Tracheal Tube with Nested Suction Holes for VAP Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tracheal tubes with inflatable balloons are inefficient in suctioning secretions above and around the balloon, allowing pathogens to aerosolize and travel into the lungs, leading to Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP).

Innovation Solution

A tracheal tube system with a flexible, hollow first tube and an inflatable balloon, where a second tube with multiple holes is positioned to create negative pressure, preventing secretions from moving beyond the balloon and into the lungs by being secured against the tracheal wall, and an enlarged air passage way reduces airflow velocity to minimize aerosolization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a standard tracheal tube with inflatable balloon is used, then the tube structure is simple, but the suctioning efficiency of secretions above and around the balloon is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuctioning efficiencyVSAvoidtube structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tube is divided into multiple functional segments: a first tube for ventilation, a second tube with multiple holes for suction, and an inflatable balloon for sealing. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing effective suction of secretions above and around the balloon while maintaining overall structural organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second tube with suction holes is positioned within the first tube, and the inflatable balloon is positioned around the first tube. This nested arrangement allows the suction function to be integrated within the ventilation structure without requiring a completely separate system, thus improving suctioning efficiency while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If high velocity airflow is used for ventilation, then the ventilation effectiveness is improved, but the secretions and pathogens get aerosolized and travel into the patient's lungs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation effectivenessVSAvoidaerosolization of pathogens

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second tube with multiple holes acts as an intermediary suction system that continuously removes secretions and pathogens from the airway before they can be aerosolized by the high-velocity ventilation airflow. This intermediary suction mechanism prevents pathogens from traveling into the patient's lungs while maintaining effective ventilation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction system operates continuously alongside the ventilation, maintaining constant removal of secretions and pathogens. This continuous action ensures that high-velocity airflow does not aerosolize pathogens, as they are continuously suctioned away from the airway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If suction pressure is applied to remove secretions, then the secretion removal efficiency is improved, but the suction pressure may cause discomfort to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecretion removal efficiencyVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction holes are distributed at multiple locations around the second tube, allowing suction pressure to be applied locally at various points rather than through a single concentrated opening. This distributed local suction improves secretion removal efficiency while dispersing the mechanical stress to reduce patient discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Effectively prevents secretions and pathogens from entering the lungs, reducing the risk of VAP and discomfort by dispersing suction pressure and reducing airflow velocity, thereby improving patient safety and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

An inflatable balloon may be affixed to and circumferentially surround a portion of the first tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A suction device may be coupled to the second tube to remove secretions from the trachea

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

an enlarged air passage way reduces airflow velocity to minimize aerosolization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow velocity reduction: Bernoulli Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3055013B1Tracheal tube and suction device

Publication Date: 2019.03.06 NEVAP

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AI summary

Tracheal tube systems may include first and second tubes and an inflatable balloon. The first tube may be flexible and hollow and have first and second open ends. The inflatable balloon may be affixed to and circumferentially surround a portion of the first tube. The inflatable balloon may include an indentation sized and positioned to accommodate a portion of a second tube positioned therein, when the inflatable balloon is inflated. The second tube may be hollow and have a multiplicity of holes along a sidewall not in contact with the balloon. The second tube may be configured to be coupled to a suction device that creates a negative pressure in the second tube. When the tracheal tube system is inserted in a patient's trachea, the negative pressure in the second tube may act to remove, or suction out, fluids and other matter from the trachea.