Flexible optical device for tracheal intubation

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible optical device that facilitates tracheal intubation and airway control, dispensing with the use of a laryngoscope and other elements for guiding tube insertion, as the device has special elements and features that allow the proposed function to be achieved. The elements and features include: a video camera system and a movement and traction system, which is located in the proximal area of the tube and facilitates distal control of the tube by means of a spring element that is operated by a set of wires with a pulley, the wires passing along the length of the inside of the tube. The device, as its name indicates, is intended for use in the medical industry in the area of care for patients requiring appropriate airway control and management.

Description

[0001] FLEXIBLE OPTICAL DEVICE FOR TRACHEAL INTUBATION.

[0002] TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

[0003] The present invention is located in the sector of basic sciences, more specifically in medicine and biomedical engineering.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Within the medical procedures for airway management, there are currently multiple devices available, with the aim of providing a pathway that allows adequate ventilation of the lungs of patients in various clinical situations, with the installation of a tube that ensures a patent airway.

[0006] The endotracheal tube is currently the primary device used for this purpose. However, clinical situations persist in which adequate airway control is not achieved using standard endotracheal intubation protocols. In these cases, various accessory devices are used to address the challenge. Among the devices currently available are supraglottic and infraglottic airways, surgical access devices such as cricothyrotomy cannulas, and fiberoptic devices such as the fiberoptic bronchoscope, which is used for tube insertion.

[0007] Most of the devices mentioned are not easily accessible or readily available for emergency situations that arise during airway management procedures, which seriously compromise a patient's life in very short periods of time. This is because they are expensive, require highly qualified and specialized personnel to operate them, and their limited availability hinders easy access. These circumstances directly impact the lives of patients with difficult airways.The complex situations described are addressed by this device, which integrates the advantages of each of the devices used separately in airway management procedures into a single structure. Its unique and innovative design allows for real-time visualization and movement of its distal end, facilitating safe insertion into the patient's airway. Efficient, safe, and rapid insertion of the device is achieved through the combination of its features: a self-propelled movement mechanism and visualization at the distal end. These integrated elements clearly facilitate the medical procedure of tracheal intubation.

[0008] To support the foregoing and to meet the requirements of novelty and inventive step, it was imperative to conduct technological surveillance to identify the closest patents in the prior art. Patent No. US20190059710A1, "Medical Devices with Camera and Placement Methods," was found. This device has a camera combined with a main device comprising an endotracheal tube, an oral airway, a tracheostomy tube, a suction catheter, a cameraless intubation device, and a supraglottic oral airway. The camera comprises a distal end and a proximal end. The main device comprises a distal end and a proximal end, where the distal end of the camera is close to the distal end of the main device, and the position of the camera in the main device is adjusted by sliding the tube along a proximal-distal axis of the main device.The camera is attached to a ring that optionally includes a closure. The endotracheal tube has at least one ring, in which the camera slides into the tool tube and in which at least one of the following tools is optionally inserted into the tool tube: biopsy forceps, esophageal stethoscope, cuff tube, suction tube, nasogastric tube, stylet, and / or bougie. The second patent analyzed is No.04058189 "Endotracheal tube with tip direction control and position maintenance mechanism", this patent is a hollow tube forming a distal end, configured to be inserted into the trachea, and an opposite proximal end; a flexible portion of the tube, additionally its exit point, formed in the tube near the proximal end of the membrane, through which the wall traction mechanism extends between the flexible portion and the membrane, and an attachment point near the distal end of the flexible portion, to which the traction mechanism is attached.

[0009] Finally, the patent entitled "Adjustable Tracheal Conduit with Frontal End Curvature" describes an endotracheal tube attached to a sheath through which the traction cords and traction ring pass. It is designed with the front end of the pneuma tube having an adjustable curvature. The front end of the pneuma tube bends toward the ventral glottal alignment of the pneuma. It includes a tube cannula and does not require intubation forceps, which can shorten intubation time. This differs from the present invention, which allows for four different movements to avoid injuring the patient.

[0010] The state of the art reviewed in this document reinforces the patentability of the proposed device, as none currently integrate elements that allow for posterior and anterior movement and traction of the distal tip or end, with a real-time visualization mechanism. While some devices are for intubation and incorporate a camera for visualization, none integrate the mechanisms proposed here. This new device would allow the operator, through a digital intervention, to achieve precise control of the distal tip or end of the tube and visual orientation on-site, based on the visualization mechanism.For the above reasons, respected New Creations Department, we consider that our device possesses the three requirements to be patented, since, in the state of the art, there is no patent that integrates its essential characteristics, as previously mentioned.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A flexible optical device that facilitates the tracheal intubation procedure and airway control without the indispensable use of the laryngoscope and other tube insertion guide elements, since it integrates particular and characteristic elements that allow the proposed function to be achieved, among which are stated: a video camera system and a movement and traction system, which is located in the proximal area of ​​the tube that facilitates its distal direction, through a spring element, operated by a set of cables with pulley, which pass through the interior and in the extension of the tube.

[0013] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES.

[0014] 1. Right Side View: where a movement and traction (1), a dial (101), traction pulleys (102), cables (103), a toothed circumference (104), perforated channels (105), real-time visualization (2), a camera (201), and the joining cannula (3) are described.

[0015] 2. Front View: where a movement and traction (1), a dial (101), cables (103), perforated channels (105), spring element (107), real-time display (2), a camera (201), the joining cannula (3) are described.

[0016] 3. Top View: where a movement and traction (1) is described, which are connected by cables (103), perforated channels (105), spring element (107), real-time visualization (2), a camera (201), the joining cannula (3).

[0017] 4. Exploded Isometric View: where a movement and traction (1), a dial (101), traction pulleys (102), cables (103), a toothed circumference (104), perforated channels (105), two side walls (106), non-springed element (107), real-time visualization (2), a camera (201), the union cannula (3) are described.

[0018] 5. Isometric View: where a movement and traction (1), a dial (101), traction pulleys (102), which are connected by cables (103), a toothed circle (104), two side walls (106), spring element are described

[0019] 115 (107), real-time visualization (2), a camera (201), the joining cannula (3).

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, which facilitates the procedure of airway management and control in patients who require it, characterized by integrating visualization and movement mechanisms in a

[0022] 120 same piece (tracheal tube), since it integrates characteristic, particular elements designed to achieve the desired action. The elements have been designed so that, in a single tracheal intubation device, vital functions can be performed in complex events within airway management procedures, which are

[0023] 125 correlate with each other so that in the same action an ideal visualized direction is achieved in these medical situations.

[0024] It is well known that within tracheal intubation procedures there can be multiple difficulties in achieving correct intubation, such as, for example: anterior position of the larynx, short neck, obesity in the patient,

[0025] 130. Decreased mouth opening, limited neck flexion and extension, among others. These limitations generally require the use of specialized medical equipment and devices, which are difficult to access, costly, and require adequate training, hindering their availability for effective airway control. Therefore, this device is proposed as an integration of those components used as complements to achieve effective airway control and management in patients.

[0026] Thus, the present device is characterized by having two clearly defined mechanisms: a movement and traction mechanism (1) and a real-time visualization mechanism (2), which are integrated into a single unit, allowing the operator to control the airway in both routine and challenging situations. The movement and traction mechanism (1) is composed of various parts, including a dial (101) with traction pulleys (102), which are connected by cables (103) to the distal end of the device. This allows for anterior or posterior movement of the distal end, thereby facilitating the tracheal intubation process.

[0027] The components of the movement and traction mechanism (1) are located at the proximal end of the tube, allowing the operator to control the direction of the device's distal end by using a digital dial (101). The cables (103) are housed in a toothed ring (104), where they are secured. This prevents dislodgement during the operator's actions, thus ensuring the necessary traction for the desired movements at the distal end. The cables (103) are arranged in parallel within the device, with opposing functions: one or more exert anterior force, while one or more exert posterior force. The cables (103) are positioned along the tube's structure within perforated channels (105) as part of the proposed design.

[0028] The dial (101) proposed in this patent application is toothed, allowing the operator precise and efficient digital movement. It is located in the center of the traction pulleys (102) and protected by two side walls (106) that maintain its position. To allow for parallel placement of the cables (103), the design of the connecting cannula (3) between the tube and the anesthesia machine is modified to a lateral elbow shape, thus maintaining the tube's lumen unaltered. The lateral elbow design of the connecting cannula (3) is located at the proximal end of the device, upon which the movement and traction mechanism (1) is mounted. This is where the dial (101), the traction pulleys (102), the toothed circumference (104), and the proximal beginning of the cables (103) are located.

[0029] This movement and traction mechanism (1) is combined with a spring element (107) located inside the device structure at its distal end. The cables (103) are attached to this spring element for traction purposes, running through the perforated channels (105) within the device's internal structure, as previously mentioned. The connection between the elements mentioned in this movement and traction mechanism (1) allows for the direction of the tip or distal end of the proposed device.

[0030] Finally, the proposed device has a real-time visualization mechanism (2), which will consist of at least one camera (201) located at the tip of the device, adjacent to the distal end guided by the movement and traction mechanism (1), and positioned inside its structure. This allows the operator to instantly visualize the action occurring inside the patient during the tracheal intubation procedure. Its internal location within the tube structure ensures that its use does not affect the health and integrity of the patients undergoing the procedure, as it is not in contact with any tissue. The same applies to the other elements proposed in this patent application. The camera or visualization element used will connect, either analogically or wirelessly, to any external device with a display screen, via any of its inputs or connections.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, characterized in that it integrates visualization and movement mechanisms in a single piece and is composed of: a) A movement and traction mechanism (1), comprising: a dial (101), traction pulleys (102), cables (103) housed in a toothed circumference (104) and located along the device within perforated channels (105), two side walls (106), and a spring element (107). b) A real-time visualization mechanism (2), with at least one camera (201) connected analogically or wirelessly to any of the inputs or connections. c) A connecting cannula (3) arranged in the form of a lateral elbow.

2. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, according to claim 1, wherein the cables (103) are housed in a toothed circumference (104) located at the proximal end of the device, from where and throughout the length of the tube reach the distal end, to generate their anterior and posterior direction action in tracheal intubation through the dial (101).

3. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the movement and traction mechanism (1) is digitally actuated by the operator via the dial (101), to direct the distal end of the device in tracheal intubation.

4. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the toothed circumference (104) secures the cables (103), thereby preventing dislodgement and exerting the necessary traction to obtain anterior and posterior movement of the distal end of the device.

5. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, according to claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein the wires (103) are arranged in a parallel manner and with opposite functions between them, given that on one side anterior action is exerted and on the other, posterior action.

6. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, according to claims 1 and 3, wherein the dial (101) is proposed to be toothed, to facilitate its digital operation and is located in the center of the traction pulleys (102) protected by two side walls (106) that keep it in position.

7. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, according to claim 1, wherein the connecting cannula (3) is located in the proximal area of ​​the device in the form of a lateral elbow, on which the movement and traction mechanism (1) is mounted, therein being: the dial (101), the traction pulleys (102), the toothed circumference (104) and the proximal start of the cables (103).

8. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, according to claims 1 and 7, wherein the connecting cannula (3) is posed in the form of a lateral elbow, so as to allow parallel placement of the cables (103) and thereby achieve anterior and posterior direction of the distal end of the device.

9. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, according to claim 1, wherein the spring element (107) is located inside the structure of the device at its distal end, to which the cables (103) are attached to generate the movement and traction necessary in directing the distal end of the device.

10. A flexible optical device for tracheal intubation, according to claim 1, wherein the camera (201) is located at the tip of the device, adjacent to the distal end directed by the mechanism of movement and traction (1) and, arranged inside the structure, so that the health and integrity of the patients being operated on are not affected.

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