Switchable Connector for Safe Airway Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas flow reversing elements and pressure measurement systems in ventilating patients are prone to decalibration and damage due to varying pressure conditions between 0.5 bar and 5 bar during inspiration and expiration, making reliable pressure measurement in the airways challenging and potentially life-threatening.
Innovation Solution
A switchable connector and gas flow reversing element arrangement with a branching piece, nozzle, and safety openings, allowing for selective gas flow direction and pressure measurement, featuring a switchable connector with two positions and an ergonomically designed housing for manual operation, which prevents inadvertent pressure application and ensures safe ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure measurement is performed directly in the lumen during jet ventilation, then pressure monitoring is achieved, but the pressure measuring device is exposed to damaging pressure variations between 0.5 bar and 5 bar causing decalibration and destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a high-pressure zone (lumen during jet ventilation) and a low-pressure zone (pressure measuring device location). The switchable connector enables selective connection between these zones, allowing pressure measurement only when the patient is not being ventilated. This segmentation protects the measuring device from damaging pressure variations while enabling pressure monitoring when safe.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's switching state changes dynamically based on the ventilation cycle phase. During inspiration and expiration (jet ventilation active), the connector isolates the measuring device. During pauses in ventilation, the connector enables pressure measurement. This dynamic switching adapts the system configuration to current operational conditions, protecting the device while enabling measurement at appropriate times.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a single lumen is used for bidirectional gas flow in jet ventilation, then complete ventilation is achieved for unlimited periods, but pressure loss increases due to the thin lumen and gas flow reversing element
Solution Approach 1:
The single lumen serves multiple functions: during jet ventilation it provides bidirectional gas flow for complete ventilation, and during pauses it serves as a pressure measurement conduit when connected to the measuring device. The switchable connector enables the lumen to be selectively connected to either the gas supply or the pressure measuring device, maximizing the utility of the single lumen while managing pressure loss by measuring only when gas flow is suspended.
3Productivity
If jet ventilation is applied with high pressure and high flow rate through a thin catheter, then effective ventilation is achieved, but the risk of barotrauma and circulatory disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure measurement capability that provides feedback about airway pressure conditions. By measuring pressure during pauses in jet ventilation and monitoring pressure trends, the system enables detection of dangerous pressure buildup that could lead to barotrauma. This feedback mechanism allows for early intervention to prevent harmful effects while maintaining effective ventilation during active phases.
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
Enables reliable and safe pressure measurement in the airways, preventing damage to pressure measuring devices and ensuring effective ventilation by controlling gas flow and pressure variations, thereby reducing the risk of barotrauma and circulatory disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle (14) is embodied and arranged in the main piece (9) in such a way that a gas flow (5) flowing from the pressure connector (11) through the nozzle (14) to the outlet opening (12) creates negative pressure in the branching piece (10)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement (1) comprising a switchable connection (2) and a gas flow reversing element (3), e.g. according to WO 2008/113752 A1, which is suitable for using a gas supply (4), in particular oxygen, which is at excess pressure in order to selectively generate a gas stream (5) from or to a line connection (6) which can be connected, in particular via a lumen (7), to an airway of a patient (8); wherein the switchable connection (2) is arranged at the branching piece (10) or at the line connection (6) and switchably connects at least one second line (15) to the first line (13), wherein the switchable connection (2) has at least two switching positions (16, 17), wherein (1) in the first switching position (16) the first line (13) is open and the second line (15) is closed, such that the gas flow (5) through the connection (2) can flow in both directions along the first line (13); (2) in the second switching position (17), if the switchable connection (2) is arranged at the branching piece (10), the second line (15) is fluidically connected, via the connection (2), to the line connection (6) and in particular to the lumen (7) or, if the switchable connection (2) is arranged at the line connection (6), the second line (15) is connected to the lumen (7).