risk to the subject's garment increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the support block into the person support surface structure, the solution eliminates external objects that could contaminate the subject's garment. The support function is built-in, removing the need for separate towels or sheets that would contact the subject's clothing.
3Ease of operation
If external objects are used for neck elevation, then airway opening is facilitated, but a separate caregiver is required
Solution Approach 1:
The person support surface with integrated support block provides the neck elevation function automatically as part of the support surface system, eliminating the need for a separate caregiver to manually position external objects. The system serves itself by incorporating the positioning function directly into its structure.
4Ease of operation
If the subject is disturbed to complete the intubation procedure, then positioning can be achieved, but patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support block is pre-configured within the person support surface, allowing the subject to be positioned correctly without disturbance. The preliminary integration of the support structure enables accurate positioning to be achieved while the subject remains undisturbed, maintaining comfort during the procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
Intubation assistance devices, person support surfaces including intubation assistance devices, and person support apparatus including the same are disclosed herein. A person support surface includes a support body and an intubation assistance device positionable within the support body. The intubation assistance device is positionable between a first position and a second position relative to the support body to adjust a position of shoulders of a person positioned on an upper surface of the support body. Other embodiments of intubation assistance devices include an elevated platform moveable relative to a lower plate to raise the shoulders of a person positioned atop a person support surface, and a pivot plate pivotally coupled to the lower plate to support a head of the person as the shoulders are raised.