Segmented Tracheal Suction Device for Secretion Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction devices for medical devices, such as tracheal tubes, are inefficient in removing secretions and pathogens above and around inflatable balloons, leading to potential aerosolization and ventilator-associated pneumonia due to inadequate suction mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The design of suction devices with a body and extension featuring multiple holes and lumens, allowing for the application of negative pressure to prevent occlusions and evenly distribute suction force, thereby effectively removing fluids and solids from the patient's trachea while minimizing tissue trauma and preventing secretions from reaching the lungs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single lumen suction device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the suction efficiency is insufficient and secretions can occlude the lumen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device is divided into multiple lumens (first lumen, second lumen, third lumen) with distinct functions. The first lumen provides primary suction, the second lumen provides secondary suction or inflation, and the third lumen provides additional suction or ventilation. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of multiple suction pathways, preventing occlusion and improving overall suction efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If high velocity ventilated air is used, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but secretions become aerosolized and pathogens are sent deep into the lungs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation effectivenessVSAvoidaerosolization of secretions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device acts as an intermediary between the ventilated air and the secretions in the trachea. By positioning the suction openings near the balloon and the secretions, the device creates a localized suction field that captures secretions before they can be aerosolized by the high-velocity ventilated air. The suction pathway provides a controlled interface that prevents harmful aerosolization while maintaining effective ventilation through the tracheal tube.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If suction force is concentrated in one location, then suction efficiency at that point is high, but tissue trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction efficiencyVSAvoidtissue trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction force is segmented and distributed across multiple lumens and multiple opening locations along the tracheal tube. The first lumen, second lumen, and third lumen each have openings at different positions, creating a distributed suction field. This segmentation allows the suction force to be applied across a broader area of the tracheal secretions, maintaining high overall suction efficiency while reducing the concentration of force on any single point of tissue, thereby minimizing trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If the suction device is added to the medical device system, then suction functionality is improved, but the profile of the medical device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction functionalityVSAvoidprofile of medical device

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device is nested within the existing tracheal tube structure. The multiple lumens are integrated into the wall structure of the tracheal tube, with openings positioned along the tube length. The suction device body is contained within the outer diameter of the tracheal tube, and the balloon is positioned within the tube lumen. This nesting approach adds comprehensive suction functionality while minimizing the increase in the overall profile of the medical device system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The suction devices effectively evacuate secretions and pathogens, reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia and patient discomfort by ensuring continuous and atraumatic removal of fluids and solids, while maintaining the integrity of the suction system.

Implementation Method 1

a suction pump configured to apply a negative pressure to the first, second, and third lumens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11607513B2Suction devices for medical devices and medical device systems including suction devices

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 NEVAP

AI summary

A suction device for use with a medical device may include a suction device body and an extension. The suction device body may include a first lumen positioned therein and including a plurality of holes. The extension may include a second lumen positioned therein and may be coupled to the suction device body and configured to facilitate connection of the suction device body to a suction line. The second lumen may be in communication with/open to the first lumen and the suction line may be adapted for connection to a pump configured to apply a negative pressure to the first and second lumens. The suction device may evacuate fluids and/or solids from a patient in an area proximate to the suction device.