Nasopharyngeal Cannula with Segmented Capnometric Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nasopharyngeal cannulas currently provide imprecise carbon dioxide monitoring due to contamination from the ventilation mixture, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of sneezing or coughing, which can complicate medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A nasopharyngeal cannula with a deformable tubular body and a bracket that houses a capnometric sensor partially inserted in the opposite nostril to directly measure exhaled carbon dioxide, along with a duct for atomizing substances to reduce discomfort and physiological reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a nasopharyngeal cannula uses a conventional duct design with opening in the tubular wall for CO2 monitoring, then the monitoring function is provided, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to contamination from ventilation mixture
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is divided into functionally independent parts: the main ventilation tubular element and a separate monitoring device (pen-shaped apparatus). The monitoring device contains its own duct system that opens directly into the pharynx, separate from the ventilation duct walls. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to operate independently without being affected by ventilation mixture contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring device that acts as a mediator between the patient's breath and the measurement system. This pen-shaped apparatus with its own duct system serves as an intermediary structure that captures exhaled gas directly from the pharynx without being contaminated by the ventilation mixture delivered through the main cannula tubular element.
2Reliability
If a nasopharyngeal cannula is inserted to provide ventilation, then ventilation function is achieved, but patient discomfort increases and risk of sneezing or coughing worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented into a separate removable pen-shaped device rather than being integrated into the cannula structure. This allows the monitoring apparatus to be inserted and removed independently, reducing the overall presence in the patient's nasal passages and minimizing irritation that could trigger sneezing or coughing.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device features a flexible membrane that closes the duct opening when not in use and can be selectively opened for measurement. This flexible closure minimizes the physical presence and irritation to the patient's nasal and pharyngeal tissues while maintaining the ability to perform measurements when needed.
3Measurement precision
If a duct is provided along the tubular walls for gas aspiration, then the device complexity increases, but the measurement precision worsens due to dilution and mixing effects
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is separated into an independent pen-shaped monitoring device rather than being integrated into the cannula walls. This segmentation simplifies the cannula structure to its essential ventilation function while the separate monitoring device handles the measurement, avoiding the complexity of integrated multi-functional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring function is extracted from the cannula structure itself and placed in a separate portable device. The duct system for measurement is taken out from the tubular walls and repositioned in the separate apparatus, eliminating the need for complex integrated designs and reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 precise carbon dioxide monitoring, minimizes patient discomfort, and reduces the risk of sneezing or coughing, ensuring accurate ventilation adjustments and safer medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (5) assigned to measuring the percentage of carbon dioxide that is present in the exhaled gas
Implementation Method 2
a main tubular body (2) made of soft and deformable material with a nontraumatic, i.e., soft and rounded, distal tip
Implementation Method 3
which is provided with a respective opening (9) for atomizing pharmaceutical, anesthetic, analgesic and similar substances
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A nasopharyngeal cannula (1) comprising a main tubular body (2) made of soft and deformable material. The tubular body (2) comprises a bracket (3), provided with at least one support (4) for a sensor (5), which is associated, optionally slidingly, with its lateral walls; in the configuration for use the tubular body (2) is inserted within a nostril (A) of a patient (P) until its front (10) is aligned with the pharynx of the patient (P); the sensor (5), preset to measure the percentage of carbon dioxide that is present in the exhaled gas, is inserted at least partially in the other nostril (B) of the patient (P) and is struck by the exhaled flow.