Jaw Thrust Device with Adjustable Neck Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for maintaining patient airway patency during jaw thrust procedures are limited by their inability to allow unrestricted access for medical procedures and often fail to address occlusion beyond the mandible and tongue, restricting the practitioner's ability to manage the airway effectively.
Innovation Solution
A jaw thrust device comprising a frame with upstanding arms, jaw pads, and an adjustable neck pad that hyperextends the patient's neck, allowing anterior displacement of the mandible to minimize airway occlusion, while being designed to be non-fixed to the support surface for flexibility during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the device secures the patient's head to the device and/or to the surface, then the patient's head position is stabilized, but the medical practitioner's ability to perform procedures on the patient's head and neck is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a base member that provides stability, a jaw support that can be positioned and adjusted independently, and a headrest portion. This segmentation allows the head to be stabilized without completely restricting practitioner access, as components can be independently positioned and adjusted during procedures.
2Reliability
If the device addresses only the relative position of the mandible and the associated position of the patient's tongue, then the jaw thrust function is achieved, but other portions of the patient's airway are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple functional elements that address different portions of the airway: the jaw support addresses mandible and tongue positioning, while the headrest portion and adjustable components address neck positioning and overall airway alignment. This multi-functional design allows comprehensive airway management rather than focusing solely on the jaw-thrust mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extends the traditional jaw-thrust concept by adding vertical and longitudinal dimensions through the headrest portion and adjustable mechanisms. This allows control not only of mandible position but also of neck angle and overall head-neck alignment, addressing multiple dimensions of airway patency simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device is fixed to the support surface, then the device provides stable support, but the practitioner's ability to reposition the patient or perform procedures is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable and movable components rather than being completely fixed. The jaw support can be positioned at different locations, the headrest portion can be adjusted, and the base member provides stability without permanent attachment. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt to different patient positions and procedural requirements while maintaining adequate stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of pads is held against the remus of a patient's jaw, to prevent the jaw from slipping back and causing an airway obstruction, while the patient's neck is hyperextended to also cause the patient's airway to stay open. A device including the adjustable jaw pads as well as a triangularly shaped portion over which the patient's neck rests is not required to be attached to the surface on which the patient is lying, and permits the patient to be rolled on either side while still maintaining the patency of the patient's airway.