Tracheostomy Flange Biocompatible Pad for Neck Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracheostomy tubes cause discomfort due to mechanical irritation and instability at the stoma site during prolonged intubation, as traditional flanges are rigid and can rub against the neck, leading to skin irritation and instability issues with external support devices.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a biocompatible pad within the flange member of tracheostomy tubes, which can be removed and replaced, and features such as apertures for airflow to reduce irritation and promote healing, providing a stable and comfortable attachment to the patient's neck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid flange is used to secure the tracheostomy tube, then the tube is held stable in place, but the rigid flange rubs against the patient's neck causing discomfort and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible pad material between the rigid flange and the patient's neck. This flexible layer conforms to the neck contours, eliminating rubbing and skin irritation while maintaining stable attachment of the tracheostomy tube through the flange structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible pad serves as an intermediary element positioned between the rigid flange and the patient's neck. This intermediate layer absorbs the harmful friction and pressure points, allowing the rigid flange to maintain secure attachment without directly contacting the skin.
2Reliability
If a mechanical connection point is provided between the flange and tube, then the tube is securely attached, but the connection point causes irritation at the stoma site
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pad acts as a mediator that distributes the mechanical connection forces away from the stoma site. The pad's flexibility allows it to conform around the connection point, reducing localized irritation while maintaining secure attachment through the flange-tube mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pillow or fabric protectors are used to lift the flange off the neck, then skin irritation is reduced, but the base for the tube becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible pad maintains direct contact with the patient's neck, providing a stable and conforming base for the flange while eliminating the need to lift the flange off the neck. This flexible contact surface distributes pressure evenly, preventing skin irritation without compromising stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of flange members and tracheostomy tube assemblies including such flange members are provided. An embodiment of a flange member includes a base portion adapted to receive a proximal end of a cannula, a first flange disposed on a first side of the base portion, and a second flange member disposed on a second side of the base portion opposite the first side. The first flange and the second flange are adapted to rest against a patient's neck to maintain the flange member outside of a patient's airway. The flange member also includes a biocompatible pad reversibly integrated with at least one of the base portion, the first flange, and the second flange.