Retractable-Needle Percutaneous Tracheostomy Device for Emergency Dilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing percutaneous tracheostomy devices are cumbersome, require multiple components, and are challenging to use in emergency situations due to complex procedures and potential complications from incorrect placement, especially in patients with abnormal tracheal anatomy.

Innovation Solution

A percutaneous dilation tracheostomy device with a retractable needle, expandable dilation walls, and integrated components for controlled dilation and tracheostomy tube insertion, providing feedback and reducing the number of steps required for safe and efficient tracheostomy procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional percutaneous tracheostomy devices are used, then the procedure can be performed percutaneously, but the devices are cumbersome and require multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (cannula, dilator, guide wire, and retention mechanism) into a single integrated device. The dilator is built into the cannula structure, and the guide wire is contained within a lumen of the cannula, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: the cannula provides airway access, the built-in dilator creates the tracheal opening, the guide wire maintains positioning, and the retention mechanism secures the device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of steps and components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional percutaneous tracheostomy devices are used, then the procedure can be performed, but the procedures are complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dilator is pre-positioned within the cannula structure before insertion. When the device is inserted into the trachea, the dilator is already in place to immediately begin dilation, eliminating the need for separate dilation steps and reducing overall procedure time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated design allows continuous progression through the procedure steps. The guide wire is advanced through the dilator lumen in a continuous motion, and the retention mechanism engages automatically, eliminating interruptions and sequential delays between steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If traditional devices are used, then tracheostomy can be performed, but incorrect placement causes complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement accuracyVSAvoidcomplications from incorrect placement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide wire provides real-time feedback on device positioning within the trachea. The wire's position can be visualized and adjusted to ensure correct placement, allowing the operator to confirm accurate positioning before finalizing the procedure and reducing placement errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The guide wire acts as an intermediary element that facilitates accurate placement. It is advanced through the dilator lumen to the desired position, providing a tactile and visual guide for correct positioning, and can be used to anchor the retention mechanism securely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used, then the device can perform necessary functions, but the procedure becomes challenging in emergency situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to emergency situationsVSAvoidease of use in emergency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the dilator, guide wire, and retention mechanism into a single integrated device, the procedure can be performed with fewer steps and less preparation time. The device is ready for immediate use in emergency situations without requiring assembly of multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dilator and guide wire are pre-positioned within the cannula before insertion, so that when the device is introduced into the trachea in an emergency, the dilation and positioning actions occur simultaneously without delay for separate component deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12383686B2Percutaneous dilation tracheostomy device and method of using

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 UNIV OF MARYLAND

AI summary

The present invention provides an improved percutaneous dilation tracheostomy device. The device is configured to include all of the required components to perform a percutaneous tracheotomy. The device includes a retractable needle and an extendable j-wire rather than having separate components as in typical percutaneous tracheostomy devices. The device includes a dilator section to expand the diameter of a patient's stoma. The device is further configured to allow an operator to perform a bubble test to alert the user that the tube is in the trachea. In addition, the device is generally more compact than typical emergency tracheostomy devices.