Nested Silicone Cannula Protects Tracheal Tissues
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical-surgical procedures for prolonged tracheal cannulation in the throat area lack adequate protection for the tracheal inner walls, as traditional perforated silver cannulas can damage delicate tissues without sufficient auxiliary elements for prevention.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a silicone cannula with a suprastomal extension, an inserter for precise alignment, and a biocompatible perforated cannula that is introduced through the silicone cannula to prevent direct contact with the tracheal tissues, ensuring safe positioning and function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional perforated silver cannula is used for tracheal cannulation, then the cannulation function is achieved, but the delicate tracheal tissues are damaged causing granuloma formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the traditional perforated silver cannula (inner cannula) is placed inside a silicone protective cannula (outer cannula). The inner cannula maintains its functional integrity for air passage and phonation, while the outer cannula provides continuous protection to the tracheal tissues, preventing direct contact and granuloma formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The silicone protective cannula serves as an intermediary element between the traditional silver cannula and the tracheal tissues. This intermediate layer absorbs mechanical stresses and prevents direct harmful contact, allowing the traditional cannula to function while protecting the delicate tissues from damage.
2Reliability
If a protective element is added to prevent tissue damage, then tissue protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cannula is segmented into distinct functional zones: a protective extension portion that extends beyond the traditional cannula to protect the tracheal wall, and a body portion that accommodates the inner cannula. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The silicone protective cannula serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the tracheal tissues from damage, maintains the patency of the tracheostoma, provides structural support, and allows passage of the inner cannula. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate devices.
3Reliability
If the cannula is made to extend further to protect tissues, then tissue coverage is improved, but the permeability to the rest of the trachea may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cannula features local quality differentiation where the protective extension portion provides enhanced protection at the critical tracheal wall interface, while the body portion maintains adequate lumen diameter for air passage. The beveled aperture at the distal end of the extension portion ensures smooth tissue interface without compromising internal flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning a cannula for permanent implant through the orifice or tracheostoma in a fully aligned manner with the help of an inserter. The inner end or suprastomal extension of the cannula, upon withdrawing the inserter is vertically positioned in the supra-ostial area of the trachea, allowing, once the permanent cannula has been permanently positioned, the introduction of a perforated cannula having a characteristic curvature therethrough. The perforated cannula is oriented, through the lower aperture of the permanent cannula -1-, towards the interior of the lungs in order to allow insufflation of air from the exterior, while the exhaled air is derived through the vertical extension towards the larynx through the orifices disposed in the curvature elbow thereof.