Nasal Dam Respiratory Platform for Anesthesia Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for general anesthesia and deep sedation face challenges with respiratory compromise due to the need for removing full-face masks for oral access, nasal cannula's lack of pressurization, and nasal ventilation masks that obstruct the eyes and lose seal easily.
Innovation Solution
A nasal respiratory platform that provides pressurized oxygenation, ventilation, and end-tidal CO2 sampling by sealing around the nasal base, using a nasal interface with a pliable material and air chamber assembly to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full-face mask is used for general anesthesia, then respiratory support and monitoring are provided, but the mask must be removed for oral access resulting in apenic period and respiratory compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The respiratory interface is segmented into a nasal component that can be independently accessed. The nasal dam and air chamber assembly allow for nasal respiratory support while the mouth remains accessible, eliminating the need to remove the entire mask for oral access during procedures.
2Ease of operation
If nasal cannula are used for oxygenation, then nasal access is provided, but pressurization is not achieved resulting in respiratory compromise when nasal pharynx becomes blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The air chamber assembly provides pressurization capability that is built into the system beforehand. This pressurization acts as a cushioning mechanism that can overcome nasal pharynx blockages before they cause respiratory compromise, maintaining reliable respiratory support while preserving nasal access ease.
3Reliability
If nasal ventilation masks covering the nose are used, then pressurization is provided to overcome nasal pharynx blockage, but the mask obstructs the region near the eyes and easily loses seal if tilted or if facial hair is present
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal ventilation function is segmented from the eye region by using a nasal dam structure that interfaces with the nasal base rather than covering the entire nose. This segmentation allows pressurization to be provided through the nares while keeping the eye region clear and maintaining seal stability through the nasal base interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal dam is constructed from flexible material that can adapt to the patient's nasal base anatomy. This flexibility ensures a stable seal that maintains pressurization reliability while accommodating facial variations and avoiding obstruction of the eye region.
4Reliability
If nasal ventilation masks are used to provide pressurized oxygenation, then respiratory support is improved, but the device is bulky and unobtrusive design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air chamber assembly is nested within the nasal dam structure, with the dam forming an integral part of the mask assembly. This nesting arrangement provides pressurized oxygenation reliability while minimizing the overall device footprint and maintaining a compact, unobtrusive shape that does not interfere with patient comfort or appearance.
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 nasal respiratory platform achieves a secure seal, allowing for oral and eye access while reducing respiratory compromise and improving patient comfort by minimizing pressure required for sealing, thus reducing the risk of pressure ulcers.
Implementation Method 1
a pliable material shaped to abut and seal a patient's nasal base
Data Source
AI summary
A nasal respiratory apparatus includes a nasal interface, such as a nasal dam, and a removable air chamber assembly. The nasal dam may be a solid form with nares ports channeling air flow to an air chamber of the air chamber assembly via nares ports in the air chamber assembly. The nasal dam may be hollow, with a membrane with nares ports interfacing with the nares of a patient for channeling air flow to the air chamber of the air chamber assembly.