Ventilator Occlusion Mobilization via Flow Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for clearing occlusions in breathing tubes in ICU patients are cumbersome, painful, and laborious, often requiring manual suctioning which causes discomfort and trauma to patients, and are not efficient in maintaining effective ventilation.

Innovation Solution

An integrated ventilation system with an occlusion mobilizing module that automatically regulates inspiratory and expiratory flows to mobilize occlusions from the breathing tube, reducing the need for manual intervention and suctioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual suctioning is used to clear occlusions in the breathing tube, then the breathing tube can be cleared of mucus and debris, but the procedure causes great discomfort and trauma to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreathing tube clearanceVSAvoidpatient discomfort and trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical suction catheter system with a ventilator-based occlusion mobilization system. The ventilator delivers controlled gas flows (inspiratory and expiratory) to mobilize occlusions from the breathing tube, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical suctioning and associated patient trauma

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the ventilator's own gas delivery mechanism to clear occlusions, allowing the ventilation system to serve dual purposes: providing respiratory support and self-clearing occlusions. This eliminates the need for separate manual suctioning procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual suctioning is performed periodically to remove mucus, then occlusions can be removed from the breathing tube, but the procedure is cumbersome and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion removalVSAvoidclinical workflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilator automatically performs occlusion mobilization using its integrated gas delivery system. The system can be programmed to automatically deliver mobilization flows at appropriate intervals without requiring manual intervention, making the process automated and efficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilator is designed to perform multiple functions: providing artificial ventilation and simultaneously mobilizing occlusions from the breathing tube. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate suctioning procedures and streamlines clinical workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual determination of change in ventilator settings is used to facilitate clearance, then occlusions can be mobilized, but the procedure is laborious and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion clearanceVSAvoidclinician intervention time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors to detect occlusions in the breathing tube and automatically triggers appropriate ventilator settings to mobilize the occlusion. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual detection and determination of appropriate settings, saving clinician time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilator automatically adjusts its own settings based on detected occlusions, performing the clearance function without requiring manual determination of settings by clinicians. The system self-regulates to achieve effective occlusion mobilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach enhances clinical workflow by automatically clearing occlusions, minimizing patient discomfort and reducing clinician intervention, while maintaining effective ventilation without the need for suction catheters or painful procedures.

Implementation Method 1

regulating an inspiratory flow, an expiratory flow, or a combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

automatically mobilizing the occlusion from the breathing tube by regulating an inspiratory flow, an expiratory flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS8752546B2System and method for mobilizing occlusions from a breathing tube

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A method for mobilizing an occlusion from a breathing tube is presented. The method includes automatically mobilizing the occlusion from the breathing tube by regulating an inspiratory flow, an expiratory flow, or a combination thereof, where the breathing tube is configured to operationally couple a patient to a ventilation system, and where the ventilation system is configured to provide artificial respiration to the patient.