The analysis and design of a pressure-measuring syringe utilizing elastomeric bellows

Abstract

Endotracheal tube insertion requires the measurement of very low pressure. Currently, there exists no reliable method or device that is integral with the inflation syringe for measuring this pressure. Thus, a device for quickly and easily reading the pressure was created within the syringe currently used to pressurize the tube. This device takes the form of elastomeric bellows. These bellows were analyzed to determine the optimum geometry for the pressures involved in the procedure. Although no closed-form model exists for this analysis, FEA was used to obtain accurate results. Using the optimized bellows, a complete for-manufacturing design was created. This design concept has received much acclaim from the medical community and has great promise in transforming many medical procedures which require such measurement..