Respiratory Valve Piston Assembly for Closed-Circuit Suctioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory support systems require disassembly for suctioning procedures, leading to interruptions in ventilation, increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and potential lung collapse due to loss of positive end-expiratory pressure, especially in patients requiring frequent aspirations.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory valve apparatus with a piston assembly and lever mechanism that allows for switching between mechanical and manual ventilation without opening the ventilator circuit, maintaining positive-end expiratory pressure and reducing contamination risks by providing alternate air pathways and a sealing mechanism for suction catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the respiratory support system is disassembled for suctioning procedures, then aspiration can be performed, but respiratory support is interrupted causing blood oxygen to drop and carbon dioxide levels to change
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a main respiratory support circuit and a suction catheter system. The suction catheter can be inserted through the endotracheal tube without removing the ventilator manifold, allowing independent operation of suctioning and ventilation functions. This segmentation enables aspiration procedures while maintaining continuous respiratory support through the separate ventilation pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction catheter is nested within the endotracheal tube, which itself is connected to the ventilator manifold. This nested configuration allows the suction catheter to access the patient's airway through the existing endotracheal tube without requiring disassembly of the respiratory support system. The ventilation continues through the outer endotracheal tube while suctioning occurs through the inner catheter.
2Ease of operation
If the respiratory support system is disassembled for suctioning, then aspiration can be performed, but the patient's lungs are exposed to environmental contaminants increasing VAP risk
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator manifold remains continuously connected to the endotracheal tube and patient's airway throughout the suctioning procedure. This continuous connection maintains a closed, sterile circuit that prevents environmental contaminants from entering the patient's lungs. The suction catheter is introduced through this sealed circuit rather than opening it, preserving the protective barrier against contamination while enabling aspiration.
3Ease of operation
If PEEP level is not maintained during suctioning, then aspiration can be performed, but the lungs might collapse creating dangerous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The suction catheter is pre-loaded and ready for immediate insertion through the endotracheal tube without requiring removal of the ventilator manifold. The ventilator continues to deliver PEEP through the main circuit before, during, and after the suctioning procedure. This preliminary preparation allows the protective PEEP to be maintained continuously, preventing lung collapse while the suction catheter performs its function through the existing sealed circuit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the respiratory device uses multiple components and complex assembly, then functionality is enhanced, but the price increases and reliability decreases for frequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator manifold is designed with multiple ports that serve different functions: one port connects to the endotracheal tube for both ventilation and suction catheter passage, another port connects to the suction pump, and additional ports allow for other procedures like bronchoscopy. This multi-functional design enables various respiratory procedures to be performed through a single integrated device without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the disclosure includes a respiratory valve apparatus. The respiratory valve apparatus may include: a housing having an inner chamber, an endotracheal tube connection port, a ventilator connection port, and a resuscitation bag connection port; and a piston assembly positioned within the inner chamber and including a piston having a first passageway and a second passageway through the piston, wherein the first passageway provides a first flow pathway between the endotracheal tube connection port and the ventilator or connection port when the piston is in a first position, and wherein the second passageway provides a second flow pathway between the endotracheal tube connection port and the resuscitation bag connection port when in a second position.