Automated Cricothyroid Membrane Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for performing cricothyrotomy in emergency situations rely on manual location of the cricothyroid membrane, which can lead to errors due to the lack of medical expertise among users, resulting in low success rates in pre-hospital settings.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that uses a frame with a carriage guide and sensors to automatically locate the cricothyroid membrane, employing machine learning algorithms to determine the correct position and transmit signals for either marking or incising the membrane, thereby facilitating accurate airway access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual location of cricothyroid membrane is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to lack of medical expertise among users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical palpation with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors mounted on a carriage moving along the neck automatically detect the cricothyroid membrane's location, eliminating the need for user expertise in manual localization while maintaining high precision through objective sensor measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-location of the cricothyroid membrane through automated sensor detection without requiring skilled manual manipulation. The system independently identifies the membrane position through sensor signals, making the procedure accessible to non-medical personnel while ensuring consistent and accurate localization.
2Measurement precision
If automated sensor-based location is used, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into modular components: a frame structure, a carriage with sensors, and a control unit. This segmentation allows the complex automated system to be constructed from manageable parts, with sensors mounted on a movable carriage that can be independently controlled along the neck.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated detection system serves multiple functions: it locates the cricothyroid membrane, determines the optimal incision position, and can guide the actual incision procedure. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices or manual steps into a single integrated system.
3Ease of operation
If manual marking and incision is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to errors and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback through sensor detection of the cricothyroid membrane position, allowing the device to automatically adjust and guide the incision to the precise location. This feedback mechanism eliminates errors in manual localization while maintaining simplicity of operation through automated guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor-based system performs preliminary detection and localization of the cricothyroid membrane before the actual incision is made. This advance positioning allows the incision to be made at the optimal location without requiring manual marking or estimation, thereby increasing speed and reliability while keeping the operation simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for automatic emergency airway detection. The apparatus includes a frame with a carriage guide configured to be secured around a neck of a subject. A carriage including a sensor is configured to move along the carriage guide. The sensor is configured to measure a value of a parameter indicating a topography of the neck of the subject. A processor includes a memory with instructions to receive first data from the sensor of the value of the parameter as the carriage is moved along the carriage guide and to determine, with the first data, second data indicating a position along the carriage guide corresponding to the cricothyroid region of the neck. The processor subsequently transmits a first signal indicating the second data. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.