Disposable Intubation Apparatus with Camera and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intubation methods using laryngoscopes or endoscopes are difficult to perform on conscious patients, especially those with neck issues or small oral cavities, and require specialized dexterity, are expensive, and pose infection risks due to reuse and inadequate disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A disposable intubation apparatus comprising a hollow guide tube with a camera module and LED lamp, allowing for easy insertion and visualization of vocal cords, connected to a smartphone for image display, and a suction nipple for foreign substance removal, eliminating the need for laryngoscope disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a laryngoscope is used for intubation, then the operator can check the vocal cords and insert a tube, but it is difficult to use when the patient is conscious, has neck problems, small oral cavity, or weak teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laryngoscope system with an endoscope-based system that uses optical visualization. The endoscope allows direct viewing of the vocal cords through a flexible or rigid tube inserted into the patient's mouth, eliminating the need for head tilting and manual manipulation of the laryngoscope blade. This substitution enables intubation in patients with limited mouth opening, neck mobility issues, or weak teeth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an endoscope is used for intubation, then intubation can be performed on difficult patients, but the device is expensive and requires special dexterity and training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the intubation system into separate functional components: the endoscope for visualization, the suction device for clearing secretions, and the intubation tube for airway insertion. This modular approach allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall operation, reducing the training required while maintaining adaptability to difficult patient cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single comprehensive system that can handle various intubation scenarios. The device combines visualization (endoscope), suction (suction nipple), and intubation (tube) capabilities in one apparatus, making it universally applicable to different patient conditions without requiring multiple separate devices or specialized techniques for each case.
3Quantity of substance
If a laryngoscope or endoscope is reused, then cost is reduced, but disinfection takes a lot of time and money and infection risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable single-use components, particularly the endoscope and associated accessories, which are discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for complex disinfection procedures, reduces the risk of cross-contamination and infection transmission between patients, and simplifies workflow by removing sterilization steps while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the low cost of disposable items.
4Ease of operation
If the laryngoscope is held with one hand and intubation is performed with the other, then intubation can be performed, but the operator cannot independently perform aspiration when hemorrhage or excessive secretion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suction function directly into the intubation apparatus by integrating a suction nipple or catheter with the endoscope or intubation tube. This combination allows the operator to simultaneously visualize the airway and remove secretions or blood without needing a separate suction device, enabling independent management of hemorrhage or excessive secretion during the intubation procedure.
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
Enables safe and prompt intubation by an ordinary person with minimal training, reducing infection risks and costs through a low-cost, disposable design that does not require reuse or extensive disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
An LED lamp is included in the camera module
Data Source
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AI summary
The disposable intubation apparatus includes an intubation tube and a hollow guide tube which is inserted into a bore of the intubation tube to facilitate intubation of the intubation tube. The intubation tube is a hollow tube having opposite open ends, in which one end thereof is fixed to an adapter to be connected to an external device for supplying gas to the bore. The guide tube has open first and second ends and is arranged to be inserted into the intubation tube so that the second end is exposed to the outside of the adapter. The disposable intubation apparatus includes a receptacle which is detachably connected to the adapter of the intubation tube so as to facilitate intubation of the intubation tube using the guide tube. In addition, the disposable intubation apparatus includes a lens installed on the first end of the guide tube such that an operator can identify vocal cords and bronchial tubes when inserting the guide tube into the oral cavity, and a camera module installed behind the lens. The camera module is connected to a USB cable, and a USB cable terminal is arranged to be exposed toward the second end of the guide tube. The lens is installed so as to seal the bore of the guide tube on the terminal end of the first end of the guide tube.