Oscillating Catheter for Ventilator Tube Secretion Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for clearing secretions from endotracheal tubes are ineffective, time-consuming, and can cause negative impacts on lung mechanics, leading to complications such as Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia, and are challenging in narrow tubes like those used in pediatric patients.
Innovation Solution
A reusable handset coupled with a disposable clearing catheter that applies gentle oscillation and simultaneous irrigation and aspiration within a closed system, allowing for effective removal of secretions without interrupting ventilator function or causing lung damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard suction catheter methods are used to clear secretions from endotracheal tubes, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the clearing effectiveness is poor and the procedure is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibration mechanism that generates high-frequency oscillations (e.g., ultrasonic vibrations) to mechanically disrupt and fragment secretions adhering to the endotracheal tube inner wall. This vibration action significantly enhances the detachment of mucus and secretions, enabling more effective clearing within a shorter time compared to traditional suction methods alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates a fluid delivery system that introduces irrigation fluid (e.g., saline) through a catheter to hydrate and loosen dried or viscous secretions. The combination of fluid flow and subsequent suction creates a more effective clearing mechanism, reducing procedure time and improving secretion removal efficiency compared to dry suctioning.
2Reliability
If standard suction catheter methods are used to clear secretions, then the equipment is simple, but the effectiveness of clearing dried or thick secretions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated clearing system: vibration generation, fluid delivery, and suction are merged into a single coordinated device. This integration ensures that vibration loosens secretions, fluid hydrates and flushes them, and suction removes them efficiently, thereby improving reliability of clearing effectiveness while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces irrigation fluid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the suction catheter and dried/thick secretions. The fluid acts as a lubricant and solvent, softening adherent secretions and facilitating their removal by suction, thereby enhancing clearing effectiveness without requiring overly complex mechanical means.
3Reliability
If frequent suctioning is performed to maintain ETT patency, then airway resistance is reduced, but lung mechanics are negatively impacted and patient health deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using vibration and fluid delivery before suction to pre-loosen and hydrate secretions. This preliminary preparation reduces the force and duration of suction required, thereby maintaining airway patency while minimizing harmful impacts on lung mechanics such as barotrauma, atelectasis, and hypoxia associated with frequent aggressive suctioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes part of the mechanical suction force with non-mechanical or gentler mechanical actions: vibration (oscillatory motion) and fluid flow (hydraulic action). This substitution reduces the need for high-negative-pressure suction, thereby maintaining airway patency while decreasing harmful effects on lung tissue and mechanics.
4Speed
If larger diameter suction catheters are used to improve airflow during suctioning, then airway resistance is reduced, but the catheter may clog more easily with thick secretions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration to prevent catheter clogging by continuously oscillating the catheter or secretion mass, which prevents thick secretions from adhering to and blocking the catheter lumen. This allows the use of larger diameter catheters that maintain higher airflow rates without the risk of clogging that would occur with static suction catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluid delivery through the catheter to flush and clear thick secretions that may obstruct the lumen. The continuous or periodic irrigation maintains catheter patency by washing away accumulating secretions, thereby preserving both the larger diameter benefits for airflow and the reliability of sustained catheter function.
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 solution enables quick, thorough, and safe clearance of secretions with minimal impact on lung mechanics, reducing the risk of complications and the need for frequent tube replacements.
Implementation Method 1
A reusable handset coupled with a disposable clearing catheter that applies gentle oscillation
Implementation Method 2
The flexible clearing catheter moistens and clears the dried or viscous accumulations or occlusions
Implementation Method 3
simultaneous irrigation and aspiration within a closed system, allowing for effective removal of secretions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
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AI summary
A device for removing secretions from an artificial tube is provided. The device may include a clearing catheter and a driving mechanism that may apply repetitive motion to the clearing catheter. In another version of the device, the clearing catheter may dispense irrigation fluid and aspirate the irrigation fluid. The clearing catheter may have an irrigation and an aspiration lumen that may both reciprocate with the clearing catheter. In another version a compliant member into which irrigation fluid is located may be present.