Medical Device Camera Lumen for Guided Airway Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laryngeal mask airways are inserted blindly, leading to potential trauma and airflow issues due to incomplete visualization of internal membranes, and improper sizing and anatomy variations complicate proper placement.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a camera lumen and a removable camera for visualizing internal membranes during insertion, allowing for guided placement and minimizing trauma by providing real-time visualization of vocal folds and epiglottis positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laryngeal mask airway is inserted blindly without visualization, then the insertion procedure is simpler and faster, but trauma to internal membranes occurs and proper placement cannot be confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
A camera system is introduced as an intermediary tool between the medical professional and the patient's airway structures. The camera captures real-time images of the epiglottis, vocal folds, and other internal membranes, transmitting visual information to the operator to guide blind insertion procedures, thereby preventing trauma while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The blind tactile insertion method is replaced with an optical visualization system. Instead of relying solely on mechanical feel and anatomical knowledge, the system uses a camera and display interface to provide visual feedback, substituting the mechanical sensing approach with optical information gathering
2Device complexity
If laryngeal mask airway is inserted blindly without visualization, then the device structure remains simple, but proper placement cannot be confirmed leading to airflow problems
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system provides real-time visual feedback during the insertion process. The medical professional can observe the position of the laryngeal mask airway relative to the epiglottis and vocal folds, confirming proper placement before inflation, thereby ensuring reliable airflow while adding minimal structural complexity through the integration of imaging components
3Reliability
If epiglottis is pushed downwardly by the cuff, then the cuff seals properly in the esophagus, but the epiglottis blocks the tube opening causing airflow problems
Solution Approach 1:
The camera allows the medical professional to preliminarily assess the position and orientation of the epiglottis before cuff inflation. By visualizing the airway anatomy in advance, the operator can adjust the device position to ensure the tube opening remains aligned with the glottis, preventing blockage while maintaining proper cuff sealing
4Ease of operation
If endotracheal tube is inserted through the laryngeal mask airway tube blindly, then the intubation procedure follows standard protocol, but trauma to the laryngeal inlet occurs and intubation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves as an intermediary guide during endotracheal tube insertion through the laryngeal mask airway. Real-time visualization of the glottis and vocal folds allows the operator to navigate the endotracheal tube safely, preventing trauma to the laryngeal inlet while maintaining standardized procedural steps
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device is provided for insertion into a cavity of a patient to visual the internal membranes of the patient. The medical device can be an endotracheal tube, a suction tube, a bronchoscope, a tube changer, an esophageal tube, an intubating tube, an esophageal tube in combination with a separate intubating tube, a device for manipulating the position of the epiglottis of the patient, a stylet, or a tube insertable into the vagina of the patient. The medical device has a camera lumen having a sealed window at one end thereof attached thereto, and a separate camera which is insertable into the camera lumen and is removable from the camera lumen. The camera is used to monitor the internal membranes of the patient during the medical procedure.