Tracheostomy Support Pad for Torque and Skin Pressure Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracheostomy systems fail to address the issue of undesirable torques and pressure forces exerted by ventilator circuit tubing on tracheostomy tubes, leading to skin breakdown, bleeding, infection, and potential esophageal or vascular erosion.

Innovation Solution

A tracheostomy support system with a multilayered pad comprising a first layer for patient contact, a second layer for tracheostomy tube contact, and expandable compartments between these layers, adjustable via a closed-loop feedback system or manually, using pressure sensors to minimize torque and pressure on the neck skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ventilator circuit tubing is connected to tracheostomy tube, then breathing assistance and secretion removal are provided, but torque and pressure forces are exerted on neck skin causing ulcers and infections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreathing assistanceVSAvoidtorque and pressure on neck skin

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A multilayered pad with expandable compartment is introduced as an intermediary device between the tracheostomy tube and the patient's neck skin. The pad includes a first layer for skin contact, a second layer for tube contact, and an expandable compartment between them that can be inflated to provide cushioning and distribute pressure forces, thereby protecting the neck skin from harmful torques and pressures while maintaining the ventilator connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If tracheostomy tube is secured to patient, then airway is maintained, but skin breakdown and bleeding occur due to pressure forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairway maintenanceVSAvoidskin breakdown and bleeding

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The multilayered pad with expandable compartment provides beforehand cushioning by being placed between the tracheostomy tube and the patient's neck skin before pressure forces are applied. The expandable compartment can be inflated to create a cushioning layer that distributes pressure forces across a larger area, preventing skin breakdown and bleeding while maintaining secure airway placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If ventilator tubing connection is secured, then disconnection is prevented, but torque forces cause connection failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtorque on connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The multilayered pad acts as an intermediary support structure between the ventilator tubing connection and the patient's body. By providing a stable, cushioned interface, the pad reduces torque forces transmitted to the connection point, preventing connection failure while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system effectively reduces torque and pressure on the neck skin, preventing ulcers and infections by dynamically adjusting to the patient's needs, ensuring compatibility with various tracheostomy tubes and ventilator circuits.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one expandable compartment is configured to expand when a gas or a liquid is added to the at least one expandable compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas or liquid expansion:

Implementation Method 2

the at least one expandable compartment is configured to contract when a gas or a liquid is removed from the at least one expandable compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas or liquid removal:

Implementation Method 3

at least one pressure sensor configured to be communicatively coupled to a device which controls the amount of the gas or the liquid in the at least one expandable compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12390608B2Tracheostomy support system

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

AI summary

Disclosed are materials, articles, devices, and methods for manufacture thereof that pertain to a tracheostomy support system. The tracheostomy support system can eliminate torque on the tracheostomy tube and offload pressure caused by the tracheostomy tube on the neck skin of a patient. Additionally, the tracheostomy support system can indicate when pressure or moisture on the skin is at an unsafe level that may predispose the patient to neck skin ulceration, breakdown, or infection. The tracheostomy support system can be automatically adjusted through a closed-loop feedback system or can be manually adjusted.