System and method for pressure management and air leak detection of an inflatable cuff in a medical device
US11819611B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2023 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/75
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endotracheal or tracheostomy tube with a cuff assembly includes a cuff pressure regulator and a leak detection system. Pressure sensors monitor and measure a tracheal wall pressure and pressures in the cuff assembly. An abnormal reading from the pressure sensors may initiate a cuff-pressure adjusting process. The leak detection system detects an air leak in the seal between the cuff assembly and the tracheal wall. A scented film with a predetermined scent is positioned on an inferior portion of the cuff assembly, distally from the seal with the tracheal wall. An air leak is indicated when the predetermined scent is detected in air in the trachea proximal to the cuff assembly. An air-circulation device generates air flow into the trachea such that a new batch of air may be sampled and tested. The detection of an air leak may initiate a cuff-pressure adjusting process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.