Disposable Laryngoscope with Integrated Optical Subassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laryngoscopes face challenges in quickly and safely intubating patients, especially in emergency situations, due to interference from blood, saliva, and vomit, and may not function effectively outside medical facilities.
Innovation Solution
A disposable laryngoscope with a rigid cylindrical body, optical subassembly, and integrated features like a suction catheter and bougie, designed for easy visualization and airway management, including a transparent tube for clear illumination and protective material to prevent dental injury, allowing for quick and safe intubation in emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional laryngoscope is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the visualization is poor in the presence of blood, saliva, and vomit
Solution Approach 1:
The laryngoscope is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable handle containing the power source and optical subassembly, and a disposable cylindrical tube. This segmentation allows the complex illuminated visualization system to be isolated in a disposable component, maintaining reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical tube is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the risk of contamination from blood, saliva, and vomit affecting subsequent uses, ensuring consistent visualization reliability without requiring complex sterilization or maintenance systems.
2Productivity
If a traditional laryngoscope is used, then the device is simple, but the intubation speed is slow in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical tube is pre-lit by the optical subassembly before insertion, allowing the healthcare provider to immediately visualize the airway upon insertion. The angulated distal opening is pre-configured to facilitate smooth passage through the mouth and throat, eliminating the need for complex manipulation during the procedure and speeding up intubation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to be compatible with multiple cylindrical tubes and can interface with existing laryngoscope handles. The optical subassembly provides both illumination and visualization functions. This multi-functionality allows rapid deployment in emergency situations without requiring device-specific training or complex setup procedures.
3Reliability
If a transparent or translucent tube is used, then the illumination and visualization are improved, but the protection of patient's teeth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical tube features localized variations in material properties: the distal end is made transparent or translucent for optimal visualization, while the proximal end incorporates a strip of protective material that is opaque but provides mechanical protection for the patient's teeth. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between visualization quality and dental protection.
4Ease of operation
If the distal opening is oriented at an angle, then the insertion is facilitated, but the structural simplicity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distal opening of the cylindrical tube is asymmetrically oriented at a specific angle relative to the vertical cross-sectional plane. This asymmetric configuration naturally guides the tube through the mouth and throat along the anatomical pathway, facilitating smooth insertion without requiring complex manipulation mechanisms or additional components.
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 efficient and safe intubation in difficult or emergency situations by providing clear visualization and effective airway management, even in the presence of bleeding or vomiting, and can be used both within and outside medical facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light source located within the handle, a power source such as one or more batteries located also within a handle and in communication with the light source
Implementation Method 2
A light carrier such as a fiber optic cable is in communication with the light source and extends from the handle into the tube wherein it produces light
Implementation Method 3
The tube can be made from a metal, a transparent material or translucent material or a combination of the three. The transparent or translucent material will aid in the illumination of the tube along its entire length
Implementation Method 4
a suction catheter can be used to assist with the removal of the excessive blood and/or vomit from the patient's airway
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is generally directed toward a laryngoscope having a handle, a rigid cylindrical tube, and an optical subassembly. The handle has a distal end and a proximate end. The tube is hollow and also has a distal end having a distal opening and a proximate end having a proximate opening. The optical subassembly includes a light source located within the handle, a power source located within the handle and in communication with the light source and a light carrier extending between the handle and the tube and in communication with the light source and providing light inside and along the entire length of the tube.