Tracheostomy Cannula Deformable Tube Covering Latching Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tracheostomy devices often cause discomfort and inflammation due to friction and bacterial accumulation at the latching elements, and they fail to provide an effective seal, leading to breathing issues and increased risk of suffocation.
Innovation Solution
A tracheostomy device with a smooth outer surface tube covering the latching elements to reduce friction and bacterial accumulation, featuring a cannula tube with a bead or collar to prevent accidental slippage and a fillable cuff for improved sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking elements are exposed on the cannula tube to secure the device against slippage, then reliability is improved, but friction and bacterial accumulation increase causing inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
A smooth tube is introduced as an intermediary element that covers the locking elements. This tube mediates between the locking elements (which provide security) and the patient's tissue (which suffers from friction and inflammation). The tube allows the locking elements to function while eliminating their harmful effects on surrounding tissue.
2Ease of operation
If the stoma diameter is significantly larger than the cannula tube outer diameter, then ease of insertion is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff is designed as a dynamic, expandable structure that can change its state from collapsed (during insertion) to inflated (for sealing). This allows the device to adapt to different requirements: easy insertion when collapsed and effective sealing when inflated, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and sealing effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the distal end is inserted deeply into the trachea to prevent slippage, then reliability is improved, but airway resistance increases causing breathing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable cuff acts as an intermediary sealing mechanism that allows the distal end to remain shallow in the trachea. Instead of relying on deep insertion for sealing, the cuff provides the sealing function, enabling the distal end to be positioned minimally invasively while still preventing slippage and maintaining low airway resistance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tracheostomy device (1), in particular a tracheostomy cannula or tracheostomy spacer, comprising a cannula tube (2), wherein the cannula tube (2) has a proximal end (2a), a distal end (2b), and an outer side (2c), wherein the outer side (2c) of the cannula tube (2) has latching elements (2d) in a region closer to the proximal end for fixing a neck flange (4). In order to provide a tracheostomy device having improved wearing comfort and/or a reduced risk of inflammation, according to the invention a deformable tube (3) surrounding the outer side (2c) of the cannula tube (2) covers the latching elements (2d).