Non-Invasive Pulmonary Secretion Removal via Venturi Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory devices for removing bronchopulmonary secretions in patients with reduced expectorant capacity are invasive, cause airway irritation, risk airway collapse, and disrupt natural respiratory rhythm, failing to effectively clear secretions without interfering with the patient's breathing.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive device with a duct, expansion chamber, and Venturi valve structure that accelerates exhaled air to create moderate reduced pressure, facilitating the aspiration of secretions without invasive tubes, synchronized with the patient's natural breathing rhythm, using sensors to regulate airflow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If invasive endotracheal tubes are used to suction secretions, then secretion removal is achieved, but airway irritation and patient discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mask as an intermediary device between the patient and the suction system, eliminating the need for invasive endotracheal tubes. The mask delivers pressurized gas flow that creates negative pressure to suction secretions through the patient's natural airway, avoiding direct tube insertion and associated irritation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical suction system with tubes by using a gas flow-based system. A compressor delivers pressurized gas through a mask, and the gas flow itself creates the negative pressure needed for suction, eliminating mechanical tube insertion and reducing airway trauma.
2Productivity
If high suction pressure is applied to remove secretions, then secretion removal is effective, but airway collapse occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic, cyclic gas flow delivery synchronized with the patient's respiratory cycle. The compressor operates in cycles, delivering pressurized gas during expiration phases to create negative pressure for suction, then pausing during inspiration to allow natural breathing and prevent airway collapse. This periodic action maintains secretion removal effectiveness while preserving airway patency.
3Productivity
If forced ventilation is applied to suction secretions, then secretion removal is achieved, but natural respiratory rhythm is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the patient's respiratory cycle and adjust the compressor operation accordingly. Sensors detect breathing phases (inspiration/expiration) and synchronize the gas flow delivery with the patient's natural rhythm, ensuring secretion removal occurs during expiration while allowing uninterrupted inspiration. This feedback control maintains respiratory rhythm compatibility while achieving effective suction.
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
Effectively removes pulmonary secretions without airway collapse or disrupting natural breathing, adaptable to varying respiratory capacities, reducing complications like pneumonia and atelectasis, and improving respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathy.
Implementation Method 1
The acceleration is achieved only during the expiratory phase... The exhaled air acceleration means are also constituted by the duct having a Venturi valve structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for removing bronchopulmonary secretions of a patient provides for a duct (1), an expansion chamber (7) and means for accelerating the exhaled air.