Endobronchial Tube with Integrated Image Sensor for Carina Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory tubes, such as endobronchial tubes, lack continuous monitoring capabilities for correct placement relative to the Tracheal Carina, leading to potential displacement during procedures, which can result in inadequate ventilation or suffocation, and existing verification methods are time-consuming, require skill, and are inefficient in maintaining hygiene.
Innovation Solution
An endobronchial tube with an integrated image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS camera, and a light source, like LEDs, for continuous visualization and illumination of the Tracheal Carina, bronchi, and bronchial cuff, ensuring correct placement and allowing for real-time monitoring of tube position and potential complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional verification methods (capnograph, auscultation, bronchoscope, x-ray) are used to confirm tube placement, then tube placement can be verified, but continuous monitoring is not achieved and the procedures are time-consuming and require skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an image sensor and light source directly into the endobronchial tube, combining the functions of illumination, imaging, and tube structure into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate verification procedures using external equipment like bronchoscopes or x-ray, enabling continuous monitoring without additional time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The endobronchial tube performs self-verification of its own placement through the integrated image sensor that continuously captures images of the carina and surrounding structures. The tube monitors its own position autonomously without requiring external verification equipment or operator intervention, thus eliminating time loss for verification procedures.
2Reliability
If bronchoscope is used for verification, then gold standard verification is achieved, but the cleaning process becomes elaborate and inefficient leading to cross infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated image sensor system within the endobronchial tube uses a disposable or easily sterilizable sensor module that does not require elaborate cleaning processes. The sensor is protected within the tube structure, and the entire distal end can be replaced or sterilized as a single unit, eliminating the complex cleaning requirements of traditional bronchoscopes and reducing cross-infection risk.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the subject is moved during procedure, then procedure flexibility is improved, but tube location may change leading to dangerous displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated image sensor provides continuous real-time feedback on tube placement by continuously imaging the carina and surrounding anatomical structures. This feedback mechanism allows immediate detection of tube displacement caused by patient movement, enabling timely intervention to maintain correct tube positioning while preserving procedure flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous operation of the image sensor and light source ensures uninterrupted monitoring of tube placement throughout the procedure. Unlike intermittent verification methods, the continuous imaging maintains constant awareness of tube position, ensuring reliable detection of any displacement regardless of patient movement.
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 continuous and unobstructed verification of the endobronchial tube's placement, reducing the risk of displacement and allowing for timely intervention in case of complications, while maintaining airflow patency and improving surgical safety by providing a clear field of view and illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, like LEDs
Implementation Method 2
an integrated image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS camera
Data Source
AI summary
An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumens of different lengths for selectively associating with a patient about at least two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina. said tube comprising: a first lumen having an open distal end that associates proximally to the Carina within the Trachea, with a first inflatable cuff; a second lumen having an open distal end that extends distally, past the Carina and associates within one of the Left Bronchial branch and Right Bronchial branch with a second inflatable cuff; a dedicated image sensor lumen spanning the length of said first lumen, the dedicated image sensor lumen comprising an image sensor and illumination source disposed adjacent to the distal end of said first lumen, and configured to provide an image of the Tracheal bifurcation of the Tracheal Carina, the openings of the Left Bronchial branch, and the opening Right Bronchial branch; and at least one dedicated cleaning lumen disposed parallel with said dedicated image sensor lumen along the length of said endobronchial tube and wherein said cleaning lumen is configured to forms a cleaning nozzle at the distal end, wherein said cleaning nozzle is directed toward said image sensor lumen at its distal end.