Suction Catheter with Expandable Occluder for Multi-Region Secretion Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for removing secretions from the inside of endotracheal tubes are inadequate in suctioning the region distal to the device without inflating a balloon, which can cause trauma to the patient and is not efficient in removing accumulated secretions within the tube.
Innovation Solution
A catheter device with a tubular body and expandable member that allows for suctioning through apertures and an inflatable member that can occlude the distal opening to prevent fluid communication, enabling effective suctioning and material removal from within the tube without constant balloon inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an expandable member is used to occlude the distal opening for suctioning, then secretions can be removed from the proximal region, but the distal region cannot be suctioned without deflating the member
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments: a distal opening for initial suction, sidewall apertures for proximal region suction when the expandable member is inflated, and an inner lumen providing continuous suction pathway. This segmentation allows different suction modes for different regions without requiring deflation of the expandable member.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner lumen acts as an intermediary pathway that allows suction to reach the distal region even when the expandable member occludes the distal opening. Secretions from the distal region can be drawn through the inner lumen while the expandable member remains inflated to seal against the tube wall.
2Productivity
If the endotracheal tube is removed and re-intubated to remove secretions, then all secretions can be cleared, but the patient's trachea is traumatized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the secretion removal function from the re-intubation process. Instead of removing the entire endotracheal tube to clear secretions, a separate catheter device is introduced through the existing tube to perform suctioning, leaving the main tube in place to maintain airway patency.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter device serves as an intermediary tool that performs the secretion removal function without requiring removal of the endotracheal tube. This intermediary approach allows complete secretion clearance while avoiding the trauma associated with repeated intubation and extubation.
3Productivity
If suction is applied through additional lumen to remove secretions around the outside of the ET tube, then subglottic secretions can be cleared, but secretions inside the main lumen remain
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both subglottic secretions and internal lumen secretions. The combination of distal opening, sidewall apertures, and inner lumen allows the single device to perform suctioning in multiple regions and configurations, making it a universal solution for all secretion types.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter employs dynamic functionality where the expandable member can be inflated or deflated to change the suction mode. When deflated, the distal opening allows direct suction; when inflated, it occludes the distal opening and directs suction through sidewall apertures and inner lumen, adapting to different secretion locations.
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 device allows for efficient removal of secretions from both the proximal and distal regions of the tube, reducing the need for frequent re-intubation and minimizing trauma to the patient, while maintaining effective suctioning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable member is capable of having a first unexpanded condition such that the distal opening is open to allow fluid communication with the inner lumen of the catheter through said distal opening, and a second expanded condition such that the distal opening is occluded to prevent fluid communication with the inner lumen of the catheter through said distal opening
Implementation Method 2
The proximal end portion of the catheter is configured to couple the inner lumen to a source of suction
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for removing material from inside a tube is provided, comprising a catheter having a tubular body and defining an inner lumen, the distal end portion of the tubular body defining a distal opening and apertures on a sidewall. An expandable member is attached to the distal end portion of the catheter tubular body distal to the one or more apertures. The expandable member is capable of having a first unexpanded condition such that the distal opening is open to allow fluid communication with the inner lumen of the catheter through said distal opening, and a second expanded condition such that the distal opening is occluded to prevent fluid communication with the inner lumen of the catheter through said distal opening, the second expanded condition of the expandable member having a maximum transverse diameter larger than a diameter of the tubular body proximal to the expandable member.