WO2019186589A1 - A device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube - Google Patents

A device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019186589A1
WO2019186589A1 PCT/IN2019/050251 IN2019050251W WO2019186589A1 WO 2019186589 A1 WO2019186589 A1 WO 2019186589A1 IN 2019050251 W IN2019050251 W IN 2019050251W WO 2019186589 A1 WO2019186589 A1 WO 2019186589A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
junction connector
blockage
tube
opening
endotracheal tube
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IN2019/050251
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Abhijeet Bhagat
Sonali SALVI
Mayur Sanas
Sandeep ANASANE
Bhagawan SONAWANE
Arati Mulay
Bharatkumar Ahuja
Original Assignee
College Of Engineering, Pune
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by College Of Engineering, Pune filed Critical College Of Engineering, Pune
Priority to SG11202009573TA priority Critical patent/SG11202009573TA/en
Publication of WO2019186589A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019186589A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/04—Tracheal tubes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/08—Bellows; Connecting tubes ; Water traps; Patient circuits
    • A61M16/0816—Joints or connectors
    • A61M16/0841—Joints or connectors for sampling
    • A61M16/0858—Pressure sampling ports
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3331—Pressure; Flow
    • A61M2205/3344—Measuring or controlling pressure at the body treatment site
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3375—Acoustical, e.g. ultrasonic, measuring means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
    • A61M2205/502—User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/70—General characteristics of the apparatus with testing or calibration facilities
    • A61M2205/702—General characteristics of the apparatus with testing or calibration facilities automatically during use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
    • A61M2209/02—Equipment for testing the apparatus

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the field of biomedical engineering.
  • this invention relates to a device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube.
  • a tracheal tube is a catheter that is inserted into the trachea for the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining a patent airway and to ensure the adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  • An endotracheal tube is a specific type of tracheal tube that is inserted through the mouth (orotracheal) or nose (nasotracheal).
  • a tracheostomy tube is another type of tracheal tube; this 2-3 -inch-long (51-76 mm) curved metal or plastic tube may be inserted into a tracheostomy stoma (following a tracheotomy) to maintain a patent lumen.
  • a tracheal button is a rigid plastic cannula about 1 inch in length that can be placed into the tracheostomy after removal of a tracheostomy tube to maintain patency of the lumen.
  • This invention specifically refers to an endotracheal tube.
  • An endotracheal tube serves as an open passage through the upper airway.
  • the purpose of endotracheal intubation is to permit air to pass freely to and from the lungs in order to ventilate the lungs.
  • Endotracheal intubation is a procedure by which a tube is inserted through the mouth down into the trachea (the large airway from the mouth to the lungs).
  • Endotracheal tubes can be connected to ventilator machines to provide artificial respiration.
  • a tracheostomy is performed for many reasons, all involving restricted airways. It could be used when a disease or other problem makes normal breathing impossible such as birth defects of the airway, cancer in the neck, chronic lung disease, coma, etc.
  • blood and some other secretions block the endotracheal tube.
  • the tube that is used today for intubation is usually a flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube. It is called an endotracheal tube because it is slipped within the trachea.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • Endotracheal tube gets block due to various causes such as mucous, blood clot, denture, internal secretions, etc. have been reported.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a monitoring mechanism for an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
  • Another object of the invention is to detect, in real time, when error-free obstruction occurs in an endotracheal tube (also called ETT Tube or artificial airway) or in a tracheostomy tube.
  • ETT Tube also called artificial airway
  • Yet another object of the invention is to detect level and / or percentage of obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
  • Still another object of the invention is to detect level and / or blockage percentage of obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
  • Another object of the invention is to detect location of obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
  • An additional object of the invention is to provide different types of alarm and / or indication for obstruction in endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube so that appropriate action can be taken.
  • Yet an additional object of the invention is to connect a ventilator to endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
  • a device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube comprising:
  • a monitoring mechanism configured to provide monitored readings relating to blockage of an endotracheal tube
  • junction connector configured to help connect an endotracheal tube to the monitoring mechanism, said junction connector comprising at least a sensor selected from a group of sensors consisting of an acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an ultrasonic sensors; each of said sensors configured to sense blockage in said endotracheal tube characterised in that, said acoustic sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of amplitude and to determine blockage location as a function of time, said pressure sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of pressure, said ultrasonic sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of frequency and to determine blockage location as a function of time;
  • junction connector comprising:
  • a first tube of a first diameter and with a first opening said first opening being an opening of said junction connector towards a ventilator
  • said device comprises a mechanical ventilator connected to said second opening of said junction connector.
  • said junction connector comprises ultrasonic wave emitters.
  • said junction connector comprises speakers.
  • said junction connector comprises an acoustic signal generator.
  • said junction connector comprises a frequency generator.
  • said monitoring mechanism comprises a blockage level detector configured to detect blockage level in terms of percentage of blockage based on sensed data from said sensor.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a view of the device in its wired configuration
  • Figure 2 illustrates a view of the device in its wireless configuration
  • FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate various components of the device
  • Figure 3 illustrates a junction connector of the device
  • Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of the junction connector
  • Figure 4b illustrates a front view of the junction connector
  • Figure 4c and 4d illustrate cross-section views of the junction connector showing its internal architecture
  • Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart that the device follows in its working in order to establish level of blockage
  • a device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube According to this invention, there is provided a device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a view of the device in its wired configuration.
  • Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate various components of the device.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a junction connector of the device.
  • Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of the junction connector.
  • Figure 4b illustrates a front view of the junction connector.
  • Figure 4c and 4d illustrate cross-section views of the junction connector showing its internal architecture.
  • the device comprises a monitoring mechanism (MM) configured to provide monitored readings relating to blockage of an endotracheal tube.
  • MM monitoring mechanism
  • This monitoring mechanism is configured to comprise displays, buttons, buzzer, indicators, etc.
  • the device comprises a junction connector (JC) configured to help connect an endotracheal tube to the monitoring mechanism (MM).
  • the junction connector (JC) comprises sensors.
  • the sensors may be selected from one of the following:
  • the acoustic sensor placed in the junction connector is configured to emit acoustic signals such that an obstruction level can be defined in terms of amplitude of an echo signal, off the blockage, sensed from by the acoustic sensors and such that a location of the blockage can be computed by computing time between emission of acoustic signal and sensing of echo signal off the blockage.
  • the pressure sensor placed in the junction connector is configured to sense pressure of air in the tube which increases due to the blockage.
  • the sensor is calibrated to correlate pressure with level of blockage.
  • the ultrasonic sensor placed in the junction connector is configured to emit ultrasonic waves such that an obstruction level can be defined in terms of frequency of an ultrasonic signal, off the blockage, sensed from by the ultrasonic sensors and such that a location of the blockage can be computed by computing time between emission of ultrasonic signal and sensing of ultrasonic signal off the blockage.
  • the device comprises a flexible shaft (S) configured to communicably couple the monitoring mechanism (MM) to the junction connector (JC).
  • Reference numeral C refers to an opening of the junction connector towards a ventilator or an open end of the junction connector (JC).
  • Reference numeral B refers to an opening of the junction connector (JC) connected to the flexible shaft (S).
  • Reference numeral D refers to an opening of the junction connector (JC) towards an endotracheal tube.
  • Endotracheal tube is connected to point ‘C’ of the junction connector.
  • a mechanical ventilator is connected at point‘D’ of the junction connector.
  • the monitoring mechanism (MM) is connected with the junction connector (JC) using a flexible shaft, which is a hollow flexible shaft (S).
  • a first end‘AG, of the shaft (S) is connected.
  • a second end ‘B , of the shaft (S) is connected to point ‘B’ of the junction connector (JC).
  • the junction connector (JC) has either speakers, ultrasonic wave emitters or acoustic signal / frequency generator, etc.
  • the sound waves sent by the above mentioned electronics components travel in endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube, the echoes which are created due to any obstruction is sense by one of the sensors present inside the junction connector (JC), this signal is further sent to electronics device through wire or wirelessly, for processing.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a view of the device in its wireless configuration (WL - WL).
  • a sound receiver signal further sends to the electronic processor which has at least a memory to store data received by the signal. Processor checks for the amplitude and time to detect obstruction level and position respectively.
  • Junction connector is designed to facilitate wire connection as well as connection to connect hollow tube.
  • Figure 2a shows an isometric view of the monitoring mechanism (MM).
  • Reference numeral ‘G shows the display, which helps to operate device.
  • Reference numeral’2’ shows operational / functional buttons.
  • Reference numeral‘3’ shows a LED bar display, which shows level of obstruction that occurs in the endotracheal tube.
  • Reference numeral‘4’ shows the ON / OFF switch of the device.
  • Reference numeral‘8’ shows the device’s ON / OFF state.
  • Reference numeral‘5’ shows a battery power level monitor.
  • Reference numeral‘6’ shows a point to connect the flexible shaft (A1 point as shown in the Figure 1).
  • Reference numeral‘7’ shows a battery charger connector helps to charge the device.
  • Reference numeral ‘14’ shows hatching line cut for buzzer’s sound.
  • Figure 3 shows the specially design junction connector of this invention.
  • Reference numeral‘9’ shows an opening to connect the endotracheal tube.
  • Reference numeral ‘10’ shows a point to connect the flexible shaft as shown in figure 1.
  • Reference numeral‘11’ is open to air or to connect a ventilator; this depends upon the tube type, which will be connected to opening at reference numeral‘9’.
  • the junction connector comprises a first tube (52) of a first diameter co-axial with a first opening (9) (C) with a second tube (54) of a second diameter with a second opening (11) (D) and an orthogonal stub (56) with a third opening (10) (B) extending from said first tube (52).
  • Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart that the device follows in its working in order to establish level of blockage.
  • a user selects appropriate endotracheal tube size.
  • the device checks blockage level of the endotracheal tube.
  • A“level 8” is equal to 80 percent and“level 1” is equal to 10 percent (method is developed to detect the blockage level).
  • the device checks the endotracheal tube from high level to low level and displays it on the monitoring mechanism indicating the blockage level of the endotracheal tube. Similarly, the device displays the battery charge level in the display“level 9b to level lb”.
  • a buzzer is connected to the devce which gives a different type of alarm for different levels; e.g. 50% blockage device gives a different alarm, 70% blockage gives a still different alarm, and so on and so forth.
  • the TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT of this invention lies in providing a endotracheal tube monitoring mechanism in order to sense and display, accurately, a level of blockage of the endotracheal tube. It provides error-free obstruction detection of an endotracheal tube.

Abstract

A device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube, said device comprising: a monitoring mechanism (MM) to provide monitored readings relating to blockage of an endotracheal tube; a junction connector (JC) to help connect an endotracheal tube to the monitoring mechanism (MM), said junction connector comprising a sensor said sensors configured to sense blockage in said endotracheal tube characterised in that, an acoustic sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of amplitude and to determine blockage location as a function of time, a pressure sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of pressure, a ultrasonic sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of frequency and to determine blockage location as a function of time; a flexible shaft (S) configured to couple said monitoring mechanism (MM) to said junction connector (JC).

Description

A DEVICE TO MONITOR AND DETECT OBSTRUCTION IN AN ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates to the field of biomedical engineering.
Particularly, this invention relates to a device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
A tracheal tube is a catheter that is inserted into the trachea for the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining a patent airway and to ensure the adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Many different types of tracheal tubes are available, suited for different specific applications:
- An endotracheal tube is a specific type of tracheal tube that is inserted through the mouth (orotracheal) or nose (nasotracheal).
- A tracheostomy tube is another type of tracheal tube; this 2-3 -inch-long (51-76 mm) curved metal or plastic tube may be inserted into a tracheostomy stoma (following a tracheotomy) to maintain a patent lumen.
- A tracheal button is a rigid plastic cannula about 1 inch in length that can be placed into the tracheostomy after removal of a tracheostomy tube to maintain patency of the lumen.
This invention specifically refers to an endotracheal tube. An endotracheal tube serves as an open passage through the upper airway. The purpose of endotracheal intubation is to permit air to pass freely to and from the lungs in order to ventilate the lungs. Endotracheal intubation is a procedure by which a tube is inserted through the mouth down into the trachea (the large airway from the mouth to the lungs). Endotracheal tubes can be connected to ventilator machines to provide artificial respiration.
Similarly, a tracheostomy is performed for many reasons, all involving restricted airways. It could be used when a disease or other problem makes normal breathing impossible such as birth defects of the airway, cancer in the neck, chronic lung disease, coma, etc.
In some instances, blood and some other secretions block the endotracheal tube.
The tube that is used today for intubation is usually a flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube. It is called an endotracheal tube because it is slipped within the trachea.
Endotracheal tube gets block due to various causes such as mucous, blood clot, denture, internal secretions, etc. have been reported.
If a blockage occurs, there is a need to change the tube within 3 minutes. This procedure should be performed by a physician with experience in intubation. If endotracheal tube is not changed in this short duration, adequate respiration will not occur. This lead to brain damage, cardiac arrest, and ultimately death can occur. Currently, this tube blockage cannot be detected at an early stage by existing modalities and therefore results in complications and deaths of patients. Currently, endotracheal tube (ET tube) blockage detection is interpreted by either observing the peak airway pressure reading in the ventilator menu or clinically interpreting the symptoms and signs of hypoxia. For the same, clinicians have to do continuous monitoring of patients.
In order to save patients’ lives, there is a need to monitor and detect the obstruction in the Endotracheal in real time and also quantify the percentage of obstruction for further action.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
An object of the invention is to provide a monitoring mechanism for an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
Another object of the invention is to detect, in real time, when error-free obstruction occurs in an endotracheal tube (also called ETT Tube or artificial airway) or in a tracheostomy tube.
Yet another object of the invention is to detect level and / or percentage of obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
Still another object of the invention is to detect level and / or blockage percentage of obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
Another object of the invention is to detect location of obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube. An additional object of the invention is to provide different types of alarm and / or indication for obstruction in endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube so that appropriate action can be taken.
Yet an additional object of the invention is to connect a ventilator to endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTON:
According to this invention, there is provided a device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube, said device comprising:
comprises a monitoring mechanism configured to provide monitored readings relating to blockage of an endotracheal tube;
a junction connector configured to help connect an endotracheal tube to the monitoring mechanism, said junction connector comprising at least a sensor selected from a group of sensors consisting of an acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an ultrasonic sensors; each of said sensors configured to sense blockage in said endotracheal tube characterised in that, said acoustic sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of amplitude and to determine blockage location as a function of time, said pressure sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of pressure, said ultrasonic sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of frequency and to determine blockage location as a function of time;
a flexible shaft configured to couple said monitoring mechanism to said junction connector; In at least an embodiment, said junction connector comprising:
a first tube of a first diameter and with a first opening, said first opening being an opening of said junction connector towards a ventilator;
a second tube of a second diameter and with a second opening, said second tube being co-axial with said first tube, said second opening being an opening of said junction connector towards an endotracheal tube; and
an orthogonal stub with a third opening extending from said first tube, said third opening being an opening of said junction connector connected to said flexible shaft connected to said monitoring mechanism.
In at least an embodiment, said device comprises a mechanical ventilator connected to said second opening of said junction connector.
In at least an embodiment, said junction connector comprises ultrasonic wave emitters.
In at least an embodiment, said junction connector comprises speakers.
In at least an embodiment, said junction connector comprises an acoustic signal generator.
In at least an embodiment, said junction connector comprises a frequency generator.
In at least an embodiment, said monitoring mechanism comprises a blockage level detector configured to detect blockage level in terms of percentage of blockage based on sensed data from said sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a view of the device in its wired configuration;
Figure 2 illustrates a view of the device in its wireless configuration;
Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate various components of the device;
Figure 3 illustrates a junction connector of the device;
Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of the junction connector;
Figure 4b illustrates a front view of the junction connector;
Figure 4c and 4d illustrate cross-section views of the junction connector showing its internal architecture; and
Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart that the device follows in its working in order to establish level of blockage
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS: According to this invention, there is provided a device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube or in a tracheostomy tube.
Figure 1 illustrates a view of the device in its wired configuration. Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate various components of the device.
Figure 3 illustrates a junction connector of the device.
Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of the junction connector.
Figure 4b illustrates a front view of the junction connector.
Figure 4c and 4d illustrate cross-section views of the junction connector showing its internal architecture.
In at least an embodiment, the device comprises a monitoring mechanism (MM) configured to provide monitored readings relating to blockage of an endotracheal tube. This monitoring mechanism is configured to comprise displays, buttons, buzzer, indicators, etc.
In at least an embodiment the device comprises a junction connector (JC) configured to help connect an endotracheal tube to the monitoring mechanism (MM). The junction connector (JC) comprises sensors.
In at least an embodiment, the sensors may be selected from one of the following:
- acoustic sensors;
- pressure sensors;
- ultrasonic sensors.
In at least an embodiment, the acoustic sensor placed in the junction connector is configured to emit acoustic signals such that an obstruction level can be defined in terms of amplitude of an echo signal, off the blockage, sensed from by the acoustic sensors and such that a location of the blockage can be computed by computing time between emission of acoustic signal and sensing of echo signal off the blockage.
In at least an embodiment, the pressure sensor placed in the junction connector is configured to sense pressure of air in the tube which increases due to the blockage. The sensor is calibrated to correlate pressure with level of blockage.
In at least an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor placed in the junction connector is configured to emit ultrasonic waves such that an obstruction level can be defined in terms of frequency of an ultrasonic signal, off the blockage, sensed from by the ultrasonic sensors and such that a location of the blockage can be computed by computing time between emission of ultrasonic signal and sensing of ultrasonic signal off the blockage.
In at least an embodiment, the device comprises a flexible shaft (S) configured to communicably couple the monitoring mechanism (MM) to the junction connector (JC). Reference numeral C refers to an opening of the junction connector towards a ventilator or an open end of the junction connector (JC). Reference numeral B refers to an opening of the junction connector (JC) connected to the flexible shaft (S). Reference numeral D refers to an opening of the junction connector (JC) towards an endotracheal tube.
Endotracheal tube is connected to point ‘C’ of the junction connector. A mechanical ventilator is connected at point‘D’ of the junction connector. The monitoring mechanism (MM) is connected with the junction connector (JC) using a flexible shaft, which is a hollow flexible shaft (S). At point‘A’ of the monitoring mechanism (MM), a first end‘AG, of the shaft (S), is connected. Similarly, a second end ‘B , of the shaft (S), is connected to point ‘B’ of the junction connector (JC).
When respiration takes place through this artificial air way, air passes from point ‘D’ to point‘C\ If the endotracheal tube which is connected at point‘C’ has any obstruction / blockage, then the air pressure in the plastic hollow tube which is connected from monitoring mechanism (MM) to the junction connector (JC) will be changed. This change will help the monitoring mechanism (MM) to monitor and detect obstruction in endotracheal tube in real time. If the obstruction occurs, the device will give an alarm and a display indication to a user / caretaker / health workers who are using the device.
In at least an embodiment, the junction connector (JC) has either speakers, ultrasonic wave emitters or acoustic signal / frequency generator, etc. The sound waves sent by the above mentioned electronics components travel in endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube, the echoes which are created due to any obstruction is sense by one of the sensors present inside the junction connector (JC), this signal is further sent to electronics device through wire or wirelessly, for processing.
Figure 2 illustrates a view of the device in its wireless configuration (WL - WL).
This technique helps to find the exact location of obstruction in endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube. A sound receiver signal further sends to the electronic processor which has at least a memory to store data received by the signal. Processor checks for the amplitude and time to detect obstruction level and position respectively. Junction connector is designed to facilitate wire connection as well as connection to connect hollow tube.
Figure 2a shows an isometric view of the monitoring mechanism (MM). Reference numeral ‘G shows the display, which helps to operate device. Reference numeral’2’ shows operational / functional buttons. Reference numeral‘3’ shows a LED bar display, which shows level of obstruction that occurs in the endotracheal tube. Reference numeral‘4’ shows the ON / OFF switch of the device. Reference numeral‘8’ shows the device’s ON / OFF state. Reference numeral‘5’ shows a battery power level monitor. Reference numeral‘6’ shows a point to connect the flexible shaft (A1 point as shown in the Figure 1). Reference numeral‘7’ shows a battery charger connector helps to charge the device. Reference numeral ‘14’ shows hatching line cut for buzzer’s sound.
Figure 3 shows the specially design junction connector of this invention. Reference numeral‘9’ shows an opening to connect the endotracheal tube. Reference numeral ‘10’ shows a point to connect the flexible shaft as shown in figure 1. Reference numeral‘11’ is open to air or to connect a ventilator; this depends upon the tube type, which will be connected to opening at reference numeral‘9’.
In at least an embodiment, the junction connector comprises a first tube (52) of a first diameter co-axial with a first opening (9) (C) with a second tube (54) of a second diameter with a second opening (11) (D) and an orthogonal stub (56) with a third opening (10) (B) extending from said first tube (52).
Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart that the device follows in its working in order to establish level of blockage. A user selects appropriate endotracheal tube size. After selecting the tube size, the device checks blockage level of the endotracheal tube. A“level 8” is equal to 80 percent and“level 1” is equal to 10 percent (method is developed to detect the blockage level). The device checks the endotracheal tube from high level to low level and displays it on the monitoring mechanism indicating the blockage level of the endotracheal tube. Similarly, the device displays the battery charge level in the display“level 9b to level lb”. A buzzer is connected to the devce which gives a different type of alarm for different levels; e.g. 50% blockage device gives a different alarm, 70% blockage gives a still different alarm, and so on and so forth.
The TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT of this invention lies in providing a endotracheal tube monitoring mechanism in order to sense and display, accurately, a level of blockage of the endotracheal tube. It provides error-free obstruction detection of an endotracheal tube.
While this detailed description has disclosed certain specific embodiments for illustrative purposes, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS,
1. A device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube, said device comprising:
- comprises a monitoring mechanism (MM) configured to provide monitored readings relating to blockage of an endotracheal tube;
- a junction connector (JC) configured to help connect an endotracheal tube to the monitoring mechanism (MM), said junction connector comprising at least a sensor selected from a group of sensors consisting of an acoustic sensor, a pressure sensor, and an ultrasonic sensors; each of said sensors configured to sense blockage in said endotracheal tube characterised in that, said acoustic sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of amplitude and to determine blockage location as a function of time, said pressure sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of pressure, said ultrasonic sensor being configured to determine blockage level as a function of frequency and to determine blockage location as a function of time;
- a flexible shaft (S) configured to couple said monitoring mechanism (MM) to said junction connector (JC);
2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said junction connector (JC) comprising:
- a first tube (52) of a first diameter and with a first opening (9), said first opening (9, C) being an opening of said junction connector (JC) towards a ventilator;
- a second tube (54) of a second diameter and with a second opening (11), said second tube (54) being co-axial with said first tube (52), said second opening
1 (10, D) being an opening of said junction connector (JC) towards an endotracheal tube; and
- an orthogonal stub (56) with a third opening (11) extending from said first tube (52), said third opening (11, B) being an opening of said junction connector (JC) connected to said flexible shaft (S) connected to said monitoring mechanism (MM).
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said device comprising a mechanical ventilator connected to said second opening (10, D) of said junction connector (JC).
4. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said junction connector (JC) comprising ultrasonic wave emitters.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said junction connector (JC) comprising speakers.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said junction connector (JC) comprising an acoustic signal generator.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said junction connector (JC) comprising a frequency generator.
8. The device as claimed in claim 2 wherein, said monitoring mechanism (MM) comprising a blockage level detector configured to detect blockage level in terms of percentage of blockage based on sensed data from said sensor.
2
PCT/IN2019/050251 2018-03-28 2019-03-28 A device to monitor and detect obstruction in an endotracheal tube WO2019186589A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060081255A1 (en) * 2004-04-02 2006-04-20 Michael Miller Ultrasonic placement and monitoring of an endotracheal tube
US20110313689A1 (en) * 2009-02-11 2011-12-22 Resmed Limited Acoustic detection for respiratory treatment apparatus

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060081255A1 (en) * 2004-04-02 2006-04-20 Michael Miller Ultrasonic placement and monitoring of an endotracheal tube
US20110313689A1 (en) * 2009-02-11 2011-12-22 Resmed Limited Acoustic detection for respiratory treatment apparatus

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