Ventilator Conduit Sealing for Reversible Airway Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current airway devices, such as endotracheal tubes and supraglottic airways, require preload with an endotracheal tube for transition between ventilation modes, disrupting the airway and increasing the risk of airway loss during emergency intubation, especially when skilled professionals are not present.

Innovation Solution

A ventilator conduit for a reversible airway device that allows use as a supraglottic airway without preloading with an endotracheal tube, featuring a hollow tube with a sealing mechanism that forms an air-tight seal within the tubular guide of the reversible airway device, enabling direct connection to a ventilator circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a reversible airway device is preloaded with an endotracheal tube to enable transition between ventilation modes, then the ability to switch between supraglottic and endotracheal ventilation is improved, but the complexity of the device and the risk of airway disruption during emergency intubation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch between ventilation modesVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate components: a supraglottic airway device and a standalone endotracheal tube. The supraglottic device can be used independently for supraglottic ventilation, and the endotracheal tube can be introduced through the supraglottic device when endotracheal ventilation is needed, eliminating the need for a complex preloaded integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The endotracheal tube is designed to be inserted through the lumen of the supraglottic airway device, creating a nested configuration where one tube passes through another. This allows the smaller endotracheal tube to be accommodated within the larger supraglottic device without requiring permanent integration or complex preloading mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a reversible airway device is preloaded with an endotracheal tube to enable transition between ventilation modes, then the ability to switch between ventilation modes is improved, but the time required for emergency intubation and the risk of airway loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch between ventilation modesVSAvoidtime for emergency intubation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The supraglottic airway device is prepared in advance with its components (mask, tube, connector) assembled and ready for immediate insertion. In an emergency, the device can be rapidly placed in the patient's airway, and the endotracheal tube can be quickly introduced through the pre-positioned supraglottic device, eliminating the need for complex preloading procedures while maintaining the ability to switch ventilation modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If a supraglottic airway device is used without an endotracheal tube to enable rapid establishment of airway, then the speed of airway establishment is improved, but the ability to provide endotracheal ventilation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of airway establishmentVSAvoidability to provide endotracheal ventilation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static configuration (supraglottic device only or preloaded with endotracheal tube) to a dynamic configuration where the endotracheal tube can be inserted or removed from the supraglottic device as needed. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to rapidly establish supraglottic ventilation when needed while retaining the option to provide endotracheal ventilation by introducing the endotracheal tube through the supraglottic device.

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 uninterrupted ventilation and rapid establishment of a supraglottic airway without the need for endotracheal tube preload, reducing airway disruption and the risk of airway loss, even in emergency situations where skilled personnel may not be available.

Implementation Method 1

an outer surface of the second end is brought into direct contact with a portion of the inner surface of the tubular guide to form an air-tight seal therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11517692B2Ventilator conduit for reversible airway device

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUND

AI summary

A ventilator conduit for a reversible airway device (RAD) is provided. The RAD can include a supra-glottic support member connected to a tubular guide (TG) having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and TG lumen, which extends between the ends and is defined by an inner surface. The RAD can be physically free of an endotracheal tube. The ventilator conduit can include a hollow tube having first and second ends, and a ventilator conduit lumen extending between the ends. The first and second ends can be adapted for connection to a ventilator circuit and insertion into the TG lumen, respectively. At least the second end of the hollow tube can be sized and dimensioned so that, upon insertion into the TG, an outer surface of the second end is brought into direct contact with a portion of the inner surface to form an air-tight seal therebetween.