Camera Assist Device for TEE Probe Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) procedures often result in complications such as oropharyngeal, esophageal, and gastric trauma due to the blind nature of the intubation process, leading to high mortality rates and increased healthcare costs, as operators lack visual guidance during the insertion of TEE probes into the esophagus.
Innovation Solution
A camera assist device (CAD) is developed to be removably coupled with TEE probes, providing real-time visualization of the esophagus through an image capture assembly and retrieval tension member, allowing operators to accurately place the probe without causing trauma and facilitating safer intubation by minimizing physical contact with sensitive anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If blind intubation is used for TEE probe insertion, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but it causes trauma and complications to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
A camera assembly is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the patient's esophagus. The camera provides real-time visual feedback through a monitor, allowing the operator to see the esophageal anatomy and guide the TEE probe accordingly, eliminating blind intubation and preventing trauma while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly provides continuous visual feedback to the operator during the intubation process. The monitor displays real-time images of the esophagus, enabling the operator to adjust the probe position based on visual information, thereby avoiding tissue damage while keeping the procedure straightforward
2Reliability
If a camera assembly is added to provide visualization during TEE intubation, then patient safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assembly is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be attached to or removed from the TEE probe. This segmentation allows the visualization function to be added without permanently complicating the base TEE device, enabling easy integration and removal while maintaining safety improvements
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly is designed to be compatible with multiple TEE probe models, making it a universal addition that can be attached to existing devices. This multi-functionality approach allows the same camera unit to serve different probe types without requiring probe-specific modifications, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
3Measurement precision
If the camera assembly is made detachable to allow removal from the esophagus, then the probe can be properly positioned, but the coupling mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assembly is extracted as a separate detachable component from the TEE probe. A coupling mechanism allows the camera to be attached during intubation for precise visualization and positioning, then removed after the TEE probe is properly positioned. This extraction enables accurate positioning while keeping the coupling mechanism relatively simple through standardized attachment interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.