Deflectable Stylet with Integrated Imaging for Airway Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intubation devices, such as endotracheal tubes and stylets, face challenges in providing reliable illumination and visualization of the respiratory tract during intubation, especially in patients with difficult airways, due to complexity, cost, and limited flexibility, leading to potential misplacement of endotracheal tubes and complications.
Innovation Solution
A device and system that combines a stylet with imaging and display capabilities, featuring a deflectable section and an image acquisition element, allowing for visualization of confined spaces like the airway, with a malleable rod for shaping and a flexible design to facilitate correct tube placement, and optional wireless communication for real-time data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber optic viewing devices are used for intubation, then visualization of the airway is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the viewing system from the fiber-optic channel, allowing the stylet to be a simple mechanical component while the viewing system remains as a separate, reusable component that can be attached when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet is designed as a simple, inexpensive, disposable mechanical component that provides basic functionality without the complexity and high cost of integrated fiber-optic viewing systems.
2Reliability
If fiber optic viewing devices are used for intubation, then airway visualization is improved, but device cost increases restricting access
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a simple mechanical stylet and a separate viewing system, the stylet can be manufactured at low cost using basic materials and processes, making it accessible to a broader range of users.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet is designed as an inexpensive disposable component that eliminates the need for costly maintenance and sterilization of complex optical systems, reducing overall device cost.
3Ease of operation
If traditional endotracheal tubes are used, then basic intubation function is provided, but flexibility and adaptability for difficult airways are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet includes a deflectable section that can be dynamically adjusted during insertion to change the shape and direction of the endotracheal tube, allowing adaptation to various airway anatomies and difficult intubation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable section allows changes in the geometric parameters of the stylet and tube assembly, enabling the operator to modify the insertion angle and curve to match the specific anatomy of difficult airways.
Data Source
AI summary
A stylet and method of use to intubate a subject. The stylet includes a malleable rod removably housed within the stylet, as well as a flexible proximal portion having a predetermined shape defined by the malleable rod when inserted in the stylet, and a distal tip, wherein the distal tip is capable of deflection when the malleable rod is inserted in the stylet. The stylet further includes a manually operable actuator configured to receive a force from a user at the proximal end of the stylet to control a deflection angle of the distal tip.