TrachCare

What it does

TrachCare uses stretchable ultrasonic array imaging technology to instantly detect airway blockages and tube dislodgment, with red/yellow lights and alarms. Acid-responsive color-changing fiber gauze changes color to red or blue based on wound secretion pH.

Your inspiration

| Issues | Tracheotomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in intensive care units. In the United States, over 100,000 people undergo tracheotomy each year. | Problems | 1. Tube blockage or dislodgement is common and can lead to oxygen deprivation or death if not promptly addressed. 2. Secretions at tracheostomy sites may cause inflammation or infection if not managed in time. 3. Continuous monitoring of tracheostomy tubes is difficult, delaying detection of complications like blockage or leakage.

How it works

| Technology | 1. Main Unit: Stretchable Ultrasound Array Imaging Detection Technology (1) Detecting Blockages and Dislodgement: Sound waves penetrate the skin and tube walls, changing in response to variations in airflow speed, density, or resistance inside the tracheostomy tube. This allows the detection of blockages and dislodgement without direct internal contact. (2) Detecting Fluid Accumulation: Sound waves encounter mucus and secretions, generating reflection waves. Monitoring is based on the intensity and characteristics of these reflection waves, unaffected by environmental lighting or skin color. 2. Gauze: Acid-Induced Color Change Fibers Made using electrospinning technology, this bandage is crafted from a blend of acid-induced color-changing materials (Acidochromic Material). The material reacts to solvents and hydrogen ions, allowing for color change. It can also react with alkaline molecules, providing a reversible property.

Design process

| Usage Steps | 1. When the tracheostomy tube is obstructed, TrachCare emits a red light and a beeping alert. 2. Simultaneously administer oxygen through both the mouth/nose and the tracheostomy site while assessing and managing the obstruction condition. 1. When there is leakage at the tracheostomy site, TrachCare emits a yellow light, and the gauze changes color to indicate the wound condition. 2. Press the clip to detach the main unit. 3. Remove the gauze. 4. Clean the area around the tracheostomy site with a cotton swab and replace the gauze with a new one. | Prototype Fabrication | 1. The proportion between the tracheostomy tube and the product 2. Prototype demonstration 3. Gauze color change experiment 4. Electromechanical structure exploded view

How it is different

| Nursing Timeline | Original: 1. The nursing staff replaces the dressing and cleans around the tracheostomy site daily 2. Patient experiences tracheostomy site leakage 3. The nursing staff neglects to replace the dressing 4. Patient experiences tracheostomy tube obstruction 5. Nursing staff delays the detection of the obstruction With TrachCare Intervention: 1. The nursing staff replaces the dressing and cleans around the tracheostomy site daily 2. Patient experiences tracheostomy site leakage 3. TrachCare detects the leakage in time 4. Patient experiences tracheostomy tube obstruction 5. TrachCare detects the obstruction in time

Future plans

| Value | Sound and light alerts enable the timely detection of tracheostomy tube obstruction and dislodgement. Gauze color change helps to identify leakage and enhance care promptly. Reduced nursing costs and complications for patients. | Future Development Plan | TrachCare has completed model prototyping, gauze color-change testing, and electromechanical structure planning. The next phase will involve preclinical testing, including sensor accuracy, gauze color-change response time, and safety evaluations. We will also collaborate with medical professionals to gather user feedback and optimize the design interface and workflow.

Awards

2025 Red Dot Award: Design Concept - Winner 2025 Core77 Design Awards - Student Notable 2025 IDEA Design Award - Finalist 2025 Spark Design Awards – Finalist