Endobronchial Blocker With Visualization Lumen for Selective Lung Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selectively ventilating one lung during patient ventilation, such as double-lumen endotracheal tubes and bronchial blockers, face challenges like stiffness, bronchial mucosal injury, and airway obstruction, which complicate positioning and maintenance during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based endobronchial blocker system with a reversible visualization system that allows for direct visualization and confirmation of balloon placement within the bronchus, enabling selective lung ventilation without obstructing the airway, and can be used in conjunction with existing endotracheal tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double-lumen endotracheal tube is used for single-lung isolation, then selective lung ventilation is achieved, but the tube stiffness and size cause bronchial mucosal injury and positioning difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the endotracheal tube and bronchial blocker into two independent components. The single-lumen endotracheal tube remains flexible and easy to position, while the separate bronchial blocker with balloon performs the isolation function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing trauma while maintaining selective ventilation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bronchial blocker is designed to be inserted through the existing endotracheal tube and positioned in the bronchus. The blocker nests within the tube structure, allowing the flexible endotracheal tube to provide access while the smaller blocker performs the occlusion function with minimal trauma to the bronchial mucosa.
2Reliability
If a bronchial blocker is placed through a single-lumen endotracheal tube, then single-lung isolation is achieved, but airway obstruction and ventilation difficulty occur during placement
Solution Approach 1:
A visualization device serves as an intermediary tool that facilitates the placement of the bronchial blocker. The device provides real-time visual guidance through the endotracheal tube, allowing precise positioning of the blocker without requiring forceful manipulation that would cause airway obstruction or ventilation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary positioning and visualization of the bronchial blocker before final inflation and isolation. The visualization device enables the clinician to confirm correct placement and orientation before committing to the isolation procedure, reducing the need for repositioning and associated airway obstruction risks.
3Ease of operation
If indirect clinical measurements are used to assess double-lumen tube positioning, then positioning verification is achieved, but positioning precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces indirect mechanical assessment methods (breath sounds) with direct optical visualization. The visualization device provides real-time visual confirmation of the bronchial blocker's position within the bronchus, enabling precise placement verification without relying on indirect clinical measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization device may utilize color-coded indicators or visual markers to clearly distinguish anatomical landmarks and confirm correct positioning of the bronchial blocker. Visual cues provide immediate, unambiguous feedback on placement accuracy, superior to indirect auditory or tactile methods.
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
Facilitates precise and stable selective lung ventilation, reducing the risk of bronchial mucosal injury and airway obstruction, allowing for real-time monitoring of the blocker's position during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a balloon positioned at a distal portion of the catheter... adapted to expand radially outward
Implementation Method 2
a retention assembly configured to exert a force on a visualization device inserted within the central lumen of the catheter to cause a distal end of the visualization device to be pressed against the window
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for selectively blocking respiratory air flow to portions of a lung are disclosed. For example, one bronchus of a lung may be sealed off while another bronchus remains open to air flow. An endobronchial blocker may comprise an at least substantially transparent elongate member configured to facilitate real-time monitoring of the position of an inflatable member of the endobronchial blocker throughout a surgical procedure using a visualization or imaging device inserted within a main lumen of the endobronchial blocker.