Detachable Camera Carrier for TEE Probe Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) procedures are performed 'blindly,' increasing the risk of esophageal and pharyngeal trauma due to the lack of direct visualization during probe insertion, which can lead to catastrophic complications, especially in high-risk patients.
Innovation Solution
A detachable camera and light source system, integrated into a carrier that attaches to the TEE probe, allowing real-time visualization on a video monitor, minimizing the risk of complications by providing direct visualization of pharyngeal and esophageal structures during intubation, and is easily removable once the probe is in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera and light source are integrated into the TEE probe for direct visualization, then procedural safety is improved, but the probe width and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate components: a reusable TEE probe and a detachable carrier containing the camera and light source. This segmentation allows the probe to remain simple while the visualization components are housed in a separate unit that attaches to the probe, resolving the contradiction between safety improvement and probe complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A detachable carrier acts as an intermediary component between the TEE probe and the visualization system. The carrier houses the camera and light source, and attaches to the probe only when visualization is needed, allowing the probe itself to remain simple while providing enhanced safety features when required
2Loss of information
If a camera system is attached to the TEE probe, then direct visualization is achieved, but the probe girth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera and light source are nested within a compact carrier that attaches to the TEE probe. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall girth increase by efficiently packing the visualization components into a space that does not significantly protrude from the probe, allowing direct visualization without substantially increasing probe size
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable carrier serves as an intermediary that provides visualization components without permanently increasing the probe's girth. The carrier can be attached only when visualization is needed and removed afterward, allowing the probe to maintain its original dimensions during storage and transport while providing enhanced capabilities during use
3Loss of information
If the camera system is permanently integrated into the probe, then visualization is maintained, but the device cannot be easily removed after intubation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a permanent TEE probe and a removable carrier containing the camera system. This segmentation allows the camera system to be easily detached from the probe after intubation by simply removing the carrier, providing ease of removal while maintaining visualization capability during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the carrier and probe is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed - the carrier can be easily attached and detached as needed. This dynamic connection allows the camera system to be removed after intubation without requiring complex disassembly procedures, resolving the contradiction between maintaining visualization and enabling easy removal
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly reduces the risk of esophageal and pharyngeal complications by enabling direct visualization during TEE probe placement, enhancing procedural safety without requiring a new probe design or revamping existing echocardiography machines.
Implementation Method 1
The distal component houses a camera and light source or LED
Implementation Method 2
The probe includes a rectilinear transducer array acoustically coupled to the body through a cylindrical focusing lens having an outer face that conforms to the probe contour. An optical illuminating and viewing system is provided for optically viewing internal body parts through the probe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus, system and methods that comprise adding a removable or detachable carrier containing a camera and illumination to a TEE probe, thereby allowing the user to view the placement of the probe and minimize or reduce the risk of esophageal and pharyngeal complications during the positioning of the TEE probe into the patient's esophagus. The reduction or minimization of complications occurs by allowing the cardiologist direct visualization of pharyngeal and esophageal structures during intubation. This device and procedure eliminate any "blind procedure", whereby direct visualization of the pharyngeal structures and esophagus present a possible solution to these mechanical complications. Once the TEE probe has been properly positioned in the esophagus, the carrier is removed from the esophagus. The removable or detachable camera of the present disclosure can be used in other industries.