Passive Leak Valve for Continuous Ventilation During Suctioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilator systems require patients to be disconnected for cough assistance and suctioning, leading to potential hypoxemia and inefficient oxygen delivery during these procedures.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a passive leak valve and active patient circuit with a ventilator that allows for simultaneous cough assistance and suctioning without disconnecting the patient, enabling continuous mechanical ventilation and improved oxygen delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a patient is disconnected from mechanical ventilation for cough assistance and suctioning, then cough assistance and suctioning can be performed, but the patient is at risk of hypoxemia and oxygen delivery is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (cough assistance, suctioning, and mechanical ventilation) into a single integrated patient circuit system. The T-piece connector allows simultaneous connection of the ventilator, cough assist device, and suction catheter, enabling these functions to be performed without disconnecting the patient from mechanical ventilation support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient circuit is designed with multi-functionality to support both mechanical ventilation and cough assistance/suctioning operations. The T-piece connector and valve assembly create a universal interface that can accommodate different therapeutic interventions while maintaining continuous ventilator support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices (ventilator, cough assist device, suction device) are used separately, then each function can be performed adequately, but the system complexity increases and patient handling becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate devices into a single integrated system by using a T-piece connector that allows the ventilator, cough assist device, and suction catheter to be simultaneously connected to the patient circuit. This eliminates the need for repeated disconnection and reconnection of separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient circuit with T-piece connector serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple therapeutic functions (mechanical ventilation, cough assistance, suctioning) simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple separate device connections and simplifying the overall system.
3Device complexity
If the patient circuit is designed for simple mechanical ventilation only, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot provide cough assistance and suctioning functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the patient circuit into modular components, including a T-piece connector and a valve assembly with distinct ports for different functions. This segmentation allows the circuit to maintain simplicity while accommodating multiple functions through standardized, easily connectable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly within the patient circuit is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing the operator to switch between different functional modes (ventilation only, cough assistance, suctioning, or combinations) by adjusting valve positions. This dynamic capability enables the simple circuit design to adapt to various therapeutic needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A passive valve for use as a fixed leak valve. The valve includes a body having an internal chamber, first and second body ports in fluid communication with the chamber with the first port configured for fluid communication with a patient connection and the second body port configured for fluid communication with a ventilator, a body passageway in fluid communication with the chamber and with ambient air exterior of the body, and a check valve seal positioned to seal the body passageway to permit the flow of gas within the chamber through the body passageway to the exterior of the body and to prevent the flow of ambient air exterior of the body through the body passageway into the chamber. In alternative embodiments, the valve is incorporated into the patient connection or constructed as a separate part connectable to the patient connection.