Guided endotracheal intubation system

Abstract

A guided tracheal intubation system using an autonomous modulated light source, outputting modulated illumination at a constant level, and externally applied to the subject's larynx region. An optical imaging system receives a video stream from within the subject's throat, including modulated illumination from the subject's trachea. A display control system performs signal processing on the modulated content of the images, and outputs frames of those images in which the intensity level of illumination from the trachea can be controlled without any need to change the illumination output from the modulated light source. The light source has no connection with the rest of the system, and need contain no more than a battery, a power supply circuit and a light source. It can therefore be of low cost and can be made disposable, such as in the form of an adhesive patch applied to the subject's neck.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the field of endotracheal intubation, especially using external illumination to assist in the positioning of the endotracheal tube in the trachea of the subject.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Endotracheal intubation is a well-known and widely used practice performed when normal ventilation of the patient's lungs may be impaired. Failure to artificially ventilate an apneic patient rapidly could result in serious brain damage or death. During patient intubation, a flexible tube, also known as an endotracheal tube, is used. A distal end of the tube is placed within the patient's trachea. The proximal end of the tube can be attached to a resuscitator bag or any other device, supporting the respiratory process. During patient intubation, there is a risk of accidental misplacement of the endotracheal tube into the esophagus. This condition can in itself cause death and disability if not quickly detected. When performing trache...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for accurately viewing and controlling the placement of an endotracheal tube, which is used to intubate patients during surgery or medical procedures. The system uses a self-powered external illumination source that provides a constant level of illumination to the neck region. The illumination is detected by an imaging system, which can adjust the apparent level of tracheal illumination to optimize the detection of the trachea. The system can automatically control the level of illumination and steer the endotracheal tube towards the trachea entrance using image data with specific illumination and contrast characteristics. The system ensures optimal detection of the trachea by maintaining the appropriate level of external illumination as the endotracheal tube is advanced down the throat. The modulated illumination is at a wavelength that can be easily transmitted through the tissues of the throat and has good sensitivity for detection. The system is simple and low-cost, making it a useful tool for medical professionals.

Problems solved by technology

Failure to artificially ventilate an apneic patient rapidly could result in serious brain damage or death.

During patient intubation, there is a risk of accidental misplacement of the endotracheal tube into the esophagus.

This condition can in itself cause death and disability if not quickly detected.

However, when using internally illuminated endoscopic images, it is often difficult for the user to identify the exact trachea location in order to ensure performing the intubation properly, especially in trauma cases, where blood and secretions may be present, and where speed may be vital.

If the level is too weak, the trachea may not be positively detectable, and if it is too strong, illumination may be collected from both the trachea and the esophagus, or light may be reflected or scattering from the surrounding tissues, thereby causing anatomical identification errors.

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