Endoscopic Bite Block With Integrated Capnography And Oxygen Passageways
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic bite blocks and gas sampling or delivery cannulae often interfere with capnographic performance during upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy procedures, causing misalignment and inefficient oral sampling due to space constraints and sedation-related subject movement.
Innovation Solution
A bite block assembly with integrated capnography and oxygen delivery passageways, including a gas collection cannula and oxygen delivery cannula, which maintains the mouth open and stabilizes the sampling cannula through a flexible barrier and adjustable design, ensuring accurate breath sampling and oxygen delivery without interfering with the endoscopy procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bite block is used to maintain the mouth open during endoscopy, then the endoscope can be properly positioned, but capnographic performance deteriorates due to interference with gas sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block is divided into separate functional zones: a first opening for endoscope passage and a second opening for capnography sampling. This segmentation allows the endoscope and gas sampling cannula to operate independently without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between ease of endoscope positioning and capnographic measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The gas sampling cannula is positioned to extend through the bite block structure, with the sampling opening located at the rear surface opposite the subject's lips. This nested arrangement allows the cannula to pass through the bite block without obstructing the endoscope's path while maintaining accurate capnographic sampling
2Measurement precision
If gas sampling cannulae are used for capnography, then breath sampling is enabled, but misalignment occurs due to space constraints and subject movement
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block is pre-configured with a specifically positioned opening and structural features that guide and stabilize the gas sampling cannula in the correct alignment before the procedure begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the cannula maintains proper positioning throughout the procedure, preventing misalignment due to space constraints or subject movement
Solution Approach 2:
The bite block acts as an intermediary structure that mechanically couples the gas sampling cannula to the subject's anatomy. By providing a stable mounting position and structural support, the bite block mediates between the cannula and subject, maintaining alignment despite movements during sedation
3Measurement precision
If separate cannulae are used for capnography and oxygen delivery, then gas sampling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bite block integrates multiple functions into a single device structure: it provides mechanical support for the endoscope, houses the gas sampling cannula, and facilitates oxygen delivery. By merging these functions into one integrated assembly rather than using separate devices, the system improves gas sampling efficiency while minimizing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bite block assembly adapted for capnography and oxygen delivery to a subject, the bite block assembly (50) including a first capnography passageway adapted for passage therethrough of exhaled breath from the subject to a capnograph and a second oxygen delivery passageway, separate from the first passageway, adapted for passage therethrough of oxygen from an oxygen source to the mouth of the subject.