Patient Interface Expiratory Filtration for Aerosol Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory support systems fail to effectively manage expiratory gases, which can transmit infectious aerosols and contaminants, particularly during high flow therapy, posing a risk to healthcare workers and patients.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface with an inspiratory element and an expiratory element featuring a gas permeable body that treats expiratory gases by intercepting and slowing aerosols and contaminants before they exit, using materials like polyester, polyurethane, or nylon, and physical structures such as filaments and pleats to create a tortuous path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patient interface is designed to fit tightly over the nose to deliver gas effectively, then gas delivery effectiveness is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to pressure on the nose and surrounding areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface is divided into separate functional zones: a cushion portion that contacts the patient's face and a frame portion that structures the interface. The cushion is further segmented into a nasal portion with apertures and a forehead portion, allowing different regions to serve different purposes (gas delivery vs. sealing/comfort).
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal portion of the cushion incorporates apertures that allow gas to pass through to the patient's nose, creating a localized gas delivery zone. The forehead portion provides a sealing surface without apertures. This local differentiation allows effective gas delivery to the nose while distributing pressure away from sensitive areas through the forehead contact.
2Stability of the object's composition
If headgear is used to secure the patient interface, then stability and positioning are improved, but comfort deteriorates due to pressure on the head
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear is segmented into a first headgear member and a second headgear member that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each strap to be tuned separately to distribute pressure more evenly across the head while maintaining secure positioning of the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of strap tension and positioning. This enables the interface to be securely held in place while allowing the user to adjust the distribution of pressure to minimize discomfort on the head.
3Ease of manufacture
If the patient interface design is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but cleaning accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface is designed as separable components (cushion, frame, headgear) that can be manufactured using standard processes and then assembled. The cushion with its apertured nasal portion and non-apertured forehead portion can be manufactured as a single piece using molding techniques, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling effective cleaning access to all surfaces including the aperture edges.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient interface for delivery of gas to a patient comprises at least one inspiratory element for directing a flow of gas to a patient airway, at least one expiratory element comprising an expiratory gas flow path for directing expiratory gases from the patient; and at least one gas permeable body in the expiratory gas flow path. Each inspiratory element comprises at least one inspiratory lumen through which said flow of gas is directed. The gas permeable body is configured such that expiratory gases in the expiratory gas flow path are directed through the gas permeable body before exiting the patient interface.