Thoracic Stabilizer With Closed-Loop Chest Wall Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stabilizing the anterior chest wall, such as surgical interventions and ventilatory therapies, are inadequate in addressing chest wall instability in both pediatric and adult populations, as they often result in complications like tissue fragility, adverse effects, and long-term disabilities due to limitations in effectively supporting lung expansion and preventing paradoxical chest wall motion.
Innovation Solution
A thoracic stabilizer comprising a platform and lateral supports that apply adjustable forces to counteract anterior chest wall collapse, utilizing a retractometer to measure collapse and a controller to vary the force applied based on patient input and chest wall movement, with mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical components to ensure stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If surgical interventions or ventilatory therapies are used to stabilize the anterior chest wall, then chest wall stability is improved, but tissue fragility and adverse effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thoracic stabilizer device as an intermediary mechanical support system that applies lateral forces to the chest wall through a platform and lateral supports. This mediator device provides stabilization without direct surgical intervention on fragile tissues, avoiding the harmful effects of surgery while maintaining chest wall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex ventilatory therapy systems (CNP, CPAP, PEEP) with a simpler mechanical stabilization device. The thoracic stabilizer uses direct mechanical support through lateral supports and a platform to counteract chest wall collapse, eliminating the need for complex ventilation units and their associated adverse effects.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex ventilatory units and tight seals are used to apply continuous negative extrathoracic pressure, then anterior chest wall retraction is reduced, but device complexity and risk of adverse effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential stabilizing function from complex ventilatory systems. Instead of using full CNP ventilation units with tight seals and complex controls, the invention isolates and applies only the necessary lateral mechanical support through a simplified platform and lateral support structure, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The thoracic stabilizer appears to be a simpler, potentially disposable or easily replaceable mechanical device compared to expensive, complex ventilatory units. The straightforward mechanical structure of platform and lateral supports suggests a design that can be manufactured simply and replaced if needed, reducing long-term costs and complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If high PEEP is applied during mechanical ventilation to support lung volume and flaccid chest wall, then chest wall support is improved, but cardiac output is impaired and ventilation-perfusion mismatch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chest wall support function into localized lateral supports that apply force only where needed at the chest wall, rather than applying global positive pressure through ventilation. This segmented approach provides targeted stabilization without the systemic hemodynamic effects of high PEEP on cardiac output and ventilation-perfusion matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The thoracic stabilizer acts as an intermediary mechanical support system that provides chest wall stabilization independent of the respiratory ventilation system. By using lateral supports to directly counteract chest wall collapse, it eliminates the need for high PEEP and its associated harmful effects on cardiac function and gas exchange.
4Stability of the object's composition
If firm strapping or surgical stabilization is applied to flail chest segments, then paradoxical motion is prevented, but long-term disability and pain persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of stabilization force through the lateral supports, which can adapt to patient movement and respiratory cycles. This dynamic approach allows effective prevention of paradoxical motion while accommodating normal physiological movements, potentially reducing long-term pain and disability compared to rigid fixed strapping or surgical fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thoracic stabilizer allows for parameter changes in the stabilization force applied to the chest wall. The system can adjust the magnitude and distribution of lateral support forces based on patient needs, enabling effective paradoxical motion control while minimizing discomfort and long-term adverse effects through optimized force parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A thoracic stabilizer for limiting anterior chest wall collapse includes a platform supporting a patient and a pair of lateral supports contacting opposite sides of the patient's chest wall and applying force to limit collapse of the chest wall. The force applied by the lateral supports is varied depending on the force applied to the platform by the patient. The stabilizer includes a retractometer measuring the collapse of the chest wall. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer includes a controller that varies the force applied to the chest wall in closed-loop fashion based on the chest wall collapse measured by the retractometer using an algorithm of the controller. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer includes motors moving the lateral supports. According to another embodiment, the stabilizer includes a hydraulic system and the lateral supports include expandable fluid-filled members.