Prone Position Head Support with Deformable Insert for Airway Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of a suitable head supporting apparatus for patients in a prone position, particularly when using a facial mask, hinders the adoption of sedation-based procedures due to issues with maintaining airflow and preventing pressure points in respiratory ventilation systems.
Innovation Solution
A patient head support apparatus featuring a support base with a deformable resilient insert and a passageway for gaseous inhalant delivery, allowing for the use of a facial mask while maintaining continuous airflow and accommodating different facial sizes, reduces the need for general anesthesia and breathing tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a facial mask is used for ventilation in a prone position patient, then respiratory function can be monitored and oxygen can be provided, but maintaining clearance between the mask and patient is difficult which may impede gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
A facial mask support device is introduced as an intermediary element between the patient's face and the facial mask. This support device maintains the mask at the proper distance from the patient's face, ensuring adequate clearance for gas flow while preventing the mask from collapsing onto the face. The support device includes a body with a facial mask receiving portion and a patient contact portion that interfaces with the patient's face.
2Reliability
If general anesthetic with breathing tube is used, then airway control is maintained during position manipulation, but the procedure time increases and patient reflexes are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service airway management by allowing the patient to maintain their own airway through natural reflexes while in the prone position. By using sedation instead of general anesthesia and employing the facial mask support device for reliable ventilation, the patient's airway reflexes are preserved. This eliminates the need for breathing tube insertion and removal, as well as position manipulation, thereby reducing procedure time.
3Reliability
If breathing tube is inserted before positioning, then airway control is maintained, but the manipulation of anesthetized patient requires multiple personnel and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the patient assume the prone position and have the facial mask support device applied before sedation is administered. This sequence allows the patient to cooperate with positioning while still conscious, after which the facial mask is secured. This eliminates the need for subsequent breathing tube manipulation and position changes, reducing the complexity of patient handling and personnel requirements.
4Device complexity
If facial mask is used without proper support, then simpler ventilation is provided, but pressure points may form and gas flow may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The facial mask support device applies local quality by providing targeted support at specific locations. The support device body is positioned to distribute the mask's weight away from the patient's face, while the patient contact portion provides localized support at appropriate facial landmarks. This localized support system prevents pressure points from forming on the patient's face while maintaining adequate clearance for gas flow throughout the mask-patient interface.
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 patients to assume and maintain a prone position during procedures without assistance, maintaining control over their airway and reducing the time required for surgical procedures while minimizing the use of operating room resources.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable resilient insert placed within it. The insert has a depression for receiving the patient's face
Implementation Method 2
a deformable resilient insert placed within it. The insert has a depression for receiving the patient's face
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus is provided with a passageway for delivery of gaseous inhalant to the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A patient head support for treatment in the prone position. A patient head support apparatus which facilitates management of the respiratory function of a patient residing in a prone position. The apparatus includes a support base and a deformable resilient insert placed within it. The insert has a depression for receiving the patient's face either with or without a facial mask. The apparatus is provided with a passageway for delivery of gaseous inhalant to the patient and a coupling means at the external port to facilitate connection of the tubing to an external supply of an inhalant gas, allowing patients to be sedated rather than anesthetized for treatment.