Tracheostomy Tube Obstruction Measurement Using Sound Wave Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the degree of obstruction in tracheostomy tube, trachea, and bronchus of tracheostomy patients are inadequate, leading to potential respiratory failure or death if occlusion is not promptly addressed.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses sound waves to measure the obstruction by transmitting and receiving sound waves through an obstruction measurement unit coupled to the tracheostomy tube entrance, allowing for the calculation of internal cross-sectional area or volume and the detection of obstruction sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regular suctioning is performed at 1 to 2 hour intervals or by listening to breathing sound, then sputum removal is performed, but the timing varies and may cause severe coughing or damage to tracheal wall
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary detection of obstruction degree before suctioning is needed. By continuously monitoring the obstruction level in real-time, the system can identify when suctioning is required, eliminating the need for fixed-time intervals or delayed detection through breathing sound assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback on the degree of obstruction through continuous monitoring. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust suctioning timing based on actual obstruction levels, preventing both premature suctioning (which causes coughing) and delayed suctioning (which causes tracheal damage).
2Reliability
If too frequent and random suctioning is performed, then sputum removal is ensured, but severe coughing occurs which may damage the tracheal wall or cause breathing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The device determines in advance whether suctioning is needed by detecting the degree of obstruction. This preliminary assessment ensures that suctioning is performed only when necessary, avoiding frequent and random suctioning that causes coughing and tracheal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback on obstruction degree allows the system to control suctioning frequency precisely. By monitoring obstruction levels continuously, the device ensures suctioning occurs only when the obstruction reaches a threshold, preventing unnecessary suctioning events that would cause harmful coughing.
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 device accurately detects the degree and site of obstruction, facilitating timely sputum suction and preventing complications such as tracheal wall damage and respiratory distress.
Implementation Method 1
transmits a sound wave and receives a reflected sound wave to measure an obstruction degree
Implementation Method 2
receives a reflected sound wave from the inside of any one of the tracheostomy tube A, trachea B, or bronchus C
Implementation Method 3
calculates a reflected site using the transmission and reception time of the received sound wave
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides a device for measuring the obstruction of a tracheostomy tube, the trachea, and the bronchus, the device comprising an obstruction measurement unit (100) which is coupled to the entrance (11) of a tracheostomy tube where tracheostomy has been performed, and transmits a sound wave and receives a reflected sound wave to measure an obstruction site in any one of the tracheostomy tube (A), the trachea (B), and the bronchus (C).