Selective Ventilation Tube with Tactile Positioning Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ventilating devices for selective lung ventilation face challenges such as inaccurate tube positioning, tracheal damage due to large diameter tubes, and the need for additional procedures like bronchoscopy, which are time-consuming and costly, and may lead to life-threatening complications during reintubation.
Innovation Solution
The ventilating device incorporates positioning means that allow precise peripheral placement of the endobronchial tube by feel, avoiding the need for pre-curved or strengthened tubes, and a clamping mechanism to secure the tubes in place, enabling accurate and atraumatic lung isolation without a bronchoscope or stylet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double lumen respiratory tube is used for selective lung ventilation, then lung isolation can be achieved, but the tube exerts pressure on the trachea wall due to its large diameter causing pressure injury
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the respiratory tube system into two separate tubes: an endotracheal tube for tracheal access and an endobronchial tube for bronchial access. This segmentation allows each tube to have a smaller diameter than a single double-lumen tube, reducing pressure on the trachea wall while still achieving lung isolation through coordinated use of both tubes with their respective balloons.
2Reliability
If a double lumen respiratory tube is used for extended ventilation, then lung isolation can be maintained, but the vocal cords can be damaged due to prolonged pressure
Solution Approach 1:
By using two separate tubes instead of one large double-lumen tube, the pressure distribution is improved. The endotracheal tube can be positioned and secured without the concentrated pressure of a single large tube, enabling safer prolonged use for extended ventilation procedures while maintaining lung isolation.
3Ease of operation
If the endobronchial tube is pre-curved using a stylet to facilitate insertion, then insertion ease is improved, but the trachea wall can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The endobronchial tube is designed with dynamic flexibility rather than rigid pre-curve. The tube can be gently curved during insertion by the operator's hand without requiring a stylet, and returns to its natural shape after insertion. This dynamic approach maintains insertion ease while eliminating the tracheal wall damage caused by rigid pre-curving.
4Measurement precision
If a bronchoscope is used to visually monitor tube position during insertion, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-positioning features including asymmetric positioning means that automatically guide the endobronchial tube into the correct bronchus, and tactile feedback mechanisms that allow the operator to feel when the tube is properly positioned. These self-service features eliminate the need for expensive and time-consuming bronchoscope assistance while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
5Measurement precision
If multiple checks with a stethoscope are performed to verify correct tube positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning means provide immediate tactile feedback to the operator during insertion, allowing real-time verification of correct positioning without requiring multiple separate stethoscope checks. The asymmetric design and tactile indicators enable the operator to confirm proper placement in a single continuous action, maintaining high accuracy while improving procedural efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for selective ventilation, comprising an endotracheal tube, an endobronchial tube connected thereto both tubes having a proximal and a distal end, the distal end of the endobronchiol extends beyond the distal end of the endotracheal tube, and means for positioning by feel the distal end of the endobronchial tube in longitudinal and peripheral direction of the trachea. The positioning means can be arranged close to the distal end of the endobronchial tube and can extend so far outside the periphery thereof during use that they come to lie on the carina of the patient. The positioning means can also be asymmetrical relative to the periphery of the endotracheal and/or endobronchial tube and can be adapted for co-action with the trachea wall. The positioning means can comprise a balloon or a resiliently deformable member.