Intubation system, kit, and method for delivering a tracheal tube

Abstract

The present invention relates to an intubation system (10) for delivering a tracheal tube (11) to a patient's trachea. The intubation system (10) includes a laryngoscope blade (14) and a first sensor (20) configured to capture a location and / or an orientation of the laryngoscope blade (14) and / or the tracheal tube (11) and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or a manipulating member (65) configured to manipulate the tracheal tube (11). The intubation system (10) is configured to provide, based on data provided by the first sensor (20), first instructions for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade (14) to a first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient and second instructions for maneuvering the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65) to a second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient, once the laryngoscope blade (14) is in the first target position. The present invention further relates to a kit and a method for delivering a tracheal tube (11) to a patient's trachea.

Description

[0001] Intubation system, kit, and method for delivering a tracheal tube

[0002] Tracheal intubation is considered to be the worldwide gold standard to secure the airway of a patient in need of respiratory assistance. Tracheal intubation may be employed, for instance, for general anesthesia and / or in emergency medical services (EMS) and / or during intensive therapy.

[0003] In the most common state-of-the-art approach for performing a tracheal intubation, a tracheal tube is placed into the trachea of a patient while depressing the tongue with a laryngoscope and obtaining a direct line of vision onto the glottis of the patient, which forms the entrance of the trachea. Such an approach is referred to as direct laryngoscopy.

[0004] Inability to perform tracheal intubation in time and / or misplacement of the tracheal tube during the tracheal intubation procedure may result in severe morbidity or even mortality caused by asphyxia, hypoxemia, or pulmonary aspiration. Casualties occur most frequently in EMS situations where tracheal intubation is performed under difficult and stressful circumstances by users who have less experience in performing tracheal intubations.

[0005] However, anatomical factors or systemic conditions may make tracheal intubation difficult even for an experienced practitioner in a hospital setting.

[0006] Thus, alternatives to attempt to alleviate at least some of the difficulties of direct- laryngoscopic tracheal intubation have been developed, which include the use of videolaryngoscopes providing an indirect line of vision onto the glottis of the patient, referred to as indirect-laryngoscopy, and flexible endoscopes to assist the user in guiding the tracheal tube into the patient's trachea.

[0007] US 2016 / 206189 Al discloses a system which provides feedback to an operator regarding a current position of an articulating blade and / or a tracheal tube relative to an anatomical feature of the patient's oral anatomy. The operator can interpret the feedback and then adjust the position, orientation, movement, etc., of the articulating blade and / or the tracheal tube. However, disadvantages remain in the prior art which have not, or at least not sufficiently, been addressed.

[0008] For instance, the user may have difficulties applying the assistance, e.g., feedback, provided by the respective system known from the prior art. For instance, in the case of videolaryngoscopes, correct execution of the intubation process still relies mainly on the user since the user must view the video, interpret the images in the video, and determine if an adjustment is needed based on the video.

[0009] The same may apply to the feedback provided to an operator as described in US 2016 / 206189 Al. The user may have difficulties interpreting and / or applying the feedback to the laryngoscope process and the intubation process.

[0010] This can lead to long tracheal intubation procedure times, failure to complete the tracheal intubation procedure and / or mistakes during the tracheal intubation procedure, such as misplacement of the tracheal tube which may lead to severe morbidity or even mortality of the patient.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved means for delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient, in particular by at least partially improving one or more of the above-identified disadvantages.

[0012] This object is achieved by an intubation system for delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient defined by the features of claim 1. Variations and further developments are defined by the features of the dependent claims. The intubation system may be referred to as an intubation system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] The intubation system may include at least one laryngoscope blade for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient.

[0014] The intubation system may include at least one first sensor configured to capture, during operation of the intubation system, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of at least a section of the laryngoscope blade and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube. Alternatively, or additionally, the first sensor may be configured to capture, during operation of the intubation system, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of at least a section of one or more further components of the intubation system.

[0015] The intubation system may be configured to provide, based on data provided by the first sensor, one or more first instructions to the user for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade to a first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient. The first instructions for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade may include one or more instructions for applying one or more forces, e.g., one or more lifting forces, via the laryngoscope blade to the anatomy of the patient, e.g., to manipulate a morphology of the patient's anatomy. For instance, the first instructions may include one or more instructions for applying one or more forces against the patient's anatomy to lift the patient's jaw in order to open the patient's airway for the intubation. The first instructions may also include one or more instructions for applying one or more forces, via the laryngoscope blade, to at least a section of the patient's anatomy to maintain, e.g., without or only minimally moving the laryngoscope blade, one or more positions of one or more portions of the patient's anatomy.

[0016] The intubation system may be configured to provide, based on data provided by the first sensor, one or more second instructions to the user for maneuvering the tracheal tube to a second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient, once the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position.

[0017] Thus, the intubation system described herein may allow the one or more first instructions, i.e., for the laryngoscope procedure, to be provided to the user independently, or at least partially independently, from the one or more second instructions, i.e., for the intubation procedure. This may allow the user to more easily interpret and / or more easily apply the respective instruction(s) to the respective procedure. This may allow the user to focus on the respective act / procedure, i.e., maneuvering the laryngoscope blade to a first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient and then maneuvering the tracheal tube to a second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient based on the respective instructions.

[0018] This may be advantageous, since the process of delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient with a laryngoscope blade may be substantially split into at least two sub-processes. The first process may be placing the laryngoscope blade into position, i.e., the first target position, e.g., such that the patient's tongue is depressed, the epiglottis is pulled back, and / or the patient's trachea, e.g., via exposure of the laryngeal aperture, and / or vocal cords is / are exposed. Once the laryngoscope blade is in the target position, i.e., the first target position, the second process of inserting the tracheal tube into the patient's trachea may be started. Each of the above-described processes may have one or more challenges, preferably one or more challenges in each process which are independent from each other. Thus, the intubation system described herein may facilitate the process of delivering the tracheal tube to the patient's trachea by focusing on each process individually and supporting the user individually in each process.

[0019] The intubation system may be configured to sequentially provide the first instructions and second instructions. In other words, the first instructions may be provided completely to the user before the intubation system starts to provide the second instructions to the user. In this regard, the above-recited language "once the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position" may mean that the intubation system is configured to detect and / or determine that the laryngoscope blade is in the first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient. The intubation system may be configured to stop providing the first instructions and / or start providing the second instructions to the user, after the intubation system has detected and / or determined that the laryngoscope blade is in the first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient.

[0020] The intubation system may be configured to partially simultaneously provide the first instructions and second instructions to the user. In other words, a process of providing the first instructions to the user may partially overlap in time with a process of providing the second instructions to the user. For instance, the intubation system may be configured to continue providing one or more first instructions to the user, once the intubation system has started providing the second instructions to the user, e.g., in case the laryngoscope blade has intentionally and / or unintentionally been displaced from the first target position and needs to be moved back to or towards the first target position.

[0021] The "one or more further components of the intubation system" which the first sensor is configured to at least partially capture may be or include any component used while delivering the tracheal tube to the patient's trachea.

[0022] The section of the laryngoscope blade and / or the section of the tracheal tube and / or the section of the manipulating member and / or the section of the one or more further components of the intubation system, which the first sensor is configured to capture, may be any section thereof, preferably a distal section and / or a distal tip. The one or more anatomical features, which the first sensor is configured to capture, may be any anatomical feature(s) of the patient's body. For instance, the one or more anatomical features may include one or more features on the outside of the patient's body, e.g., one or more facial features, e.g., one or more features of a nose of the patient, and / or one or more features within the patient's body, e.g., an opening into the patient's trachea, one or more of the patient's vocal folds, the patient's glottis and / or epiglottis, an opening into the patient's esophagus, etc.

[0023] The intubation system may include computational circuitry configured for processing data and / or generating the first instructions and / or second instructions. Alternatively, or additionally, computational circuitry may be provided externally, i.e., not as a part of the intubation system, e.g., in at least one external computing device.

[0024] The first sensor is preferably an optical sensor and the data provided by the sensor is preferably image data relating to the captured section(s) and / or captured anatomical feature(s).

[0025] The tracheal tube may be configured as any type of catheter that is insertable into a patient's trachea for the primary purpose of establishing and maintaining a patent airway. For instance, the tracheal tube may be an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy tube, and / or a tracheal button.

[0026] The first sensor may be attached to the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member. The first sensor may be arranged at and / or on a distal tip, preferably a most distal tip, of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member.

[0027] The first sensor may be included by and / or may be configured as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and / or at least one load cell.

[0028] The first sensor may be configured to provide visual data, preferably a live video-feed, of the captured section(s) of the laryngoscope blade and / or tracheal tube and / or manipulating member and / or one or more further components of the intubation system and / or one or more anatomical features. The visual data may be displayed on at least one display. The first instructions and / or the second instructions may be any type of information which is based on data provided by the first sensor and which can be provided to the user in a manner, e.g., audibly, visually, and / or haptically, such that the user can perceive the respective instructions in order to apply the instructions. For example, the first instructions and / or the second instructions may include at least one command for moving, or further moving, the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, and / or at least at least one command for reducing, e.g., stopping, movement of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member.

[0029] Alternatively, or additionally, the first instructions and / or the second instructions may include at least one command for moving one or more sections of the patient's body, e.g., into a better and / or optimal position for performing the procedures. Alternatively, or additionally, the second instructions may include at least one command for articulating at least a section of the manipulating member, such as articulating at least one bendable section of the manipulating member, e.g., to move towards and / or reach the second target position.

[0030] The first instructions and / or the second instructions may include at least one warning that maneuvering the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member is being performed incorrectly and / or at least one confirmation that maneuvering the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member is being performed correctly and / or the respective target position has been reached.

[0031] The tracheal tube may include at least one scale, preferably a visible scale, associated with, e.g., attached to, at least a section of the tracheal tube, e.g., for determining a depth in which the tracheal tube is inserted in the patient's body, e.g., relative to the second target position. The scale may include, e.g., one or more fiducial markings and / or at least one color-coding. The first sensor may be configured to at least partially capture the scale, when the tracheal tube, and thus the scale, is at least partially within the patient's body. The first instructions and / or the second instructions may further include at least one warning that the tracheal tube has been positioned too deep in the patient's body, e.g., past the second target position.

[0032] The intubation system may be configured to generate the first instructions and / or the second instructions, preferably individually and / or based on one or more predetermined instructions. The first instructions and / or the second instructions may be provided, and optionally generated, based on one or more criteria based on the data provided by the first sensor, e.g., when one or more features, preferably predetermined features, of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the patient's anatomy and / or one or more further components of the intubation system are detected and / or not detected by the intubation system. The predetermined instructions may be one or more instructions stored in at least one accessible memory.

[0033] The manipulating member may be included by the intubation system. The manipulating member may be configured to receive the tracheal tube by arranging, e.g., sliding, the tracheal tube at least partially over the manipulating member. The tracheal tube may at least partially substantially follow the shape of the manipulating member when the tracheal tube is received by the manipulating member. The manipulating member may include at least one bendable section configured to be bent in at least one degree of freedom, preferably at least two degrees of freedom, more preferably at least three degrees of freedom. The manipulating member may be configured to manipulate at least a section of the tracheal tube by manipulating at least a section of the manipulating member, preferably by bending the manipulating member at one or more bendable sections of the manipulating member. The manipulating member may be configured as a fiberoptic endoscope and / or a stylet.

[0034] The manipulating member may include at least one angulation wire configured to bend the manipulating member at at least one bendable section in at least one degree of freedom. Movement, e.g., bending, of the angulation wire may be controlled by the user, e.g., manually, and / or by providing one or more inputs to at least one input device which is operatively connected or operatively connectable to the angulation wire. For instance, the angulation wire may be moved by one or more actuators which may be controllable by the user and / or the angulation wire may be configured to be moved manually by operating one or more manual control elements, e.g., one or more angulation control knobs.

[0035] The intubation system may include at least one control unit configured to at least partially automatically manipulate the manipulating member, preferably based at least partially on data provided by the first sensor.

[0036] The intubation system may be configured to determine and / or indicate to the user that the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position and / or that the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member is substantially in the second target position. This may allow the user to at least partially rely on the intubation system for determining and / or indicating that the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position and / or that the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member is / are substantially in the second target position. This may provide (further) assistance to the user during the process of delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient. The intubation system may be configured to instruct the user to begin the intubation process, e.g., by advancing the tracheal tube, once the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position, e.g., when at least one vocal fold of the patient is visible and / or an opening to the patient's trachea is visible and / or open by a certain extent, e.g., percentage. For instance, the intubation system may apply one or more algorithms, e.g., based on artificial intelligence and / or Deep Learning, e.g., based on raw output from the artificial intelligence, to determine at least one view and / or at least one image captured by the first sensor based on which the laryngoscopy process is considered to be completed.

[0037] Alternatively, or additionally, the user may determine and / or confirm that the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position and / or that the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member is / are substantially in the second target position. The intubation system may include at least one input device configured to receive at least one input, e.g., at least one confirmation, from the user that the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position and / or that the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member is / are substantially in the second target position.

[0038] The intubation system may be configured to determine and / or indicate, to the user, at least one degree of progress of maneuvering the laryngoscope blade to the first target position and / or at least one degree of progress of maneuvering the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member to the second target position. In other words, the intubation system may be configured to determine and / or indicate a status of the laryngoscopy procedure and / or a status of the intubation procedure.

[0039] The first target position may be a predetermined position and / or the second target position may be a predetermined position. For example, the first target position and / or the second target position may be a predetermined relative position, e.g., a position relative to an anatomy of the patient, respectively. Alternatively, or additionally, the first target position and / or the second target position is / are determined based on artificial intelligence. Preferably, the intubation system is configured, based on artificial intelligence, to determine that the first target position and / or the second target position has / have been reached, respectively.

[0040] The intubation system may be configured to switch from a laryngoscopy mode, in which the first instructions for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade to the first target position are provided, to an intubation mode, in which the second instructions for maneuvering the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member to the second target position are provided, preferably once the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position. "Switching" from the laryngoscopy mode to the intubation mode preferably means that a different set of instructions are provided, i.e., that the first instructions for the laryngoscope procedure are provided in the laryngoscopy mode and are at least partially, preferably completely, replaced by the second instructions for the intubation procedure in the intubation mode.

[0041] The intubation system may be configured to automatically switch from the laryngoscopy mode to the intubation mode. Alternatively, or additionally, the intubation system may be configured to require at least one user input, e.g., at least one confirmation, before switching from the laryngoscopy mode to the intubation mode.

[0042] Alternatively, or additionally, the intubation system may be configured to switch from the intubation mode to the laryngoscopy mode.

[0043] The intubation system may be configured to generate and indicate, to the user, one or more warnings, when the user deviates from a target location and / or a target orientation and / or a target insertion path of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member in the patient, preferably by a predetermined degree of deviation. The "target location" and / or "target orientation" may include any location or orientation, respectively, along the way to and / or at the first target position and / or second target position, respectively.

[0044] The intubation system may include at least one user interface having at least one manual input device configured to receive manual input commands from a user. The manual input device may include at least one button and / or at least one switch and / or at least one touch screen and / or at least one joystick for receiving manual input commands from a user.

[0045] The intubation system may include at least one display. The intubation system may be configured to show, based on data provided by the first sensor, at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or at least a section of the laryngoscope blade and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube and / or at least a section of the manipulating member, during operation of the intubation system.

[0046] For example, the user interface may be integrated in the display, e.g., by configuring the display as a touch screen.

[0047] The intubation system may be configured to display, on the display, at least one target index, which represents at least one target location and / or at least one target orientation of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, and at least one actual index, which represents at least one actual location and / or at least one actual orientation of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member. The actual location and / or actual orientation refers to a current physical location and / or a current physical orientation of the of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, respectively. This may simplify the manner in which information is conveyed to the user, e.g., to allow the user to more easily interpret the information.

[0048] The intubation system may be configured to display the target index and / or the actual index in an abstracted manner, e.g., by using one or more relatively simple geometric shapes, e.g., one or more points. For example, the target index and the actual index may each be displayed as a point, wherein the point of the actual index is moved on the display in accordance with the actual movement of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, e.g., based on data provided by the sensor(s). The user thus may determine that the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member is / are being brought closer to or further away from the respective target position based on the location of the actual index relative to the target index, e.g., based on a distance between the actual index relative and the target index.

[0049] The intubation system may be configured to overlay information, on the display, over at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or at least a section of the laryngoscope blade and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube and / or at least a section of the manipulating member, during operation of the intubation system. The information may be provided for instructive purposes and / or warning purposes. The information may correspond to and / or represent the first instructions and / or the second instructions. The information may be any of at least one arrow, at least one text, at least one symbol, and any type of index which can be perceived by the user. This may allow the user to see a visualization of the laryngoscopy procedure and / or the intubation procedure and the information on the same display. Alternatively, or additionally, the information may include information on or about one or more anatomical features of the patient, in particular an indication of a position of the one or more anatomical features. The anatomical features may include one or more of the following: a vallecula, a vocal fold, a tracheal opening, and an esophagus. This may aid the user in detecting and / or recognizing the one or more anatomical features, in particular a position of the one or more anatomical features relative to at least a section of the intubation system, e.g., the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube.

[0050] The intubation system may be configured to provide the first instructions and / or second instructions to the user by one or more of the following: visually, acoustically, and haptically. For example, the first instructions and / or second instructions may be provided to the user via one or more speakers and / or via one or more displays and / or via at least one resistance and / or at least one vibration, e.g., on at least one gripping portion of the intubation system configured to be gripped by the user.

[0051] The intubation system may be configured to apply one or more algorithms, preferably one or more heuristic algorithms, to data provided by the first sensor and generate the first instructions and / or second instructions based at least partially thereon. The algorithms may include one or more image recognition algorithms, e.g., to detect and / or classify one or more anatomical features of the patient. The algorithms may include one or more heuristic algorithms. The algorithms may use methods such as raw memory storage, moving array of detections, time series filtering of detections, and / or Deep Learning.

[0052] The intubation system may be configured, e.g., by means of the one or more algorithms, to recognize whether one or more components of the intubation system, e.g., the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, are arranged inside (or outside) of the patient's body and / or in, or at least near, one or more regions within the patient's body, e.g., near an opening to the patient's trachea and / or an opening to the patient's esophagus.

[0053] The intubation system may include at least one second sensor configured and arranged to capture one or more anatomical features of a face of the patient, preferably a nose of the patient. The intubation system may be configured to provide the first instructions and / or second instructions based at least partially on data provided by the second sensor. The intubation system may use the anatomical feature(s) of the patient's face as an anchor and / or signal for determining a status of the laryngoscopy procedure, e.g., a current position of the laryngoscope blade, and / or a status of the intubation status, e.g., a current position of the tracheal tube. The second sensor may be configured and arranged to face away from the patient's trachea and / or the patient's oral cavity and / or the first sensor, when the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube is / are being advanced into the patient's body. In other words, the second sensor may be configured and arranged to face in a direction which is substantially opposite from a direction of advancing the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube into the patient's body and / or from a field of detection of the first sensor. In other words, the second sensor may be configured as a backward-facing sensor, e.g., a backward-facing optical sensor, e.g., camera, and the first sensor may be a forward -fa ci ng sensor.

[0054] The first sensor and / or the second sensor may be configured and arranged such that an angle between a direction of detection of the first sensor and a direction of detection of the second sensor is at least 90°, preferably at least 110°, more preferably at least 130°, more preferably at least 150°, more preferably at least 170°, more preferably substantially 180°.

[0055] The second sensor may be configured and arranged to capture, and preferably detect and / or classify and / or recognize, one or more facial features, in particular one or more features of a nose and / or teeth and / or lips and / or mouth, of the patient.

[0056] The second sensor may be attached to the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member. The second sensor may be arranged at and / or on a distal tip, preferably a most distal tip, of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member.

[0057] The intubation system may include at least one communication unit configured to communicatively connect to at least one external data storage and / or data processing unit. The communication unit may be configured to communicate with the external data storage and / or data processing unit via a wireless medium, e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, 5G, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, the communication unit may be configured to communicate with the external data storage and / or data processing unit via a hard connection, e.g., at least one cable.

[0058] The external data storage and / or data processing unit may be included by the intubation system. Alternatively, the external data storage and / or data processing unit may not be considered to be part of the intubation system.

[0059] The intubation system may include at least one power storage unit configured to supply one or more components of the intubation system with power. The power storage unit may include one or more batteries, preferably one or more batteries which have a relatively high capacity and / or which are rechargeable.

[0060] The intubation system may be configured to reduce a power consumption of one or more components of the intubation system and / or one or more components which are configured to cooperate and / or communicate with at least one component of the intubation system according to one or more of the following criteria: when at least one extent, e.g., a frequency, of the first instructions and / or the second instructions is reduced; when an amount of data from the first sensor and / or second sensor is reduced; when at least one extent, e.g., a frequency, of processing of the data from the first sensor and / or second sensor is reduced; when at least one extent of movement, e.g., a speed, of one or more components, preferably at least the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, is reduced; when one or more anatomical features of the patient are detected or are not detected; and when the user activates a reduced power consumption mode of the intubation system.

[0061] The intubation system may be configured to perform and / or trigger one or more measures for reducing the power consumption, preferably by means of at least one control unit, if and / or after one or more criteria, preferably one or more of the above-recited criteria, are met. For example, the intubation system may be configured to adjust at least one processing frequency at which data, e.g., data from the first sensor and / or second sensor, is processed.

[0062] The intubation system may include one or more input device for triggering one or more measures for reducing the power consumption. For example, the intubation system may include one or more control devices, e.g., one or more buttons, for activating and / or deactivating one or more functions of the intubation system, e.g., for activating and / or deactivating artificial intelligence.

[0063] The intubation system may include at least one movement sensor configured to detect at least one movement of one or more components of the intubation system, preferably the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member. The movement sensor may be configured as and / or included by an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The intubation system may include the tracheal tube. Alternatively, the tracheal tube may not be considered to be a component of the intubation system.

[0064] The present disclosure also relates to a kit which may include at least one intubation system according to any of the embodiments described herein and at least one external data receiving and processing unit communicatively connectable to the intubation system and configured to receive and process data received by the intubation system and / or send data to the intubation system.

[0065] The present disclosure also relates to an intubation system for delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient according to a second aspect of the present disclosure. The intubation system may include at least one laryngoscope blade for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient. The intubation system may include at least one first sensor. The first sensor may be configured to capture, during operation of the intubation system, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of: at least a section of the laryngoscope blade, and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube; and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient, and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube. The features, embodiments, and advantages, as disclosed herein, e.g., above and / or below and / or with respect to the intubation system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, apply or may apply to the intubation system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0066] The features described below may apply to the intubation system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and / or the intubation system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0067] The intubation system may include a plurality of the at least one laryngoscope blade. The laryngoscope blades may differ in at least one physical feature, preferably in a shape and / or a size of the laryngoscope blades and / or one or more dimensions of the laryngoscope blades. The laryngoscope blades may be interchangeably mountable to a mounting interface of the intubation system. This may allow a suitable and / or more suitable laryngoscope blade to be selected, e.g., depending on the patient and / or an anatomy of the patient.

[0068] The intubation system may include a mounting interface configured to interchangeably operably couple with any laryngoscope blade of a plurality of different laryngoscope blades. The laryngoscope blades may differ in at least one physical feature, preferably in a shape and / or a size of the laryngoscope blades and / or one or more dimensions of the laryngoscope blades. This may provide the user with a selection of different laryngoscope blades which may allow a suitable laryngoscope blade to be selected, e.g., depending on the patient and / or an anatomy of the patient. For instance, the user may choose the laryngoscope blade depending on various factors and / or characteristics, e.g., of the patient, including patient age, patient size, comorbidities of the patient, etc.

[0069] The intubation system may be configured to detect when and / or whether one of the laryngoscope blades has been mounted to the mounting interface and / or which laryngoscope blade of the plurality of laryngoscope blades has been mounted to the mounting interface. Alternatively, or additionally, this feature may be implemented for any device, e.g., a fibreoptic endoscope, etc., which may be mounted and / or mountable to the intubation system. This may provide a means of automatic detection of the mounted device, e.g., laryngoscope blade. This may facilitate the laryngoscopy procedure, e.g., to determine whether a suitable or the most suitable laryngoscope blade for a particular procedure and / or patient is mounted and / or being applied. Moreover, this may allow the intubation system to select a certain and / or suitable Artificial Intelligence (Al) model from a plurality of different Al models, e.g., for generating and / or providing instructions, e.g., the first instructions and / or the second instructions, to the user. Furthermore, this may reduce the risk of mistakes during the laryngoscopy procedure and / or the intubation procedure.

[0070] In particular, the intubation system may be configured to apply an automated detection algorithm, e.g., an Al algorithm, which preferably uses a video feed of the respective device, e.g., laryngoscope blade, which is mounted to the intubation system, e.g., to determine which device, e.g., laryngoscope blade, is mounted. The intubation system may be configured to, once the device, e.g., the laryngoscope blade, has been determined, apply an Al algorithm and generate and / or provide the instructions associated with the determined and / or detected device, e.g., the laryngoscope blade.

[0071] The configuration described above may be implemented as follows, as an example:

[0072] 1. Connection detection: The intubation system may detect when a new device e.g., laryngoscope blade, is connected and / or mounted to the intubation system. 2. Initial device verification: The intubation system may then take a raw video feed from the connected device to sample incoming frames of the raw video feed. These frames may be processed by an Al algorithm to predict which classification of device it fits in.

[0073] 3. Repeat detection until statistical certainty: The intubation system may keep track of which device was predicted by step 2 until the history of predictions reaches a point, e.g., a predetermined point, of statistical certainty.

[0074] 4. Turn off the Al algorithm and / or a processor, which is configured to apply the Al algorithm, until a further device is connected to the intubation system. Once a statistical certainty is reached, the intubation system may stop running and / or applying the Al algorithm until it detects that a new device is connected to the intubation system.

[0075] The intubation system may include at least one processor configured to perform and / or run an Al algorithm, e.g., the Al algorithm described above and / or any Al algorithm described herein.

[0076] One or more components may be removably mountable to one or more mounting interfaces of the intubation system. Preferably, the intubation system is configured to detect when and / or whether at least one of the one or more components is mounted to the mounting interface. This may provide a means of automatic detection of the one or more components, e.g., to ensure that all required components are mounted and / or to determine whether the most suitable component(s) for a particular procedure and / or patient is / are being applied.

[0077] The intubation system may be configured to detect one or more characteristics of the laryngoscope blade and / or of one or more components of the intubation system which are attachable to, and optionally removable from, the intubation system.

[0078] The one or more characteristics may include one or more of the following: a type or class of the laryngoscope blade or the component, one or more dimensions of the laryngoscope blade or the component, or a suitability of the laryngoscope blade or the component for a particular procedure and / or a particular patient.

[0079] The intubation system may be configured to detect the one or more characteristics based on an image or video, preferably a live image or live video feed, of the laryngoscope blade and / or the respective component, preferably wherein the image or video, preferably live image or live video feed, is generated based on data provided by the first sensor. The intubation system may be configured to detect the one or more characteristics based on the image or video, preferably the live image or live video feed, by applying at least one algorithm, preferably at least one Artificial Intelligence algorithm.

[0080] The one or more components may include one or more fiberoptics and / or one or more stylets.

[0081] The intubation system may be configured to determine and / or select the first instructions and / or the second instructions, preferably from a plurality of different sets of first instructions and / or second instructions, and / or adapt the first instructions and / or the second instructions, depending on the detected characteristic(s).

[0082] The intubation system may be configured to generate, after the user has performed an intubation process by means of the intubation system, a rating and / or a report of a performance by the user during the intubation process and generate feedback to the user which includes and / or is based on the rating and / or report. This may allow to automatically provide a report on how the laryngoscopy procedure and / or intubation procedure was / were performed after the procedure(s) have taken place. The intubation system may be configured to communicate the report with the user either by saving files, e.g., in a storage device of the intubation system and / or an external storage device, or by displaying the report, e.g., on a display of the intubation system, e.g., directly after the procedure. The intubation system may be configured to visually and / or acoustically and / or haptically communicate the report to the user. This may improve the efficacy of the laryngoscopy procedure and / or intubation procedure. Practices in the prior art rely heavily on experienced users to provide feedback either in person or through video reports, which is resource-intensive and limits the frequency and availability of such feedback. An automated performance reporting may enhance learning, reduce errors, and improve patient outcomes, in particular by providing immediate and / or consistent feedback.

[0083] The intubation system may be configured to record procedural data, identify one or more performance metrics, and / or provide feedback on aspects that involve patient risk.

[0084] The configuration described above may be implemented as follows, as an example:

[0085] 1. Data processing: The intubation system may process incoming data from one or more sensors, in particular one or more image sensors, e.g., the first sensor, and extract information from patient anatomy detected by the one or more sensors and information and / or one or more warnings generated by an Al algorithm based on the data.

[0086] 2. Real time performance analysis: The intubation system may save a list of detected mistakes and accomplishments of the laryngoscopy procedure and / or intubation procedure, in particular as the events occur, including when the events took place. The list may be continuously updated as the procedure goes on. The list may include:

[0087] • time to tracheal intubation,

[0088] • number of attempts,

[0089] • a percentage of glottal opening,

[0090] • esophageal intubations,

[0091] • visualization grade,

[0092] • respect for tissue,

[0093] • flow of procedure,

[0094] • etc.

[0095] 3. Detection of the end of the procedure: The intubation system may detect, based on previous events, when the laryngoscopy procedure and / or intubation procedure has / have been successfully completed (e.g., the intubation system may detect that the tracheal tube entered the trachea of the patient, then the intubation system may detect that the devices are currently outside of the patient, indicating that the procedure is completed.)

[0096] 4. Saving the performance report: The intubation system may then compile and save the performance report from the real time performance analysis, e.g., in a format unique for each specific attempt, which may include the appropriate metadata including the patient, user, and system information, if available. This report may be accessible to the user at any time.

[0097] 5. Display the performance report: The intubation system may display, to the user, the performance report after the detection of completion of the laryngoscopy procedure and / or intubation procedure. This may be a new window or field that is displayed on a display of the intubation system. This may also include viewing older or multiple reports from previous procedures and giving a comparison and statistical analysis of all procedures, to evaluate performance over time.

[0098] The rating may be based on a deviation and / or compliance of the performance by the user from and / or with the first instructions and / or the second instructions. The rating may be based on one or more of the following: a time to tracheal intubation, a number of attempts of tracheal intubation, a percentage of glottal opening (POGO), a number of esophageal intubations, a visualization grade, a respect for tissue, a flow of procedure, and a patient risk during the user's performance.

[0099] The intubation system may be configured to predict a position of one or more anatomical features of the patient, e.g., a position of an opening to the patient's trachea, and / or one or more medical instruments, e.g., one or more medical instruments being employed with and / or by the intubation system, which are not or not entirely or not yet (entirely) detected or detectable, in particular optically detected or detectable, by the intubation system, in particular by a sensor, e.g., the first sensor, of the intubation system. In other words, the intubation system may be configured to predict a position of one or more anatomical features of the patient which are obstructed from view of the intubation system, e.g., from a field of view of a sensor, e.g., the first sensor, of the intubation system. This may allow to predict and / or estimate where anatomical features and / or medical devices, e.g., one or airway management tools, are (e.g., approximately are), even when they are not or not yet visible or fully visible, e.g., when the anatomical features are partially or fully obstructed.

[0100] When performing laryngoscopy and intubation, the ability of the user to accurately localize anatomical features is crucial for successful outcomes. Visualization of key anatomical landmarks, such as the vallecula, tracheal opening, and esophageal opening, may guide the user in properly positioning the laryngoscope blade, tracheal tube, and / or any other airway management tools which may be essential to secure the airway and ensure patient safety. Many comorbidities and user errors may result in a difficult airway, which is often characterized by limited or obstructed views of the patient's anatomical features. Such conditions may cause the user to misunderstand and / or misinterpret the patient's anatomy, leading to failed intubation attempts and increased risks of patient morbidity and mortality. Situations like these may cause the user to panic, freeze, and / or overly focus on obtaining a clear view, detracting from their overall performance and potentially compromising patient safety. Thus, the configuration described above may alleviate one or more of these issues. This predictive guidance may help orient the user, reduce anxiety, and maintain focus on the overall procedure.

[0101] The intubation system may be configured to continuously refine its predictive model(s) based on real time partial and / or full detections of the target anatomies, which may improve accuracy and / or reliability over time. The intubation system may be configured to overlay predicted target anatomies, e.g., the vallecula, vocal fold, tracheal opening, and esophagus, on a video feed.

[0102] The configuration described above may be implemented as follows, as an example:

[0103] 1. Data processing: The intubation system may process the incoming data from the sensor(s), e.g., image sensor(s), and extract information from the patient anatomical features and classifications of possible patient conditions that may indicate a difficult intubation.

[0104] 2. Predictive modeling from fully obstructed target anatomies: The intubation system may take the real time anatomical features and comorbidities and use these to predict the locations of the target anatomies. These prediction metrics may be stored internally in the intubation system.

[0105] 3. Predictive modeling from partially obstructed target anatomies: The intubation system may take the real time information of step 2, and if any of the target anatomies become partially visible during the procedure, the intubation system may update its prediction metrics to match the current input and the intubation system may further predict the location of the whole target anatomy based on the partial view of the target anatomy.

[0106] 4. Updating predictive modeling with unobstructed target anatomies: The intubation system may take information from steps 2 and 3, and if the user acquires a fully unobstructed view of the target anatomies, the intubation system may further update its prediction metrics to match the current input.

[0107] 5. Visual Overlay: The intubation system may take the prediction outputs from steps 2-4, and visually display the prediction outputs to the user via a display of the intubation system.

[0108] According to a further aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any of the intubation systems described above, the intubation system may be configured to detect one or more anatomical features of a manikin and correlate the detected anatomical features of the manikin with one or more anatomical features of a human which correspond to the one or more anatomical features of the manikin. The intubation system may be configured to display an image of the one or more anatomical features of the human to the user, when the intubation system detects the one or more anatomical features of the manikin which are correlated to the anatomical features of the human. This may allow to simulate realistic views of anatomy while the user is performing the laryngoscopy procedure and / or intubation procedure on the manikin.

[0109] In other words, the intubation system may detect and localize the anatomical features of the manikin, then overlay realistic images of human anatomy based on those detected features. This may allow to simulate one or more obstructions, such as trauma, blood, mucus, fog, and vomitus, to mimic challenging clinical conditions. Effective training is crucial for medical professionals performing laryngoscopy and intubation procedures. Manikin models are widely used for training purposes due to the realistic tactile feel of the tissue and procedure, but they often lack the realistic visual feedback necessary to fully prepare users for actual clinical conditions. State of the art manikins provide realistic anatomical features and may simulate comorbidities to difficult intubations with actuators, pumps, liquids, and control circuitry. The high cost of advanced manikin models limits their adoption, making them inaccessible to many training programs. Furthermore, the materials used in these manikins are often fragile, reducing the number of uses and requiring frequent replacements. Additionally, the variety of simulated environments that these manikins offer may be limited, which may restrict the scope of training scenarios available to users. Thus, the above-described configuration may offer a more cost-effective alternative to practicing laryngoscopy procedures and / or intubation procedures on more advanced and sophisticated manikins, which may increase accessibility to high-quality training. By providing more realistic and varied training scenarios, this feature improves the training experience and better prepares medical professionals for real-life procedures.

[0110] The configuration described above may be implemented as follows, as an example:

[0111] 1. Choosing training scenario: The user may choose from a variety of training scenarios.

[0112] 2. Data processing: The intubation system may process incoming data from one or more sensors, e.g., one or more image sensors, e.g., the first sensor, of the intubation system and extract information from the manikin anatomical features detected by the sensor(s).

[0113] 3. Generating human image: The intubation system may use one or more algorithms, e.g., one or more Al algorithms, for generating the realistic human anatomy dependent on the chosen training scenario and the outputs from the data processing. Generating these images may include methods such as:

[0114] • generative Al models,

[0115] • stable diffusion Al models,

[0116] • overlaying pre-saved images on segmented manikin anatomy,

[0117] • and / or using the chosen training scenario, detections, and localizations of the manikin anatomical features as a conditional control for any of the previous methods.

[0118] 4. Visual Overlay: The intubation system may take the outputs from step 3, and visually display the generated human image to the user via a display of the intubation system.

[0119] The intubation system may be configured to show, on a display, at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the manikin, preferably based on data provided by the first sensor. The intubation system may be configured to overlay an image of the correlated anatomical features of the human on the display.

[0120] According to a further aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any of the intubation systems described above, the intubation system may be configured to determine an oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the patient, e.g., based on data provided by the first sensor, e.g., based on a hue shift analysis of a mucosa of the patient. For instance, the intubation system may be configured to use a visual feed of the laryngoscopy procedure and / or the intubation procedure to estimate the SpO2 of the patient. The intubation system may apply an Al model trained to detect and / or determine the SpO2 of the patient. Alternatively, or additionally, an Al model of the intubation system may be configured to select anatomical features from which an analysis of the SpO2 of the patient may be performed.

[0121] According to a further aspect, which may be implemented in conjunction with any of the intubation systems described above, the intubation system may be configured to determine and / or detect a condition and / or a comorbidity and / or an ailment of the patient which pose(s) a risk when performing an intubation process on the patient by means of the intubation system and / or that a condition and / or a comorbidity of the patient poses a risk when performing an intubation process on the patient by means of the intubation system. This may enable the intubation system to classify and / or detect when a patient has one or more conditions associated with difficult intubation, such as neck trauma, a higher Mallampati class, obesity, etc. An Al model of the intubation system may be trained to detect the condition and / or a comorbidity and / or an ailment of the patient. The condition and / or comorbidity and / or ailment may include a neck trauma, a Mallampati class, in particular a Mallampati class at and / or above a certain threshold, e.g., Mallampati class 3 or higher, obesity, etc.

[0122] The intubation system may be configured to generate a warning perceptible by the user, when the intubation process has not been completed within a predetermined time period and / or instruct the user to oxygenate the patient by means other than intubation, when one or more conditions are met, in particular when a predetermined duration has surpassed. This may provide a timer and / or a detection that the procedure is not going according to plan and / or that the patient's health is at risk, if the patient is not oxygenated soon. In the case of tracheostomy, the intubation system may be configured to generate an alarm to notify personnel who are trained and / or allowed and / or designated to perform a tracheostomy. Alternatively, or additionally, the intubation system may be configured to instruct the user to use a different component or instrument of or with the intubation system, e.g., different laryngoscope blade and / or a different tracheal tube, in particular a laryngoscope blade and / or a tracheal tube with a different size and / or shape than the current laryngoscope blade and / or tracheal tube, respectively, in particular a more suitably or appropriately sized laryngoscope blade and / or tracheal tube. This may assist the user in applying the most suitable component(s), in particular according to the respective patient and / or the respective situation.

[0123] The "means other than intubation" may include bag ventilation, direct oxygenation, and / or tracheostomy.

[0124] The intubation system may be configured to display, preferably automatically display, a pre- and / or a post-procedure checklist. The checklist may include a set of predetermined steps and / or checks which the user should be perform.

[0125] The intubation system may be configured to detect a fluid in a pharyngeal cavity and / or an oral cavity of the patient, and optionally generate a warning, which is perceptible by the user, that a fluid has been detected.

[0126] The intubation system may be configured to generate instructions to instruct the user to and / or how to remove the fluid. The intubation system may be configured to generate, during operation of the intubation system, a virtual representation, in particular a digital model, of the laryngoscope blade and the tracheal tube, and optionally of the patient's anatomy. Preferably, the intubation system is configured to display the virtual representation on at least one display, preferably wherein the intubation system is configured to move and / or orientate the virtual representation on the display corresponding to a movement and / or orientation of the intubation system during operation. This may give a real-time external view of an orientation of the laryngoscope blade, tracheal tube, and / or other devices relative to the anatomy patient of the, e.g., based on one or more outputs of an Artificial Intelligence (Al) model. The intubation system may be configured to display one or more instructions, e.g., the first instructions and / or the second instructions, and / or one or more warnings, together with the virtual representation.

[0127] The intubation system may be configured to, during operation of the intubation system, adapt, preferably rotate, preferably invert, an orientation of at least one image, preferably a live feed, which is generated based on data provided by the first sensor and is displayed on at least one display, based on at least one criterion. This may facilitate the laryngoscopy procedure and / or the intubation procedure. For example, if the intubation system detects that the procedure, e.g., the laryngoscopy procedure and / or the intubation procedure, is being performed inverted, e.g., with respect to a normal or reference orientation, the intubation system may be configured to automatically flip or invert the image, in particular to automatically align with the user and the intubation system, more specifically at least one component of the intubation system, e.g., the laryngoscope blade.

[0128] The criterion may include an orientation of the user and / or the intubation system relative to the patient, in particular the patient's trachea.

[0129] The present disclosure also relates to a kit which may include at least one intubation system according to any of the embodiments described herein and at least one tracheal tube.

[0130] The object mentioned at the beginning is also achieved by a method for delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient, preferably by means of the intubation system according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0131] The features, embodiments, and advantages, as detailed herein with respect to the intubation system, apply to the method accordingly. The method may include inserting a laryngoscope blade, which is configured for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient, into an oral cavity of the patient.

[0132] The method may include capturing, by means of at least one first sensor, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of: at least a section of the laryngoscope blade; and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube; and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient; and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube.

[0133] The method may include providing, based on data provided by the first sensor, one or more first instructions to the user for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade to a first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient. The method may include maneuvering the laryngoscope blade to the first target position, in particular based on the first instructions. The method may include providing, based on data provided by the first sensor, one or more second instructions to the user for maneuvering the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member to a second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient, once the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position. The method may include maneuvering the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member to the second target position, in particular based on the second instructions.

[0134] The steps of the method described are not limited to a particular sequence and may be performed in any technically feasible sequence.

[0135] The object mentioned at the beginning is also achieved by a further method for delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient, preferably by means of the intubation system according to any of the embodiments described herein. The features, embodiments, and advantages, as detailed herein with respect to the intubation system, apply to the method accordingly.

[0136] The method may include: inserting a laryngoscope blade, which is configured for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient, into an oral cavity of the patient.

[0137] The method may include: inserting the tracheal tube, via the oral cavity, towards and / or into the patient's trachea. The method may include: capturing, by means of at least one first sensor, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of: at least a section of the laryngoscope blade; and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube; and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient; and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube.

[0138] The steps of the method described are not limited to a particular sequence and may be performed in any technically feasible sequence.

[0139] The following list of aspects provides preferred embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0140] 1. An intubation system for delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient, the intubation system including: at least one laryngoscope blade for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient; and at least one first sensor configured to capture, during operation of the intubation system, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of: at least a section of the laryngoscope blade; and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube; and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient; and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube; wherein the intubation system is configured to provide, preferably based on data provided by the first sensor, one or more first instructions to the user for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade, preferably to a first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient; and / or wherein the intubation system is configured to provide, preferably based on data provided by the first sensor, one or more second instructions to the user for maneuvering the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, preferably to a second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient, preferably once the laryngoscope blade is substantially in position, preferably the first target position. The intubation system according to aspect 1, including the manipulating member, wherein the manipulating member is configured to receive the tracheal tube by arranging the tracheal tube at least partially over the manipulating member, wherein the tracheal tube at least partially substantially follows the shape of the manipulating member, when the tracheal tube is received by the manipulating member, wherein the manipulating member includes at least one bendable section configured to be bent in at least one degree of freedom, preferably at least two degrees of freedom, more preferably at least three degrees of freedom, wherein the manipulating member is configured to manipulate at least a section of the tracheal tube by manipulating at least a section of the manipulating member, preferably by bending the manipulating member at one or more bendable sections of the manipulating member, preferably wherein the manipulating member is configured as a fiberoptic endoscope. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to determine and / or indicate to the user that the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position and / or that the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member is substantially in the second target position. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to determine and / or indicate, to the user, at least one degree of progress of maneuvering the laryngoscope blade to the first target position and / or at least one degree of progress of maneuvering the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member to the second target position. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein: the first target position is a predetermined position and / or the second target position is a predetermined position; and / or the first target position and / or the second target position is / are determined based on artificial intelligence, preferably wherein the intubation system is configured, based on artificial intelligence, to determine that the first target position and / or the second target position has / have been reached, respectively. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to switch between a laryngoscopy mode, in which the first instructions for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade to the first target position are provided, and an intubation mode, in which the second instructions for maneuvering the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member to the second target position are provided, preferably once the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to generate and indicate, to the user, one or more warnings, preferably when the user deviates from a target location and / or a target orientation and / or a target insertion path of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member in the patient, preferably by a predetermined degree of deviation. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, including at least one user interface having at least one input device configured to receive input commands from a user, wherein the input device includes at least one button and / or at least one switch and / or at least one touch screen and / or at least one joystick for receiving input commands from a user. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, further including at least one display, preferably wherein the intubation system is configured to show, based on data provided by the first sensor, at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or at least a section of the laryngoscope blade and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube and / or at least a section of the manipulating member, during operation of the intubation system. The intubation system according to aspect 9, wherein the intubation system is configured to display, on the display, at least one target index, which represents at least one target location and / or at least one target orientation of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, and at least one actual index, which represents at least one actual location and / or at least one actual orientation of the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member. The intubation system according to aspect 9 or 10, wherein the intubation system is configured to overlay information, on the display, over at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or at least a section of the laryngoscope blade and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube and / or at least a section of the manipulating member, during operation of the intubation system. The intubation system according to aspect 11, wherein the information includes information about one or more anatomical features of the patient, in particular an indication of a position and / or a presence of the one or more anatomical features on the image. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to provide the first instructions and / or second instructions to the user by one or more of the following: visually, acoustically, and haptically. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to apply one or more algorithms, preferably one or more heuristic algorithms, to data provided by the first sensor and generate the first instructions and / or second instructions based at least partially thereon. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, further including at least one second sensor, wherein the intubation system is configured to provide the first instructions and / or second instructions based at least partially on data provided by the second sensor, preferably wherein the second sensor is preferably configured and arranged to capture one or more anatomical features of a face of the patient, preferably a nose of the patient. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, further including at least one communication unit configured to communicatively connect to at least one external data storage and / or data processing unit. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, further including at least one power storage unit configured to supply one or more components of the intubation system with power. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to reduce a power consumption of one or more components of the intubation system and / or one or more components which are configured to cooperate and / or communicate with at least one component of the intubation system according to one or more of the following criteria: when at least one extent of the first instructions and / or the second instructions is reduced; when an amount of data from the first sensor and / or second sensor is reduced; when at least one extent of processing of the data from the first sensor and / or second sensor is reduced; when at least one extent of movement of one or more components, preferably at least the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, is reduced; when one or more anatomical features of the patient are detected or are not detected; and when the user activates a reduced power consumption mode of the intubation system. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the first sensor and / or second sensor is an optical sensor, preferably an image sensor. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, further including the tracheal tube. An intubation system for delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient, the intubation system including: at least one laryngoscope blade for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient; and at least one first sensor configured to capture, during operation of the intubation system, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of: at least a section of the laryngoscope blade; and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube; and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient; and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, including a plurality of the at least one laryngoscope blade, wherein the laryngoscope blades differ in at least one physical feature, preferably in a shape and / or a size of the laryngoscope blades and / or one or more dimensions of the laryngoscope blades, wherein the laryngoscope blades are interchangeably mountable to a mounting interface of the intubation system. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system includes a mounting interface configured to interchangeably operably couple with any laryngoscope blade of a plurality of different laryngoscope blades, wherein the laryngoscope blades differ in at least one physical feature, preferably in a shape and / or a size of the laryngoscope blades and / or one or more dimensions of the laryngoscope blades. The intubation system according to aspect 22 or 23, wherein the intubation system is configured to detect: when and / or whether one of the laryngoscope blades has been mounted to the mounting interface; and / or which laryngoscope blade of the plurality of laryngoscope blades has been mounted to the mounting interface. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein one or more components are removably mountable to one or more mounting interfaces of the intubation system, preferably wherein the intubation system is configured to detect when and / or whether at least one of the one or more components is mounted to the mounting interface. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to detect one or more characteristics of the laryngoscope blade and / or of one or more components of the intubation system which are attachable to, and optionally removable from, the intubation system. The intubation system according to aspect 26, wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more of the following: a type or class of the laryngoscope blade or the component, one or more dimensions of the laryngoscope blade or the component, or a suitability of the laryngoscope blade or the component for a particular procedure and / or a particular patient. The intubation system according to aspect 26 or 27, wherein the intubation system is configured to detect the one or more characteristics based on an image or video, preferably a live image or live video feed, of the laryngoscope blade and / or the respective component, preferably wherein the image or video, preferably live image or live video feed, is generated based on data provided by the first sensor. The intubation system according to aspect 28, wherein the intubation system is configured to detect the one or more characteristics based on the image or video, preferably the live image or live video feed, by applying at least one algorithm, preferably at least one Artificial Intelligence algorithm. The intubation system according to any of aspects 25 to 29, wherein the one or more components include one or more fiberoptics and / or one or more stylets. The intubation system according to any of aspects 26 to 30, wherein the intubation system is configured to determine and / or select the first instructions and / or the second instructions, preferably from a plurality of different sets of first instructions and / or second instructions, and / or adapt the first instructions and / or the second instructions, depending on the detected characteristic(s). The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to generate, after the user has performed an intubation process by means of the intubation system, a rating of a performance by the user during the intubation process and generate feedback to the user which includes and / or is based on the rating. The intubation system according to aspect 32, wherein the rating is based on a deviation and / or compliance of the performance by the user from and / or with the first instructions and / or the second instructions. The intubation system according to aspect 32 or 33, wherein the rating is based on one or more of the following: a time to tracheal intubation, a number of attempts of tracheal intubation, a percentage of glottal opening, a number of esophageal intubations, a visualization grade, a respect for tissue, a flow of procedure, and a patient risk during the user's performance. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to predict a position of one or more anatomical features of the patient which are not or not entirely detected or detectable, in particular optically detected or detectable, by the intubation system, in particular by the first sensor. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to detect one or more anatomical features of a manikin and correlate the detected anatomical features of the manikin with one or more anatomical features of a human which correspond to the one or more anatomical features of the manikin. The intubation system according to aspect 36, wherein the intubation system is configured to display an image of the one or more anatomical features of the human to the user, when the intubation system detects the one or more anatomical features of the manikin which are correlated to the anatomical features of the human. The intubation system according to aspect 36 or 37, wherein the intubation system is configured to show, on a display, at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the manikin, preferably based on data provided by the first sensor, and wherein the intubation system is configured to overlay an image of the correlated anatomical features of the human on the display. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to determine an oxygen saturation of the patient, in particular based on data provided by the first sensor, in particular based on a hue shift analysis of a or the mucosa of the patient. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to determine and / or detect: a condition and / or a comorbidity and / or an ailment of the patient which pose(s) a risk when performing an intubation process on the patient by means of the intubation system; and / or that a condition and / or a comorbidity of the patient poses a risk when performing an intubation process on the patient by means of the intubation system. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to: generate a warning perceptible by the user, when the intubation process has not been completed within a predetermined time period; and / or instruct the user to use a different laryngoscope blade and / or a different tracheal tube, in particular a laryngoscope blade and / or a tracheal tube with a different size and / or shape than the current laryngoscope blade and / or tracheal tube, respectively, in particular a more appropriately sized laryngoscope blade and / or tracheal tube; and / or instruct the user to oxygenate the patient by means other than intubation, when one or more conditions are met, in particular when a predetermined duration has surpassed. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to detect a fluid in a pharyngeal cavity and / or an oral cavity of the patient, and optionally generate a warning, which is perceptible by the user, that a fluid has been detected. The intubation system according to aspect 42, wherein the intubation system is configured to generate instructions to instruct the user to and / or how to remove the fluid. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to generate, during operation of the intubation system, a virtual representation, in particular a digital model, of the laryngoscope blade and the tracheal tube, and optionally of the patient's anatomy, preferably wherein the intubation system is configured to display the virtual representation on at least one display, preferably wherein the intubation system is configured to move and / or orientate the virtual representation on the display corresponding to a movement and / or orientation of the intubation system during operation. The intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the intubation system is configured to, during operation of the intubation system, adapt, preferably rotate, preferably invert, an orientation of at least one image, preferably a live feed, which is generated based on data provided by the first sensor and is displayed on at least one display, based on at least one criterion. The intubation system according to aspect 45, wherein the criterion includes an orientation of the user and / or the intubation system relative to the patient, in particular the patient's trachea. A kit including at least one intubation system according to any of the preceding aspects and at least one external data receiving and processing unit communicatively connectable to the intubation system and configured to receive and process data received by the intubation system and / or send data to the intubation system. A kit including at least one intubation system according to any of aspects 1 to 46 and at least one tracheal tube. A method for delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient, preferably by means of the intubation system according to any of aspects 1 to 46, the method including: inserting a laryngoscope blade, which is configured for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient, into an oral cavity of the patient; capturing, by means of at least one first sensor, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of: at least a section of the laryngoscope blade; and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube; and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient; and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube; providing, based on data provided by the first sensor, one or more first instructions to the user for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade, preferably to a first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient; maneuvering the laryngoscope blade, preferably to the first target position; providing, based on data provided by the first sensor, one or more second instructions to the user for maneuvering the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, preferably to a second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient, preferably once the laryngoscope blade is substantially in position, preferably the first target position; and maneuvering the tracheal tube and / or the manipulating member, preferably to the second target position.

[0141] 50. A method for delivering a tracheal tube to a trachea of a patient, preferably by means of the intubation system according to any of aspects 1 to 46, the method including: inserting a laryngoscope blade, which is configured for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient, into an oral cavity of the patient; inserting the tracheal tube, via the oral cavity, towards the patient's trachea; capturing, by means of at least one first sensor, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of: at least a section of the laryngoscope blade; and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube; and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient; and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube.

[0142] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elucidated below with reference to the figures. The described embodiments are merely exemplary and do not limit the present invention, as defined by the claims and their respective equivalents.

[0143] Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic and perspective illustration, an intubation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0144] Fig. 2 shows, in a schematic and perspective illustration, the intubation system of Fig. 1;

[0145] Fig. 3 shows, in a schematic and perspective illustration, the intubation system of Figs.

[0146] 1 and 2;

[0147] Fig. 4 shows, in a schematic and perspective illustration, a modification of the intubation system of Figs. 1 to 3;

[0148] Fig. 5 shows, in a schematic and perspective illustration, the intubation system of Figs. I to 3;

[0149] Fig. 6 shows, in a schematic and perspective illustration, the intubation system of Figs. 1 to 3 and 5;

[0150] Fig. 7 shows a process flowchart for actions and determinations of the intubation system of Figs. 1 to 6;

[0151] Fig. 8 shows, in a schematic and perspective illustration, an exemplary configuration of the intubation system of Figs. 1 to 6;

[0152] Fig. 9 shows, in a schematic and perspective illustration, an exemplary configuration of the intubation system of Figs. 1 to 6.

[0153] Figs. 1 to 6 show an intubation system 10 and a process for delivering a tracheal tube 11, e.g., an endotracheal tube, to a trachea of a patient 12. The intubation system 10 may include at least one laryngoscope blade 14 for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient 12. The laryngoscope blade 14 may be configured to be inserted into an oral cavity of the patient 12 via the user's mouth 15.

[0154] It is noted that some components may not be shown in each Fig. and / or indicated by reference signs in each Fig., e.g., for clarity purposes and / or since some components may be hidden / covered in some of the Figs.

[0155] The intubation system 10 may include at least one first sensor 20 configured to capture, during operation of the intubation system 10, at least one location and / or at least one orientation of at least a section of the laryngoscope blade 14 and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube 11 and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient 12 and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member 65 (see Fig. 4).

[0156] The first sensor 20 may be attached to a component of the intubation system 10, e.g., to the laryngoscope blade 14. The first sensor 20 is arranged within the patient's body in Figs. 1 to 6. Hence, the first sensor 20 is indicated by dashed lines in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0157] The intubation system 10 may include at least one second sensor 21 which is preferably configured and arranged to capture one or more anatomical features of a face of the patient 12, e.g., a nose 23 of the patient 12. The intubation system 10 may be configured to provide the first instructions and / or second instructions based at least partially on data provided by the second sensor 21.

[0158] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the second sensor 21 may be configured and arranged to face away from the patient's trachea and / or the patient's oral cavity and / or the first sensor 20, when the laryngoscope blade 14 and / or the tracheal tube 11 is / are being advanced into the patient's body. In other words, the second sensor 21 may be configured and arranged to face in a direction which is substantially opposite from a direction of advancing the laryngoscope blade and / or the tracheal tube 11 into the patient's body and / or from a direction or field of detection of the first sensor 20. In other words, the second sensor 21 may be configured as a backward-facing sensor, e.g., a backward-facing optical sensor, e.g., camera, and the first sensor 20 may be a forward-facing sensor.

[0159] The first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21 may be configured as an optical sensor, e.g., to provide visual data, preferably a live video-feed, of the respective captured features / elements, e.g., the captured anatomical features of the patient's body and / or the captured section of the laryngoscope blade 14 and / or the captured section of the tracheal tube 11 and / or the captured section of the manipulating member 65 and / or the captured section of one or more further components of the intubation system 10.

[0160] The intubation system 10 may be configured to apply one or more algorithms, preferably one or more heuristic algorithms, e.g., based on artificial intelligence and / or Deep Learning, to data provided by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21 and generate the first instructions and / or second instructions based at least partially thereon.

[0161] The intubation system 10 may further include at least one handle 24 configured to be gripped by a user. The handle 24 may be connected to the laryngoscope blade 14 to allow the user to maneuver the laryngoscope blade 14 by gripping and moving the handle 24.

[0162] The intubation system 10 may further include at least one display 28. The display 28 may be connected to the handle 24. The intubation system 10 may be configured to show, based at least partially on data provided by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21, at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the patient 12 and / or at least a section of the laryngoscope blade 14 and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube 11 and / or at least a section of the manipulating member 65, during operation of the intubation system 10. Figs. 1 to 6 show a view 32 of the display 28 which is visible to the user as the user is performing the laryngoscopy procedure and / or the intubation procedure. As shown in the view 32 of the display 28, the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21 may capture various anatomical features of the patient 12, which may be displayed on the display 28 to the user. For example, an opening 38 to the patient's trachea may be at least partially captured by the first sensor 20 and shown to the user via the display 28. The opening 38 is located between vocal folds 42. The opening 38 and the vocal folds 42 are part of the glottis. An opening 46 to the patient's esophagus may also be captured by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21 and shown to the user via the display 28. This may assist the user in preventing the laryngoscope blade 14 from entering the opening 38 to the patient's trachea and / or the opening 46 to the patient's esophagus which can cause severe damage.

[0163] The features / elements captured by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21 may serve as an indication and / or marker for the intubation system 10 to determine if the laryngoscope blade 14 is in the first target position and / or if the laryngoscope blade 14 is moving towards the first target position and / or if the position and / or orientation of the laryngoscope blade 14 may pose a danger to the patient 12.

[0164] The display 28 may show a video and / or a live feed of the image(s) captured by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21. Alternatively, or additionally, the display 28 may show one or more individual frames or still images of the elements / features captured by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21.

[0165] Capturing, and displaying to the user, the anatomical features of the patient 12 may assist the user in maneuvering the laryngoscope blade 14 and / or the tracheal tube 11.

[0166] The intubation system 10 may be configured to provide, based on data provided by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21, one or more first instructions to the user for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade 14 to a first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient 12. The intubation system 10 may be configured to provide, based on data provided by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21, one or more second instructions to the user for maneuvering the tracheal tube 11 and / or the manipulating member 65 to a second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient, once the laryngoscope blade 14 is substantially in the first target position. The first target position may be a predetermined position and / or the second target position may a predetermined position. Preferably, the first target position and / or the second target position is / are determined based on artificial intelligence. Preferably, the intubation system is configured, based on artificial intelligence, to determine that the first target position and / or the second target position has / have been reached, respectively.

[0167] Thus, capturing the respective features / elements by means of the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21, e.g., one or more anatomical features of the patient 12 and / or at least a section of the laryngoscope blade 14 and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube 11 and / or at least a section of the manipulating member 65, may be used to provide, and preferably also generate, the first instructions and / or second instructions.

[0168] The first instructions and / or the second instructions may be provided to the user visually, e.g., via the display 28, audibly, e.g., via one or more speakers, e.g., on and / or within the handle 24, and / or haptically, e.g., via one or more vibrations and / or resistances provided to the handle 24. The intubation system 10 may be configured to provide the first instructions to the user in the same manner, e.g., visually, audibly, and / or haptically, or in a different manner as the second instructions.

[0169] The intubation system 10 may be configured to overlay the information 50 over and / or next to at least one image on the display 28, during operation of the intubation system 10. The information 50 may be provided for instructive purposes and / or warning purposes. The information 50 may correspond to and / or represent the first instructions and / or the second instructions. The information 50 may be any of at least one arrow, at least one text, at least one symbol, and at least one type of index which can be perceived by the user. As an example, the first instructions, i.e., the information 50, may be displayed to the user on the display 28 as one or more arrows to instruct the user, e.g., in which direction the laryngoscope blade 14 should be maneuvered towards the first target position.

[0170] As shown in Fig. 1, the information 50, e.g., the arrow, may enable the user to maneuver the laryngoscope blade 14 in accordance with the information 50. In Fig. 1, the user may maneuver the laryngoscope blade 14 in one or more directions 52, which is / are depicted as a dashed arrow in Fig. 1, based on the information 50.

[0171] The intubation system 10 may be configured to determine and / or indicate to the user that the laryngoscope blade 14 is substantially in the first target position. The intubation system 10 may be configured to determine and / or indicate, to the user, e.g., via the display 28, at least one degree of progress of maneuvering the laryngoscope blade 14 to the first target position. The intubation system 10 may be configured to switch from a laryngoscopy mode, in which the first instructions for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade 14 to the first target position are provided, to an intubation mode, in which the second instructions for maneuvering the tracheal tube 11 and / or the manipulating member 65 to the second target position are provided, preferably once the laryngoscope blade 14 is substantially in the first target position. This is indicated in exemplary manner by the text 51 "Begin Tracheal Intubation" displayed on the display 28 in Fig. 2.

[0172] The switching from the laryngoscopy mode to the intubation mode may be based on one or more features / elements, such as any of those described above, captured by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21.

[0173] Thus, once the laryngoscope blade 14 is in the first target position, as shown in Fig. 2, the user may begin inserting the tracheal tube 11, as shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 2, more, i.e., a large section, of the opening 38 to the patient's trachea and / or of the vocal folds 42 may be captured by the first sensor 20, and optionally shown to the user via the display 28, compared the situation depicted in Fig. 1. In particular, capturing one or features of the opening 38 to the patient's trachea and / or of the vocal folds 42, e.g., a certain proportion and / or a section thereof, may be an indication to the intubation system 10 and / or the user that the first target position has been reached, e.g., which may allow and / or trigger the intubation system 10 to start providing the second instructions to the user. For example, the epiglottis 58, the vocal folds 42, and a larger portion of the opening 38 are captured by the sensor 20 in Fig. 2, as opposed to Fig. 1, which may be interpreted as an indication to the intubation system 10 and / or the user that the first target position has been reached.

[0174] The intubation system 10 may be configured to provide, based on data provided by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21, the second instructions to the user for maneuvering the tracheal tube 11 and / or the manipulating member 65 to the second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient, preferably in the intubation mode, preferably only in the intubation mode, i.e., when the laryngoscope blade is substantially in the first target position.

[0175] The features / elements captured by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21 may serve as an indication and / or marker for the intubation system 10 to determine if the tracheal tube 11 and / or the manipulating member 65 is / are in the second target position and / or if the tracheal tube 11 and / or the manipulating member 65 is / are moving towards the second target position and / or if the position and / or orientation of the tracheal tube 11 and / or the manipulating member 65 may pose a danger to the patient 12.

[0176] Similar to the laryngoscopy (process), the intubation system 10 may overlay information 64, e.g., one or more arrows and / or text and / or symbols and / or any type of index which can be perceived by the user, over and / or next to at least one image on the display 28, during the intubation process. The information 64 may be provided for instructive purposes and / or warning purposes. The information 64 may correspond to and / or represent the second instructions. As an example, the second instructions, i.e., the information 64, may be displayed to the user on the display 28 as one or more arrows to instruct the user, e.g., in which direction the tracheal tube 11 should be maneuvered towards the second target position.

[0177] As shown in Fig. 3, the information 64, e.g., arrow, may enable the user to maneuver the laryngoscope blade 14 and / or the tracheal tube 11 in accordance with the information 64. In Fig. 3, the user may maneuver the tracheal tube 11 in one or more directions 68, which is / are depicted as a dashed arrow in Fig. 3, based on the information 64.

[0178] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the user may grip and maneuver the tracheal tube 11. Alternatively, or additionally, the intubation system 10 may include at least one manipulating member 65, e.g., a stylet and / or a bougie and / or a fiberoptic endoscope, configured to receive the tracheal tube 11, e.g., by arranging the tracheal tube 11 at least partially over the manipulating member 65, e.g., a shaft thereof, as shown in Fig. 4. The manipulating member 65 may be configured to be manipulated and / or actuated, e.g., bent, by the user, e.g., in that the user grips and manipulates the manipulating member 65, and / or via one or more actuators included by the intubation system 10, e.g., the actuators being controllable via one or more user inputs provided via at least one user interface, such as at least one joystick.

[0179] The tracheal tube 11 may at least partially substantially follow the shape of the manipulating member 65, when the tracheal tube 11 is received by the manipulating member 65. The manipulating member 65 may include at least one bendable section configured to be bent in at least one degree of freedom, preferably at least two degrees of freedom, more preferably at least three degrees of freedom. The manipulating member 65 may be configured to manipulate at least a section of the tracheal tube 11 by manipulating at least a section of the manipulating member 65, preferably by bending the manipulating member 65 at one or more bendable sections of the manipulating member 65. Preferably, the manipulating member 65 is configured as a fiberoptic endoscope, or a videoscope (e.g., a CCD endoscope).

[0180] The manipulating member 65 may include one or more control elements 66, e.g., one or more control knobs, for the user to control / adjust, e.g., by rotating a knob (indicated by the dashed line 69 in Fig. 4) in order to manipulate one or more sections of the manipulating member 65, e.g., a distal end or distal section 67 of the manipulating member 65, to manipulate one or more sections of the tracheal tube 11.

[0181] The intubation system 10 may be configured to overlay information 68, e.g., one or more arrows and / or text and / or symbols and / or any type of index, such as at least one command to bend the manipulating member 65, e.g., the distal end or distal section 67 of the manipulating member 65, upwards, which can be perceived by the user, next to and / or onto at least one image on the display 28, during the intubation process. The information 68 may be provided for instructive purposes and / or warning purposes. The information 68 may correspond to and / or represent the second instructions.

[0182] The sensor 20 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and / or at least one additional sensor may be attached to a section of the manipulating member 65, e.g., to the distal end or distal section 67 of the manipulating member 65.

[0183] The intubation system 10 may be configured to determine and / or check, and optionally indicate to the user, that the intubation procedure has been completed, which is indicated in exemplary manner by the text 70 "Tracheal Intubation Complete" displayed on the display 28 in Fig. 5.

[0184] The intubation system 10 may be configured to determine and / or check, and optionally indicate to the user, based on data provided by the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21, if the tracheal tube 11 is in the opening 46 of the patient's esophagus, which can cause severe damage, as discussed above. If the intubation system 10 determines that the trachea tube 11 is in the patient's esophagus, the intubation system 10 may be configured to provide second instructions, e.g., one or more warnings and / or directions, for removing the trachea tube 11 from the patient's esophagus. This is indicated in exemplary manner by the text 74 "Esophageal Intubation" and the arrow 78 displayed on the display 28 in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the information, e.g., the text 74 and the arrow 78, may enable the user to maneuver the tracheal tube 11 in accordance with the information, e.g., the text 74 and the arrow 78. In Fig. 6, the user may maneuver the tracheal tube 11 in one or more directions 80, which is / are depicted as a dashed arrow in Fig. 6, based on the information 74, 78.

[0185] The intubation system 10 may include at least one user interface (not shown) having at least one input device configured to receive input commands from a user. The input device may include at least one button and / or at least one switch and / or at least one touch screen and / or at least one joystick for receiving input commands from a user. For example, the user interface may be integrated in the display 28, e.g., by configuring the display 28 as a touch screen.

[0186] Providing the first instructions and the second instructions to the user via the display 28, as shown in Figs. 1 to 6, is only exemplary. The intubation system 10 may be configured to provide the first instructions and / or the second instructions in any manner, e.g., audibly, visually, and / or haptically, such that the user can perceive the respective instructions in order to apply the instructions.

[0187] Fig. 7 shows a process that may be used by the intubation system 10 for completing the entire process of delivering the tracheal tube 11 to the patient's trachea, including the laryngoscopy procedure and the intubation procedure. Fig. 7 shows actions and decisions / determinations performed by the intubation system / device, which are identified by rectangular boxes and rhombi, respectively, each having solid lines. Fig. 7 further shows user actions, which are identified by rectangular boxes having dashed lines.

[0188] After the user has turned on the intubation system 10, the system may read the sensor(s), e.g., the first sensor 20 and / or the second sensor 21, and may determine the state of the laryngoscopy (procedure) and the intubation (procedure). The intubation system 10 may determine if the laryngoscope blade 12 is inside the patient, i.e., the patient's body, based on the sensor reading(s).

[0189] If the intubation system 10 determines that the laryngoscope blade 12 is inside the patient, indicated by "YES" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may set a maximum frequency of determining the state of the laryngoscopy procedure, e.g., to increase performance and / or accuracy. If the intubation system 10 determines that the laryngoscope blade 12 is not inside the patient, indicated by "NO" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may reduce the frequency of determining the state of the laryngoscopy procedure, e.g., to reduce power consumption.

[0190] The intubation system 10 may determine and / or check if the laryngoscopy (process) is complete. If the laryngoscopy (process) is determined as being complete, indicated by "YES" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may move on to the next check and / or determination and / or may instruct the user to begin the intubation procedure. If the laryngoscopy (process) is determined as not being complete, indicated by "NO" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may provide, e.g., via the display 28, the first instructions, which may include warnings and / or directions, to guide the user to complete the laryngoscopy (process).

[0191] The intubation system 10 may determine and / or check if the trachea tube 11 is inside the patient. If the intubation system 10 determines that the trachea tube 11 is inside the patient, indicated by "YES" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may move on to the next check and / or determination and / or may provide further instructions. If the intubation system 10 determines that the trachea tube 11 is not inside the patient, the intubation system 10 may instruct, e.g., via the display 28, the user to begin and / or continue the intubation (process).

[0192] The intubation system 10 may determine and / or check if the tracheal tube 11 is in the patient's esophagus, which can cause severe damage, as discussed above. If the intubation system 10 determines that the trachea tube 11 is in the patient's esophagus, indicated by "YES" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may provide instructions, e.g., one or more warnings and / or directions, for removing the trachea tube 11 from the patient's esophagus. If the intubation system 10 determines that the trachea tube 11 is not in the patient's esophagus, indicated by "NO" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may move on to the next check and / or determination and / or further instructions.

[0193] The intubation system 10 may determine and / or check if the tracheal tube 11 is in the patient's trachea. If the intubation system 10 determines that the trachea tube 11 is in the patient's trachea, indicated by "YES" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may move on to the next check and / or determination and / or further instructions. If the intubation system 10 determines that the trachea tube 11 is not in the patient's trachea, indicated by "NO" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may provide instructions, including one or more warnings, to guide the user to complete the intubation (process).

[0194] The intubation system 10 may determine and / or check if the tracheal tube 11 is too deep in the patient's trachea. If the intubation system 10 determines that the trachea tube 11 is too deep in the patient's trachea, indicated by "YES" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may provide instructions, e.g., one or more warnings and / or directions, for retracting the trachea tube 11, e.g., to a target depth in the patient's trachea. If the intubation system 10 determines that the trachea tube 11 is not too deep in the patient's trachea, indicated by "NO" in Fig. 7, the intubation system 10 may indicate / inform the user that the intubation (process) is complete.

[0195] The user may then remove the laryngoscope blade 12 from the patient and may turn off the intubation system 10.

[0196] The intubation system 10 may be configured to predict a position or location of one or more anatomical features of the patient, e.g., a position or location of an opening to the patient's trachea, and / or one or more medical instruments, e.g., one or more medical instruments being employed with and / or by the intubation system 10, which are not or not entirely or not yet (entirely) detected or detectable, in particular optically detected or detectable, by the intubation system 10, e.g., by the first sensor 20. As shown schematically in Fig. 8, the intubation system 10 may be configured to process data provided or generated by at least one sensor, e.g., at least the first sensor 20 (i.e., the intubation system 10 may read the sensor), and determine a state of the procedure, e.g., a current position of one or more components of the intubation system 10, e.g., the laryngoscope blade 14, and / or the tracheal tube 11, in particular relative to the patient's anatomy. Based on the determined state of the procedure, the intubation system 10 may be configured to predict the position or location of the one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or the one or more medical instruments, even though the one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or the one or more medical instruments may not be entirely detectable and / or visible, e.g., since the one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or the one or more medical instruments may be hidden or occluded, e.g., by a section of an anatomy 89 of the patient. The predicted position or location of the one or more anatomical features of the patient and / or the one or more medical instruments may be indicated, e.g., visually, to the user, e.g., via the view 32 of the display 28. The indication is shown schematically at the bottom of Fig. 8 as a box 90. For instance, an opening to the patient's trachea may not be visible based on the view 32 shown in Fig. 8, e.g., since the opening to the patient's trachea may be hidden or occluded, e.g., by a section of the patient's anatomy 89 and / or by a medical instrument, e.g., of the intubation system 10. The intubation system 10 may assist the user in indicating a position or location of the opening to the patient's trachea via the indication 90.

[0197] As shown schematically in Fig. 9, the intubation system 10 may be configured to generate, after the user has performed an intubation process by means of the intubation system 10, a rating and / or a report 91 of a performance by the user (e.g., the fictitious user "Jane Doe" in Fig. 9), i.e., the user's performance by the user during the intubation procedure, and generate feedback to the user which includes and / or is based on the rating and / or report 91. The intubation system 10 may be configured to determine, preferably automatically, that the intubation procedure has been finished, e.g., based on data provided or generated by the first sensor 20 (i.e., the intubation system 10 may read the respective sensor), e.g., by detecting that the tracheal tube 11 is in or at the opening 38 to the patient's trachea. The intubation system 10 may be configured to compile data, e.g., procedural data and / or historical data of or related to the user's performance during one or more past intubation procedures, e.g., the last 10 intubation procedures, as shown in Fig. 9 in exemplary manner. The intubation system 10 may be configured to generate the rating and / or the report 91 based on the compiled data. The rating and / or the report 91 may be shown to or viewed by the user, e.g., on the display 28. At least a portion of the procedural data and / or historical data 92 may also be shown to or viewed by the user, e.g., on the display 28.

[0198] The rating and / or report 91 may be based on one or more of the following: a time to (tracheal) intubation, a percentage of glottal opening (POGO), a number of attempts of (tracheal) intubation, a number of esophageal intubations, a visualization grade, a respect for tissue, a flow of procedure, a Cormack-Lehane classification grade or classification (C-L Grade), and a patient risk during the user's performance.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An intubation system (10) for delivering a tracheal tube (11) to a trachea of a patient (12), the intubation system (10) including: at least one laryngoscope blade (14) for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient; and at least one first sensor (20) configured to capture, during operation of the intubation system (10), at least one location and / or at least one orientation of: at least a section of the laryngoscope blade (14); and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube (11); and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient (12); and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member (65) configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube (11); wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to provide, based on data provided by the first sensor (20), one or more first instructions to the user for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade (14) to a first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient (12); and wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to provide, based on data provided by the first sensor (20), one or more second instructions to the user for maneuvering the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65) to a second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient, once the laryngoscope blade (14) is substantially in the first target position.

2. The intubation system (10) according to claim 1, including the manipulating member (65), wherein the manipulating member (65) is configured to receive the tracheal tube (11) by arranging the tracheal tube (11) at least partially over the manipulating member (65), wherein the tracheal tube (11) at least partially substantially follows the shape of the manipulating member (65), when the tracheal tube (11) is received by the manipulating member (65), wherein the manipulating member (65) includes at least one bendable section configured to be bent in at least one degree of freedom, preferably at least two degrees of freedom, more preferably at least three degrees of freedom, wherein the manipulating member (65) is configured to manipulate at least a section of the tracheal tube (11) by manipulating at least a section of the manipulating member (65), preferably by bending the manipulating member (65) at one or more bendable sections of the manipulating member (65), preferably whereinthe manipulating member (65) is configured as a fiberoptic endoscope.

3. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to determine and / or indicate to the user that the laryngoscope blade (14) is substantially in the first target position and / or that the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65) is substantially in the second target position.

4. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to determine and / or indicate, to the user, at least one degree of progress of maneuvering the laryngoscope blade (14) to the first target position and / or at least one degree of progress of maneuvering the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65) to the second target position.

5. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the first target position is a predetermined position and / or the second target position is a predetermined position; and / or the first target position and / or the second target position is / are determined based on artificial intelligence, preferably wherein the intubation system (10) is configured, based on artificial intelligence, to determine that the first target position and / or the second target position has / have been reached, respectively.

6. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to switch from a laryngoscopy mode, in which the first instructions for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade (14) to the first target position are provided, to an intubation mode, in which the second instructions for maneuvering the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65) to the second target position are provided, preferably once the laryngoscope blade (14) is substantially in the first target position.

7. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to generate and indicate, to the user, one or more warnings, when the user deviates from a target location and / or a target orientation and / or a target insertion path of the laryngoscope blade (14) and / or the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65) in the patient, preferably by a predetermined degree of deviation.

8. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further including at least one display (28), preferably wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to show, based on data provided by the first sensor (20), at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the patient (12) and / or at least a section of the laryngoscope blade (14) and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube (11) and / or at least a section of the manipulating member (65), during operation of the intubation system (10).

9. The intubation system (10) according to claim 8, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to display, on the display (28), at least one target index, which represents at least one target location and / or at least one target orientation of the laryngoscope blade (14) and / or the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65), and at least one actual index, which represents at least one actual location and / or at least one actual orientation of the laryngoscope blade (14) and / or the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65).

10. The intubation system (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to overlay information (50, 51, 64, 68, 70, 74, 78), on the display (28), over at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the patient (12) and / or at least a section of the laryngoscope blade (14) and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube (11) and / or at least a section of the manipulating member (65), during operation of the intubation system (10).

11. The intubation system (10) according to claim 10, wherein the information includes information about one or more anatomical features of the patient, in particular an indication of a position and / or a presence of the one or more anatomical features on the image.

12. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to apply one or more algorithms, preferably one or more heuristic algorithms, to data provided by the first sensor (20) and generate the first instructions and / or second instructions based at least partially thereon.

13. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further including at least one second sensor (21) configured and arranged to capture one or more anatomical features of a face of the patient, preferably a nose (23) of the patient,wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to provide the first instructions and / or second instructions based at least partially on data provided by the second sensor (21).

14. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to reduce a power consumption of one or more components of the intubation system (10) and / or one or more components which are configured to cooperate and / or communicate with at least one component of the intubation system (10) according to one or more of the following criteria: when at least one extent of the first instructions and / or the second instructions is reduced; when an amount of data from the first sensor (20) and / or second sensor (21) is reduced; when at least one extent of processing of the data from the first sensor (20) and / or second sensor (21) is reduced; when at least one extent of movement of one or more components, preferably at least the laryngoscope blade (14) and / or the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65), is reduced; when one or more anatomical features of the patient (12) are detected or are not detected; and when the user activates a reduced power consumption mode of the intubation system (10).

15. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, including a plurality of the at least one laryngoscope blade (14), wherein the laryngoscope blades (14) differ in at least one physical feature, preferably in a shape and / or a size of the laryngoscope blades (14) and / or one or more dimensions of the laryngoscope blades (14), wherein the laryngoscope blades (14) are interchangeably mountable to a mounting interface of the intubation system (10).

16. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) includes a mounting interface configured to interchangeably operably couple with any laryngoscope blade (14) of a plurality of different laryngoscope blades (14), wherein the laryngoscope blades (14) differ in at least one physical feature, preferably in a shape and / or a size of the laryngoscope blades and / or one or more dimensions of the laryngoscope blades (14).

17. The intubation system (10) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to detect: when and / or whether one of the laryngoscope blades (14) has been mounted to the mounting interface; and / or which laryngoscope blade of the plurality of laryngoscope blades has been mounted to the mounting interface.

18. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more components are removably mountable to one or more mounting interfaces of the intubation system (10), preferably wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to detect when and / or whether at least one of the one or more components is mounted to the mounting interface.

19. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to detect one or more characteristics of the laryngoscope blade (14) and / or of one or more components of the intubation system (10) which are attachable to, and optionally removable from, the intubation system (10).

20. The intubation system (10) according to claim 19, wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more of the following: a type or class of the laryngoscope blade or the component, one or more dimensions of the laryngoscope blade or the component, or a suitability of the laryngoscope blade or the component for a particular procedure and / or a particular patient.

21. The intubation system (10) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to detect the one or more characteristics based on an image or video, preferably a live image or live video feed, of the laryngoscope blade (14) and / or the respective component, preferably wherein the image or video, preferably live image or live video feed, is generated based on data provided by the first sensor.

22. The intubation system (10) according to claim 21, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to detect the one or more characteristics based on the image or video, preferably the live image or live video feed, by applying at least one algorithm, preferably at least one Artificial Intelligence algorithm.

23. The intubation system (10) according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the one or more components include one or more fiberoptics and / or one or more stylets.

24. The intubation system (10) according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to determine and / or select the first instructions and / or the second instructions, preferably from a plurality of different sets of first instructions and / or second instructions, and / or adapt the first instructions and / or the second instructions, depending on the detected characteristic(s).

25. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to generate, after the user has performed an intubation process by means of the intubation system (10), a rating of a performance by the user during the intubation process and generate feedback to the user which includes and / or is based on the rating.

26. The intubation system (10) according to claim 25, wherein the rating is based on a deviation and / or compliance of the performance by the user from and / or with the first instructions and / or the second instructions.

27. The intubation system (10) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the rating is based on one or more of the following: a time to tracheal intubation, a percentage of glottal opening, a number of attempts of tracheal intubation, a number of esophageal intubations, a visualization grade, a respect for tissue, a flow of procedure, and a patient risk during the user's performance.

28. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to predict a position (90) of one or more anatomical features of the patient which are not or not entirely detected or detectable, in particular optically detected or detectable, by the intubation system, in particular by the first sensor (20).

29. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to detect one or more anatomical features of a manikin and correlate the detected anatomical features of the manikin with one or more anatomical features of a human which correspond to the one or more anatomical features of the manikin.

30. The intubation system (10) according to claim 29, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to display an image of the one or more anatomical features of the human to the user, when the intubation system (10) detects the one or more anatomical features of the manikin which are correlated to the anatomical features of the human.

31. The intubation system (10) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to show, on a display, at least one image, preferably a live feed, of the one or more anatomical features of the manikin (12), preferably based on data provided by the first sensor (20), and wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to overlay an image of the correlated anatomical features of the human on the display.

32. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to determine an oxygen saturation of the patient, in particular based on data provided by the first sensor (20), in particular based on a hue shift analysis of the mucosa of the patient.

33. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to determine and / or detect: a condition and / or a comorbidity and / or an ailment of the patient which pose(s) a risk when performing an intubation process on the patient by means of the intubation system (10); and / or that a condition and / or a comorbidity of the patient poses a risk when performing an intubation process on the patient by means of the intubation system (10).

34. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to: generate a warning perceptible by the user, when the intubation process has not been completed within a predetermined time period; and / or instruct the user to use a different laryngoscope blade and / or a different and / or tracheal tube, in particular a laryngoscope blade and / or a tracheal tube with a different size and / or shape than the current laryngoscope blade and / or tracheal tube, respectively, in particular a more appropriately sized laryngoscope blade and / or tracheal tube; and / orinstruct the user to oxygenate the patient by means other than intubation, when one or more conditions are met, in particular when a predetermined duration has surpassed.

35. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to detect a fluid in a pharyngeal cavity and / or an oral cavity of the patient, and optionally generate a warning, which is perceptible by the user, that a fluid has been detected.

36. The intubation system (10) according to claim 35, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to generate instructions to instruct the user to and / or how to remove the fluid.

37. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to generate, during operation of the intubation system (10), a virtual representation, in particular a digital model, of the laryngoscope blade (14) and the tracheal tube (11), and optionally of the patient's anatomy, preferably wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to display the virtual representation on at least one display, preferably wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to move and / or orientate the virtual representation on the display corresponding to a movement and / or orientation of the intubation system (10) during operation.

38. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) is configured to, during operation of the intubation system (10), adapt, preferably rotate, preferably invert, an orientation of at least one image, preferably a live feed, which is generated based on data provided by the first sensor (20) and is displayed on at least one display, based on at least one criterion.

39. The intubation system (10) according to claim 38, wherein the criterion includes an orientation of the user and / or the intubation system (10) relative to the patient, in particular the patient's trachea.

40. The intubation system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the intubation system (10) includes at least one processor configured to perform and / or run and / or apply an Al algorithm, in particular any Al algorithm applicable by the intubation system (10).

41. A kit including at least one intubation system (10) according to any of claims 1 to 40 and at least one tracheal tube (11).

42. A method for delivering a tracheal tube (11) to a trachea of a patient (12), preferably by means of the intubation system (10) according to any of claims 1 to 40, the method including: inserting a laryngoscope blade (14), which is configured for providing access to a pharyngeal cavity of the patient (12), into an oral cavity of the patient (12); capturing, by means of at least one first sensor (20), at least one location and / or at least one orientation of: at least a section of the laryngoscope blade (14); and / or at least a section of the tracheal tube (11); and / or one or more anatomical features of the patient (12); and / or at least a section of at least one manipulating member (65) configured to at least partially receive and manipulate the tracheal tube (11); providing, based on data provided by the first sensor (20), one or more first instructions to the user for maneuvering the laryngoscope blade (14) to a first target position relative to an anatomy of the patient (12); maneuvering the laryngoscope blade (14) to the first target position; providing, based on data provided by the first sensor (20), one or more second instructions to the user for maneuvering the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65) to a second target position relative to an anatomy of the patient (12), once the laryngoscope blade (14) is substantially in the first target position; and maneuvering the tracheal tube (11) and / or the manipulating member (65) to the second target position.

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