Tracheostomy Guide Lumen and Depth Stop for Needle Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracheostomy devices face challenges in accurately placing the needle and cannula into the trachea, particularly in obese patients and those without clear anatomical landmarks, leading to issues such as inaccurate placement, damage to surrounding tissues, and lack of depth control.
Innovation Solution
The devices and methods utilize a guide lumen with a locating tip and tissue indenting feature to create a visual indicator within the trachea, coupled with a depth controlling stop to ensure precise placement and prevent over-insertion, and may include a light source for illumination or a probe for additional guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a needle and cannula are placed into the trachea without a guide device, then the procedure is simpler and faster, but the placement accuracy decreases and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide device as an intermediary tool between the operator and the trachea. The guide device includes a locating tip with tissue indenting feature and a guide lumen that directs needle and cannula placement. This intermediary structure provides visual indicators (tissue indentation or illumination) and physical guidance to improve placement accuracy without requiring complex imaging equipment or multiple procedural steps.
2Reliability
If the needle is inserted deeper into the trachea to ensure proper placement, then the tracheostomy tube can be secured better, but the risk of damaging surrounding tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device performs preliminary actions by first creating a visual indicator (through tissue indentation or illumination) to mark the exact insertion point and desired depth. The locating tip is positioned at the optimal depth before needle insertion, and the guide lumen maintains this depth reference during the entire insertion process. This preliminary positioning ensures the needle reaches the correct depth without exceeding it, preventing damage to surrounding tissues while ensuring reliable tube placement.
3Measurement precision
If anatomical landmarks are used to locate the trachea in obese patients, then no additional equipment is needed, but the landmark visibility and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reliance on external anatomical landmarks (which fail in obese patients) with a direct mechanical interaction system. The locating tip with tissue indenting feature creates a visible indentation on the tracheal surface, providing a clear mechanical marker that works independently of patient body type. Alternatively, the illumination feature uses optical means to highlight the insertion site internally, substituting external landmark-based mechanics with direct tissue interaction that is universally applicable across different patient anatomies.
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
The solution provides accurate and controlled placement of the needle and cannula, reducing tissue damage and complications by ensuring the needle is inserted at the correct depth and location, facilitating safer tracheostomy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the device may include a light source that creates an illuminated tissue which provides a visual indication within the trachea of the position of the locating tip
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a tracheostomy may include positioning a locating tip of a guide proximate to or in contact with at least a portion of an anterior surface of a trachea, the guide and the locating tip having a guide lumen extending therethrough. A method may include creating a visual indicator within the trachea. A method may include inserting a needle through the guide lumen and into the trachea according to the visual indicator.