Visual oral tracheal intubation auxiliary device

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of medical instruments, and discloses a visual oral tracheal intubation auxiliary device which comprises a tracheal catheter, a guide wire, a head functional assembly and a rear end functional assembly. The guide wire is detachably arranged in an inner cavity of the tracheal catheter and extends in the axial direction of the tracheal catheter. The head functional component is arranged at the front end of the guide wire. According to the endotracheal tube, the guide wire is detachably arranged in the inner cavity of the endotracheal tube and extends in the axial direction of the inner cavity of the endotracheal tube, and the illumination module and the micro camera are integrated in the head functional assembly at the front end of the guide wire, so that an operator can obtain real-time images in the intubation process, and the imaging effect in the dark light environment is improved through annular supplementary lighting; the head functional assembly is sealed and packaged through the protective sleeve, and a hydrophobic coating is selectively arranged, so that the influence of secretions and a humid environment on image acquisition and device reliability is reduced, and the visibility in the intubation process and the use stability of the device are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a visual endotracheal intubation aid device. Background Technology

[0002] Endotracheal intubation is an important means of establishing an airway in anesthesia, emergency care, and critical care. In clinical practice, it is often guided by an endotracheal tube and a guidewire. To improve the ability to observe the airway structure during intubation, existing technologies have developed solutions that integrate lighting and imaging components into the tip of the guidewire or related guiding devices. The airway image is displayed on a screen to assist the operator in positioning and advancing the tube.

[0003] A search revealed that the invention with publication number CN216629363U discloses an auxiliary guidewire for visual endotracheal intubation. It has a camera and a display unit at the front end of the guidewire / connector, which allows the operator to observe the internal structure of the airway to assist in intubation, improve the success rate of intubation and reduce the occurrence of accidental intubation into the esophagus.

[0004] A search revealed that US20110160537A1 discloses a guidewire with a camera device for use with an endotracheal tube. The guidewire acquires images through an image acquisition unit and displays them through a display unit to improve the visualization of the intubation process.

[0005] In addition, publication number WO2011068741 discloses a device for sensing the position of a tracheal tube, which sets a sensing component on the tube and outputs a signal related to the distance to the surrounding structure to distinguish the location of the sensor in different locations such as the oral cavity, trachea or bronchus.

[0006] However, the aforementioned visual guidewire solutions mainly rely on single video imaging for judgment. During the critical stage of intubation, they are often affected by epiglottis obstruction, secretion adhesion, and momentary loss of field of vision, making it difficult to confirm in real time and stably whether the tube has passed through the glottis and entered the tracheal lumen. On the other hand, positioning solutions that rely solely on external or single sensing methods may lack the ability to provide real-time guidance by combining the posture of the intubation tip and the spatial relationship near the glottis. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (a) Technical problems to be solved To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device, which solves the problems of unstable field of view and difficulty in real-time and reliable confirmation of whether the tip of the guidewire has passed through the glottis and entered the tracheal lumen due to the easy obstruction and secretion of the existing visual intubation guidewire in the glottic region.

[0008] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions.

[0009] A visual endotracheal intubation aid includes an endotracheal tube, a guidewire, a head functional component, and a rear functional component. The guidewire is detachably disposed within the lumen of the endotracheal tube and extends axially along the endotracheal tube. The head functional component is located at the front end of the guidewire and includes a protective sleeve and an illumination module, a miniature camera, a radio frequency module, an ultrasound module, a vibration module, and a gravity sensor disposed within the protective sleeve. The rear functional component is located at the rear end of the guidewire and includes a signal transmission interface and a switch component. The signal transmission interface is used to output the image signal from the miniature camera and / or the detection signal from the radio frequency module, the ultrasound module, and the gravity sensor to an external display or processing device. The switch component is used to control the activation and deactivation of the vibration module and / or the illumination module.

[0010] In one embodiment, the protective sleeve is a sealed and waterproof structure, which seals and encapsulates the lighting module, miniature camera, radio frequency module, ultrasonic module, vibration module, and gravity sensor within the head functional components.

[0011] Preferably, the outer surface of the protective cover has a hydrophobic coating to reduce the impact of secretions on the imaging of the miniature camera.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lighting module is arranged in a ring around the miniature camera to provide supplemental lighting for the camera's shooting direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, a partition is provided within the head functional component to structurally isolate the radio frequency module from the ultrasound module in order to reduce electromagnetic interference between the two.

[0014] In one embodiment, the radio frequency module includes at least one pair of electrodes connected to an external circuit for detecting changes in the dielectric properties of tissue surrounding the head functional components and outputting a corresponding detection signal.

[0015] Preferably, the ultrasonic module includes a miniature ultrasonic transducer array for emitting ultrasonic waves and receiving echoes to output a distance-dependent detection signal.

[0016] In one embodiment, the vibration module is a miniature vibration motor, and the switching assembly is used to control the miniature vibration motor to operate in at least one of the pulse vibration mode and the continuous vibration mode.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a gravity sensor is used to acquire the attitude information of the head functional components and output an attitude detection signal. The attitude detection signal is output to an external display or processing device via a signal transmission interface to form directional guidance information.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the signal transmission interface is a wired interface and / or a wireless communication interface. The wired interface is electrically connected to the head functional components through a wire in the guide wire, and the wireless communication interface is used for wireless data transmission with an external display or processing device.

[0019] (III) Beneficial Effects This invention provides a visual endotracheal intubation aid device. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages: By detachably placing the guidewire inside the endotracheal tube and extending it axially, an illumination module and a miniature camera are integrated into the head functional component at the tip of the guidewire. This allows the operator to obtain real-time images during intubation. Ring lighting improves imaging in low-light environments. The head functional component is sealed with a protective sleeve and optionally equipped with a hydrophobic coating to reduce the impact of secretions and humid environments on image acquisition and device reliability, thereby improving visibility during intubation and the stability of the device.

[0020] The head functional component integrates a radio frequency module, an ultrasound module, and a gravity sensor. The radio frequency module detects changes in the dielectric properties of surrounding tissues through electrodes and outputs detection signals. The ultrasound module outputs distance-related detection signals through a miniature ultrasound transducer array. The gravity sensor outputs attitude detection signals. The above multi-source detection signals are output to external display or processing devices through the signal transmission interface of the back-end functional component and can be presented intuitively using status bars, bar indicators, indicator lights, and / or buzzer prompts.

[0021] The back-end functional components include a switch to control the start and stop of the vibration module and / or the lighting module. The vibration module is preferably a miniature vibration motor that can operate in pulse vibration and continuous vibration modes to reduce secretion adhesion, improve local exposure, or assist in propulsion. Optionally, a partition can be installed to isolate the radio frequency module from the ultrasound module to reduce electromagnetic interference and improve the stability of the detection signal. The signal transmission interface can use wired and / or wireless communication methods to enhance compatibility and operational flexibility with external display or processing devices. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention from another perspective.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the protective sleeve of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lighting module, radio frequency module, ultrasonic module, vibration module and gravity sensor of the present invention.

[0027] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 10. Head functional components; 101. Protective cover; 102. Lighting module; 103. Miniature camera; 104. Radio frequency module; 105. Ultrasonic module; 106. Vibration module; 107. Gravity sensor; 108. Partition; 20. Endotracheal tube; 201. Guide wire; 30. Back-end functional components; 301. Signal transmission interface; 302. Switch components. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are described clearly and completely. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Example 1 Reference Figure 1-4 The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device provided in this embodiment includes an endotracheal tube 20, a guidewire 201, a head functional component 10, and a rear functional component 30.

[0030] The guidewire 201 is detachably disposed in the lumen of the endotracheal tube 20 and extends along the axial direction of the endotracheal tube 20, so that the guidewire 201 can provide support, guidance and exploration capabilities for the endotracheal tube 20 during intubation; after intubation, the guidewire 201 can be withdrawn from the lumen of the endotracheal tube 20, and the endotracheal tube 20 remains in the patient's airway.

[0031] The head functional component 10 is located at the front end of the guidewire 201, and the rear functional component 30 is located at the rear end of the guidewire 201. The head functional component 10 is used for illuminating the airway environment, acquiring images, and performing multi-source detection during intubation; the rear functional component 30 is used for signal output and operator control of the functional modules.

[0032] Example 2 The head functional component 10 includes a protective cover 101 and an illumination module 102, a miniature camera 103, a radio frequency module 104, an ultrasonic module 105, a vibration module 106, and a gravity sensor 107 disposed within the protective cover 101.

[0033] The protective sleeve 101 is preferably a sealed and waterproof structure, used to seal and encapsulate the lighting module 102, miniature camera 103, radio frequency module 104, ultrasound module 105, vibration module 106 and gravity sensor 107 within the head functional component 10, so as to prevent liquids and secretions from entering during the cannulation process and affecting the reliability of electronic components; the protective sleeve 101 can be made of medical-grade transparent or semi-transparent material to ensure the imaging quality of the miniature camera 103 and facilitate the transmission of lighting light.

[0034] The illumination module 102 is used to provide supplementary light for the shooting direction of the miniature camera 103; preferably, the illumination module 102 is arranged in a ring and located around the miniature camera 103, so that the light covers the central area of ​​the camera's field of view, improving the image brightness and contrast of the glottis region, pharyngeal structure, etc.

[0035] The number and arrangement of light sources in the ring lighting module 102 can vary, for example, multiple LEDs arranged in a ring or a light guide ring structure.

[0036] The miniature camera 103 is used to acquire real-time images of the airway. It can be a high-definition camera, and its optical axis is basically consistent with the axis of the guidewire 201 or forms a preset angle, so as to observe the airway tissue structure in front of and around the guidewire 201.

[0037] The radio frequency module 104 is used to detect changes in the dielectric properties of the tissue surrounding the head functional component 10; the radio frequency module 104 includes at least a pair of electrodes, which are disposed inside the protective sleeve 101 and connected to an external circuit through wires inside the guide wire 201.

[0038] During intubation, when the environment of the head functional component 10 changes from the soft tissue area of ​​the oropharynx to the vicinity of the trachea, the impedance / dielectric related parameters collected by the electrode pair will change, and the corresponding detection signal will be output, providing a basis for determining the position of the guidewire 201 tip.

[0039] The number of electrode pairs in the radio frequency module 104 can be one or more pairs to improve detection sensitivity or anti-interference capability.

[0040] The ultrasound module 105 includes a miniature ultrasound transducer array for emitting ultrasound and receiving echoes to output distance-dependent detection signals. The ultrasound transducer array can be positioned within the head functional component 10 and directed in a preset direction in front of or to the side of the guidewire 201 to detect changes in the relative distance between the head functional component 10 and surrounding tissue structures, providing distance information for position confirmation or risk assessment during cannulation.

[0041] The number and arrangement of elements in the ultrasonic transducer array can be configured as a forward array or a lateral array according to the requirements of the detection direction.

[0042] The vibration module 106 is preferably a miniature vibration motor, used to generate micro-mechanical vibration; the vibration can be used to reduce secretion adhesion and improve the exposure of local structures when the field of vision is affected by secretions, local tissue adhesion, or airway narrowing. It can also be used as a means of tactile / motor assistance for the operator, making it easier for the tip of the guidewire 201 to pass through the local obstruction area during the advancement process.

[0043] The gravity sensor 107 is installed in the head function component 10 to acquire the attitude information of the head function component 10 and output the attitude detection signal. The attitude information may include pitch angle, roll angle or tilt angle change relative to the direction of gravity, etc., to reflect the orientation and spatial attitude of the guide wire 201 tip, and to provide a basis for the operator to adjust the orientation of the guide wire 201 tip.

[0044] To reduce electromagnetic interference and improve the stability of the detection signal, a partition 108 may be provided within the head functional component 10 to structurally isolate the radio frequency module 104 from the ultrasonic module 105. The partition 108 may be a conductive shielding material or a material with electromagnetic isolation effect. The partition 108 helps to reduce mutual interference between the radio frequency signal and the circuit of the ultrasonic module 105, reduce noise, and improve measurement accuracy.

[0045] The partition 108 can be made of metal shielding or composite material isolation structure, as long as it can isolate the radio frequency module 104 from the ultrasonic module 105 and reduce interference in the structure.

[0046] Example 3 To further improve visibility in a secretion environment, a hydrophobic coating can be provided on the outer surface of the protective cover 101 to reduce the adhesion and spread of secretions and reduce the obstruction of the imaging of the miniature camera 103.

[0047] The material, thickness, and shape of the protective sleeve 101 can be adjusted according to processing and imaging needs. The hydrophobic coating can also be achieved using different processes, as long as it can reduce the impact of secretions on imaging.

[0048] Example 4 The back-end functional component 30 includes a signal transmission interface 301 and a switch component 302.

[0049] Specifically, the signal transmission interface 301 is used to output the image signal of the miniature camera 103 and / or the detection signal of the radio frequency module 104, the ultrasonic module 105, and the gravity sensor 107 to an external display or processing device; the signal transmission interface 301 can be a wired interface and / or a wireless communication interface.

[0050] When a wired interface is used, the miniature camera 103, radio frequency module 104, ultrasonic module 105, gravity sensor 107, etc. are electrically connected to the back-end functional component 30 through the wires in the guide wire 201, and output to the external display or processing device through the wired interface; when a wireless communication interface is used, the back-end functional component 30 can wirelessly transmit data with the external display or processing device through Bluetooth or other short-range wireless communication methods to reduce cable entanglement and improve operational convenience.

[0051] The signal transmission interface 301 can be equipped with both wired and wireless modes, or one mode can be selected in different product models.

[0052] An external display or processing device is used to display the real-time image output by the miniature camera 103 and to provide visual prompts for the detection signals output by the radio frequency module 104, the ultrasonic module 105, and the gravity sensor 107. Preferably, the external display or processing device includes a display screen and a prompting component, wherein the display screen is used to display the real-time image; and the prompting component is used to provide prompts for the detection signals in the form of graphics, text, indicator lights, or sound.

[0053] Specifically, while displaying real-time images, the display screen can also display attitude prompts at the edge of the image display area or in a preset prompt area. The attitude prompts are preset direction marks or angle scale marks, used to indicate to the operator the current pitch / roll tilt direction of the guidewire 201 tip. The display screen can also be set with a status bar to display the dielectric property detection status output by the radio frequency module 104 and the distance detection status output by the ultrasonic module 105.

[0054] Furthermore, the prompt component may include at least one: Indicator light assembly: used to illuminate different indicator lights or change the flashing frequency according to the detection status of the radio frequency module 104 or the ultrasonic module 105, so as to indicate that the front end of the guide wire 201 is in a preset state; Buzzer: Used to output a prompt sound when the radio frequency module 104 detects a change in dielectric properties that reaches a preset threshold or the ultrasonic module 105 detects a change in distance that reaches a preset threshold; Vibration alert unit: installed on an external display or processing device or a handheld component connected to it, used to generate an alert vibration when a preset detection state is reached, so that the operator can receive the alert without taking their eyes off the device.

[0055] Through the above display and prompt methods, the operator can intuitively obtain prompts on the change of the tip posture of the guidewire 201 and the detection status of the radio frequency module 104 / ultrasound module 105 while watching real-time images, thus realizing operation guidance and risk reminders during the cannulation process.

[0056] The switch assembly 302 is used to control the start and stop of the vibration module 106 and / or the lighting module 102. The switch assembly 302 can be configured as a button, toggle switch, or touch switch, allowing the operator to easily turn on the lighting or start the vibration as needed during insertion. For the vibration module 106, the switch assembly 302 can also be used to control the micro vibration motor to operate in at least one of pulse vibration mode and continuous vibration mode. Pulse vibration mode: outputs vibration intermittently, used for short-term cleaning of attached secretions or relieving minor local blockages; Continuous vibration mode: Outputs vibration in a continuous manner for longer periods of exposure improvement or propulsion assistance.

[0057] The following is a brief introduction to the operating principle and method of the visual endotracheal intubation assist device proposed in this application: During endotracheal intubation, the operator first inserts the guidewire 201 into the lumen of the endotracheal tube 20, positioning the head functional component 10 distal to the endotracheal tube 20. The endotracheal tube 20, along with the guidewire 201, is then inserted orally into the patient's pharynx and advanced towards the glottis. During this advancement, the illumination module 102 provides supplemental lighting, and the miniature camera 103 captures real-time images of the airway, outputting them via the signal transmission interface 301 to an external display or processing device. The operator can then observe structures such as the epiglottis and glottis through the images.

[0058] When the field of view of the miniature camera 103 is affected by secretions or the glottis is not sufficiently exposed, the operator can activate the vibration module 106 through the switch assembly 302 to use micro-mechanical vibration to reduce the adhesion of secretions or improve the exposure of local structures, and then continue to advance or adjust the angle.

[0059] At the same time, the dielectric property related detection signal output by the radio frequency module 104, the distance related detection signal output by the ultrasonic module 105, and the attitude detection signal output by the gravity sensor 107 can be synchronously output to an external display or processing device via the signal transmission interface 301.

[0060] External display or processing equipment can simultaneously display the above detection signals and video images, or process the attitude detection signals to generate directional guidance information to prompt the operator to adjust the orientation of the front end of the guide wire 201.

[0061] By combining multi-source signals with images, the operator can still judge the changes in the environment and the direction of advancement of the guidewire 201 tip even when the field of vision is limited, thereby improving the reliability of the confirmation that the guidewire 201 / endotracheal tube 20 tip has entered the target airway area. After intubation, the guidewire 201 is withdrawn from the lumen of the endotracheal tube 20, and the endotracheal tube 20 is left in place.

[0062] In summary, compared with the prior art, the visual endotracheal intubation assist device proposed in this application has the following advantages: By detachably placing the guidewire 201 inside the endotracheal tube 20 and extending it along its axis, and integrating the lighting module 102 and the miniature camera 103 in the head functional component 10 at the front end of the guidewire 201, the operator can obtain real-time images during intubation. The imaging effect in low-light environments is improved by ring lighting. The head functional component 10 is sealed and encapsulated by the protective sleeve 101 and optionally equipped with a hydrophobic coating to reduce the impact of secretions and humid environments on image acquisition and device reliability, thereby improving visibility during intubation and the stability of device use.

[0063] The head functional component 10 integrates a radio frequency module 104, an ultrasound module 105, and a gravity sensor 107. The radio frequency module 104 detects changes in the dielectric properties of surrounding tissues through electrodes and outputs detection signals. The ultrasound module 105 outputs distance-related detection signals through a miniature ultrasound transducer array. The gravity sensor 107 outputs attitude detection signals. The above-mentioned multi-source detection signals are output to an external display or processing device through the signal transmission interface 301 of the back-end functional component 30, and can be presented intuitively using status bars, bar indicators, indicator lights, and / or buzzer prompts.

[0064] The back-end functional component 30 sets a switch component 302 to control the start and stop of the vibration module 106 and / or the lighting module 102. The vibration module 106 is preferably a miniature vibration motor and can work in pulse vibration and continuous vibration modes to reduce secretion adhesion, improve local exposure or assist propulsion.

[0065] The partition 108 structurally isolates the radio frequency module 104 from the ultrasonic module 105 to reduce electromagnetic interference and improve the stability of the detection signal; the signal transmission interface 301 can adopt wired and / or wireless communication methods to enhance compatibility and operational flexibility with external display or processing devices.

[0066] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0067] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device, characterized in that, It includes an endotracheal tube (20), a guidewire (201), a head functional component (10), and a rear functional component (30). The guidewire (201) is detachably disposed in the inner lumen of the endotracheal tube (20) and extends along the axial direction of the endotracheal tube (20); The head functional component (10) is disposed at the front end of the guide wire (201). The head functional component (10) includes a protective sleeve (101) and an illumination module (102), a miniature camera (103), a radio frequency module (104), an ultrasonic module (105), a vibration module (106), and a gravity sensor (107) disposed within the protective sleeve (101). The rear-end functional component (30) is located at the rear end of the guide wire (201), and the rear-end functional component (30) includes a signal transmission interface (301) and a switch component (302). The signal transmission interface (301) is used to output the image signal of the miniature camera (103) and / or the detection signal of the radio frequency module (104), the ultrasonic module (105), and the gravity sensor (107) to an external display or processing device, and the switch assembly (302) is used to control the start and stop of the vibration module (106) and / or the lighting module (102).

2. The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective sleeve (101) is a sealed and waterproof structure. The protective sleeve (101) seals and encapsulates the lighting module (102), miniature camera (103), radio frequency module (104), ultrasonic module (105), vibration module (106) and gravity sensor (107) in the head functional component (10).

3. The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the protective sleeve (101) has a hydrophobic coating.

4. The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lighting module (102) is arranged in a ring and located around the miniature camera (103) to provide supplementary lighting for the shooting direction of the miniature camera (103).

5. The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head functional component (10) is provided with a partition (108) that structurally isolates the radio frequency module (104) from the ultrasound module (105).

6. The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency module (104) includes at least one pair of electrodes connected to an external circuit.

7. The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ultrasonic module (105) includes a miniature ultrasonic transducer array for emitting ultrasonic waves and receiving echoes to output a distance-dependent detection signal.

8. The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration module (106) is a miniature vibration motor, and the switching assembly (302) is used to control the miniature vibration motor to work in at least one of the pulse vibration mode and the continuous vibration mode.

9. The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gravity sensor (107) is used to acquire the attitude information of the head functional component (10) and output the attitude detection signal. The attitude detection signal is output to an external display or processing device via the signal transmission interface (301) to form directional guidance information.

10. The visual endotracheal intubation auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transmission interface (301) is a wired interface and / or a wireless communication interface. The wired interface is electrically connected to the head functional component (10) through a wire in the guide wire (201). The wireless communication interface is used to transmit wireless data with an external display or processing device.

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