Two-Stage Separable Suction Catheter for Airway Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical suction systems are ineffective in emergency situations when solids or viscous liquids block the airway, as they are designed for low viscosity liquids and lack the capability to quickly switch to high-capacity suction.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage suction catheter system that allows practitioners to quickly convert from standard suction to high-capacity suction with one hand, using a detent mechanism for one-handed separation of the catheter stages and regulating negative pressure levels to prevent tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional suction systems with small diameter suction aperture are used, then tissue damage is avoided, but solids or viscous liquids cannot be cleared effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The suction catheter is divided into two separable stages: a first catheter stage with a small diameter suction aperture (5-7 mm) for safe routine suction, and a second catheter stage with a large diameter suction aperture (14-18 mm) for high-capacity suction of solids and viscous liquids. This segmentation allows the system to provide both tissue-safe operation and high-capacity clearance capability as needed.
2Productivity
If high-capacity suction systems are used, then solids and viscous liquids can be cleared, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction catheter is divided into two separable stages: a first catheter stage with a small diameter suction aperture (5-7 mm) for safe routine suction, and a second catheter stage with a large diameter suction aperture (14-18 mm) for high-capacity suction of solids and viscous liquids. This segmentation allows the system to provide both tissue-safe operation and high-capacity clearance capability as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate suction systems are provided, then both standard and high-capacity suction are available, but switching is slow and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two suction systems of different capacities into a single integrated catheter assembly. The first catheter stage (small diameter) and second catheter stage (large diameter) are connected through a quick-connect attachment arrangement that allows one-handed separation and switching. This merging eliminates the need for practitioners to handle separate suction systems while maintaining the ability to rapidly switch between suction capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment arrangement enables dynamic reconfiguration of the catheter system. The first catheter stage can be quickly connected to or separated from the second catheter stage using a one-handed operation, allowing the practitioner to adapt the suction capacity in real-time based on the clinical situation without requiring complex manual assembly or disassembly.
4Ease of operation
If conventional suction systems are used, then the system is simple to operate, but high-capacity suction is not available when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The suction catheter is divided into two separable stages: a first catheter stage with a small diameter suction aperture (5-7 mm) for safe routine suction, and a second catheter stage with a large diameter suction aperture (14-18 mm) for high-capacity suction of solids and viscous liquids. This segmentation allows the system to provide both tissue-safe operation and high-capacity clearance capability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The single catheter assembly provides multiple suction capacities through its two-stage design. The first catheter stage handles routine low-viscosity liquid suction, while the second catheter stage provides high-capacity suction for solids and viscous liquids. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single device that maintains ease of operation through its intuitive one-handed switching mechanism.
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 rapid and effective clearance of solids and viscous liquids from the upper airway, reducing the risk of life-threatening situations by providing immediate access to high-capacity suction without the need for additional personnel or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The first catheter stage is provided with a quick release attachment arrangement having a detent that provides mechanical retention to hold the first catheter stage to the second catheter stage
Implementation Method 2
The first catheter stage is provided with an airflow vent configured to regulate negative pressure level at the suction tip
Implementation Method 3
Medical suction systems are used to rapidly clear these obstructions. Health care facilities, such as hospitals, emergency rooms and urgent care facilities, are provided with vacuum supply for use with medical suction systems
Data Source
AI summary
A two-stage suction catheter for rapidly clearing liquids and solids from the upper airway has a first catheter stage configured to regulate effective moderate level negative pressure level at the distal end inlet and a high-capacity catheter stage having a large aperture size that is configured to regulate effective high level negative pressure level at the high-capacity catheter distal connection inlet when the first catheter stage is separated from the high-capacity catheter stage. The two-stage suction catheter has an attachment arrangement comprising a detent that releasably the first catheter stage to the high-capacity catheter stage, wherein the detent is configured to permit separation of the stages by a one-handed separation action. Methods and systems are also described. A suction cannister lid has a high capacity port and auxiliary port that may be separately sealed by a removable cap or insertion of high-capacity tubing, respectively.