Yankauer Support System​

The Yankauer Support System is an assistive device designed to enable individuals with tetraplegia to independently control a Yankauer suction tool. People with tetraplegia often have little to no voluntary limb movement, requiring caregiver assistance for airway clearance. This system introduces an eye-tracking interface that allows users to control the positioning of the Yankauer with precision.
The device consists of a mechanically actuated arm that mounts to standard hospital bed frames, an eye-tracking camera, and a patient-facing display. The mounting system is secure yet removable, ensuring compatibility with clinical environments while maintaining accessibility for caregivers. Large Yankauer movements, such as moving it away from the patient, are performed manually, while fine positioning near the mouth is controlled through eye-tracking input.
The patient facing screen displays a cursor corresponding to the user’s gaze and incorporates a directional control system for intuitive movement. To enhance safety and prevent unintended motion, activation requires the user to look at an on screen control for 3 seconds; deactivation follows the same process. This deliberate control scheme ensures predictable and safe operation during use.