Tracheotomy Device with Airway Detection and Automated Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a device and method to perform a tracheotomy procedure in emergency situations where a medical professional is not available, requiring a portable solution that can accurately align and insert a tracheotomy tube into the airway.

Innovation Solution

A portable device with a curved or indented front wall to match the neck contour, equipped with a hollow needle and air pressure sensor to detect the airway, mechanical arms for incision creation, dilation, and tracheotomy tube insertion, and optional features like airtight chambers for immobilization and chemical inflation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tracheotomy procedure is performed without a medical professional using a portable device, then the accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but the reliability and measurement precision of airway detection may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical detection methods with an automated air pressure sensor system. The sensor automatically detects airway penetration by monitoring pressure changes, eliminating the need for manual assessment by a medical professional and providing objective, reliable detection data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback through the air pressure sensor that continuously monitors pressure changes during needle insertion. When the needle penetrates the airway, the sensor detects the pressure change and provides immediate feedback to the controller, which can then alert the user or automatically adjust the procedure parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If a portable device with multiple functional components is used, then the device complexity increases, but the ability to perform complete tracheotomy procedure without medical professional improves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability or versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple previously separate functions into a single integrated portable device: airway detection (needle and pressure sensor), incision creation (blade), dilation (dilating tool), and tube insertion (tracheotomy tube) are all merged into one device that can be operated by a single user without medical professional assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed as a universal tracheotomy system that performs all necessary functions of the complete surgical procedure. The mechanical arm can deploy different tools (needle, blade, dilating tool, tube) sequentially, making the device versatile enough to handle the entire tracheotomy process from detection to completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If mechanical arms are used for automated tool deployment, then the productivity and speed of procedure improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic mechanical arm system that can automatically position and deploy different surgical tools in sequence. The mechanical arm provides controlled movement and positioning capabilities, enabling automated deployment of the needle, blade, dilating tool, and tracheotomy tube with precision while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables a tracheotomy procedure to be performed safely and accurately without a medical professional, ensuring proper alignment and secure tube placement, even in emergency conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an air pressure sensor connected to the needle may be used to sense a change in air pressure, indicating that the needle has penetrated the airway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure sensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

chemical inflation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical inflation:

Data Source

PatentUS11596756B2Tracheotomy device and method of use

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 POLLACK JOSHUA D

AI summary

A device for performing a tracheotomy on a patient without the assistance of a medical professional. The device may include one or more mechanical arms that cause a blade to create an incision, cause a dilating tool to dilate the incision, and cause a tracheotomy tube to be inserted into the incision. The device may further include a scanner and/or a hollow needle connected to an air pressure sensor that may be used to detect whether the device is aligned with the patient's airway.