Reversible Airway Device with Multi-Lumen Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airway devices require ventilation disruption and skilled medical professionals for conversion from supraglottic to endotracheal tubes, posing risks of airway disconnection and increased complexity during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A reversible airway device with a multi-lumen tubular guide and sealing mechanism that allows for continuous ventilation by enabling the conversion between supraglottic and endotracheal airway support without disconnection, using a multi-lumen tubular guide with non-concentric passageways and seals to facilitate the insertion and retraction of an endotracheal tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional endotracheal tube or LMA is used, then ventilation can be provided, but conversion between device types requires ventilation disruption and skilled medical professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both supraglottic and endotracheal airway support functions into a single integrated device. The multi-lumen tube allows the device to function as either a supraglottic airway or an endotracheal tube without requiring conversion or removal, eliminating the need for multiple devices and simplifying the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The airway device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both supraglottic and endotracheal ventilation functions. The device includes a multi-lumen tube with selective occlusion capabilities that allow it to adapt to different ventilation needs, providing universal airway support without requiring skilled conversion procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conversion from LMA to endotracheal tube is performed using conventional methods, then airway support can be changed, but the patient's airway may be disconnected or lost
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both airway support functions into one device, the patent eliminates the conversion step that causes airway disconnection risk. The device remains continuously in place while its function is changed through internal mechanisms, ensuring uninterrupted and reliable airway support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with all necessary components for both supraglottic and endotracheal functions before insertion. The selective occlusion mechanism is prepared in advance, allowing immediate functional change without requiring additional actions that could disrupt the airway.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an endotracheal tube is placed through a LMA using fiberoptic bronchoscope, then intubation can be achieved, but ventilation must be temporarily disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the intubation function with the supraglottic airway function in a single device. The multi-lumen design allows one lumen to maintain ventilation while another accommodates the endotracheal tube, enabling intubation without ventilation disruption and eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous ventilation throughout the intubation process. The multi-lumen tube allows ventilation to continue through one passage while the endotracheal tube is inserted through another, ensuring uninterrupted respiratory support and eliminating pauses in the useful action of ventilation.
4Ease of operation
If conventional airway devices are used, then ventilation can be provided, but the process requires skilled medical professionals who may not be present in all circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-sufficient with integrated features that eliminate the need for skilled conversion procedures. The selective occlusion mechanism and multi-lumen design allow the device to automatically adapt to different ventilation needs without requiring specialized medical skills, enabling healthcare providers of various skill levels to manage the airway effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a reversible airway device. The reversible airway device (10) can include: a supra-glottic airway support (12) comprising a multi-lumen tubular guide (14) and an optional sealing member (16); an endotracheal tube (26); and at least one seal (42). The multi-lumen tubular guide has a distal end portion (18), a proximal end portion (22), a first passageway (20) extending between the distal and proximal end portions, and a second passageway (24) that is non-concentric with the first passageway and also extends between the distal and proximal end portions. The at least one seal is disposed within the first passageway, the second passageway, or both, so as to occlude the flow of a gas through the first passageway and/or the second passageway. The endotracheal tube can be inserted into the first or second passageway and can traverse the seal.