1. Tracheostomy Tube Security Device
Rebecca Clayman, Paul Fossum, Katie Pollock, Kim Safarik
Department of Biomedical Engineering Advisor: Paul Thompson Client: Dr. Timothy McCulloch, Department of Otolaryngology
Abstract
Final Design and Testing
In patients who have had a tracheotomy performed, a major post surgery problem is discomfort from the tracheotomy collar. The collar must be secured tightly to keep the tracheotomy tube in place so the patient can successfully breathe. However, if the collar is kept at too high of a tension, it can result in ulcers on the patient’s skin. Our goal is to design a tracheotomy strap that is comfortable, easy to clean and equipped with monitoring devices to ensure that proper pressure is maintained on the neck.  
SUBJECT TESTING
We polled an unbiased, random sample of people on their opinion of comfort, safety and function while wearing three straps: the cotton strap currently used by our client(1), the blue Velcro strap used by many of his colleagues(2), and the strap that we fabricated(3).
Our strap was ranked best in overall comfort, tied for least abrasive, ranked highest in safety, and highest in overall function according to our subjects.
ABSORBENCY TESTING
Equal area sections of strap were allowed to soak in 10mL of water for 1 min. The straps were removed and the volume of remaining water was measured. The volume difference was taken as the volume absorbed.
Foam (Blue strap): mL/cm2
Mesh (Our strap): mL/cm2
Cotton(White strap): 0.137mL/cm2
MONITORING SYSTEM
A red LED light is attached to a battery in series. Connections to the other side of the battery and light rest on a thin piece of plastic. As the tracheotomy strap becomes looser or tighter, it moves which causes the leads to make contact with the foil attached to the strap and complete the circuit, turning on the light. This will alert the nurse on duty of a potential problem when she checks on the patient.
Client Requirements
Comfortable
Easy to clean/maintain
Monitoring system to ensure proper pressure
Material to adequately expand/Contract with neck fluctuation
5-7 day use
Final Design Strap Features
Belt connections
Alarm circuit
Comfort balloons
Breathable/Non-absorbent mesh material
Strap Connection
Cost Analysis
Current Straps:
Ulcers and Banding
Caused by excess pressure
Loose strap = loose tube Accidental Decannulation
Readily absorbs moisture
Neck Dependant
Jersey Mesh Fabric: $0.50
Water : Priceless
Condoms: $2.00
Medical Battery: $3.50
Heat Shrink Tubing: $0.25
LED Light: $0.75
Total = $7.24
Wire: $0.24
Future Work
References/Acknowledgements
Patient Testing
Clinical feedback and testing
Different size necks; child/infant and bariatric straps
Sound Alarm
Self adjusting/correcting pressures
Belt-Strap Design:
Jersey mesh material
Belt holes and pin
Fits neck size approximately
11 to 20 inches in circumference
Easily adjustable
Professor Paul Thompson
Timothy McCulloch, M.D.
Chairmen of Otolaryngology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine of Public Health
Anna Krupp, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Department of Biomedical Engineering