Stoma Cuff Ventilation Device for Speech Air Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracheostomy cannulas with subglottic suction channels face issues with speech air supply due to secretion drying and hardening, leading to channel impermeability, and existing cuffs can cause pressure points and leaks due to inconsistent stoma size and pressure, affecting voice quality.
Innovation Solution
A tracheostomy cannula with a second inflatable cuff in the stoma section and a speech air line with an additional air outlet in the lumen of the cuff, allowing for controlled inflation and sealing only during speech, reducing pressure on the stoma tissue and preventing air leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate speech air line is added to a cannula with subglottic suction channel, then speech air supply function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the speech air line with the existing subglottic suction channel by using the same physical channel for both functions. The suction channel is configured to receive both suction fluid and speech air, eliminating the need for a separate speech air line and reducing device complexity while maintaining speech air supply functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The subglottic suction channel is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a suction channel for removing secretions and a speech air line for delivering speech air to the subglottic area. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to perform different operations, reducing the overall number of components needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If compressed air is introduced through the subglottic suction channel for speech air supply, then speech air supply is achieved, but secretion drying and hardening occurs leading to channel impermeability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel into distinct functional zones: a suction zone for removing secretions and a speech air supply zone for delivering compressed air. By separating these functions spatially within the channel structure, the design allows compressed air to be introduced without causing widespread secretion drying and hardening that would lead to complete channel blockage.
3Reliability
If an inflatable cuff is used to seal the stoma, then air leak is prevented, but pressure sores develop on the stoma tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable inflatable cuff that can change its volume and pressure distribution. The cuff can be inflated to different degrees depending on the patient's needs, allowing the sealing pressure to be optimized for maintaining the seal while minimizing the risk of pressure sores on the stoma tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable cuff's parameters (volume, pressure, distribution) can be changed to adapt to different stoma sizes and tissue conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains effective sealing while reducing excessive pressure that would cause tissue damage.
4Reliability
If the tracheostomy tube fits tightly within the tracheostomy, then sealing is improved, but speech air flow is reduced due to gap closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically adjustable inflatable cuff that can expand or contract to match the stoma size. When the stoma is large, the cuff can be inflated to create an effective seal. When the stoma is small or when speech air flow is needed, the cuff can be deflated or reduced in volume, allowing air to flow through the natural airways while maintaining adequate sealing when required.
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
Improves voice quality by ensuring air flows through the natural respiratory tract without causing pressure points, maintaining cuff functionality by reducing pressure and preventing secretion buildup, and accommodating varying stoma sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a second inflatable cuff (14) which extends in a ring shape around the cannula tube (2) in the stoma section (5) on the outside of the tube wall (3)
Implementation Method 2
The outer end of the tube can be connected to a compressed air source, e.g., via a Y-piece or a connector
Implementation Method 3
the diameter of the inflated cuff decreases over time. This often leads to the user inflating the cuff with more air than necessary
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a tracheostomy cannula having a cannula tube, a first inflatable cuff that extends annularly around the cannula tube in the tracheal portion on the outer face of the tube wall, a first airway having an air outlet leading into the lumen of the first cuff, a second inflatable cuff that extends annularly around the cannula tube in the stoma portion on the outer face of the tube wall, and a second airway that has an air outlet in the region between the stoma portion and the first cuff, the second airway, in the region of the stoma portion, having an additional air outlet leading into the lumen of the second cuff.