Guided Endotracheal Intubation System Using Modulated Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endotracheal intubation methods face challenges in accurately identifying the trachea, especially in trauma cases with blood and secretions present, due to difficulties in controlling external illumination levels and distinguishing between tracheal and esophageal illumination.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered, stand-alone external illumination source providing a fixed modulated output is used, which is detected by an imaging system that adjusts the apparent illumination level through signal processing, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic steering of the endotracheal tube without feedback mechanisms, using phase manipulation to optimize image intensity and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If internally illuminated endoscopic images are used to visualize the trachea, then the vocal folds and glottis can be imaged, but it becomes difficult to identify the exact trachea location, especially in trauma cases with blood and secretions
Solution Approach 1:
An external illumination source is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and trachea. This external light source illuminates the trachea from outside the patient's body, causing the trachea to appear prominently illuminated in the endoscopic image, thereby enabling accurate identification of the trachea location even in the presence of blood and secretions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes illumination intensity variations (analogous to color/brightness changes) to differentiate the trachea from surrounding structures. By controlling the external illumination to preferentially light up the trachea, the trachea appears with distinct brightness characteristics that make it easily distinguishable from the esophagus and other anatomical structures
2Measurement precision
If external illumination is applied to the neck region to illuminate the trachea, then trachea identification becomes easier, but the illumination level must be precisely controlled to distinguish tracheal illumination from esophageal illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the illumination level is adjusted based on detected signals from the imaging system. The feedback link from the user signal processing and viewing module to the externally applied tracheal identification illumination ensures that the illumination level is optimized for clear trachea visualization while maintaining the ability to distinguish it from esophageal illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The external illumination source can be controlled to vary its intensity, allowing real-time optimization of the illumination level to achieve optimal trachea visibility while preventing over-illumination that could cause confusion with esophageal structures
3Device complexity
If an autonomous external illumination source with fixed modulated output is used, then the system becomes simpler and lower cost, but the apparent illumination level must be adjusted through signal processing without feedback to the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic feedback control system with a signal processing approach. Instead of physically or electronically connecting the control system to the light source to adjust illumination levels, the system uses signal processing of the modulated illumination signal to achieve apparent illumination level adjustment, thereby simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being controlled from actual illumination intensity to apparent illumination intensity through signal processing. By processing the modulated signal from the autonomous light source, the system can adjust the perceived illumination level without needing to physically adjust the light source itself, maintaining ease of operation while simplifying system architecture
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
This system enables precise and efficient tracheal identification, reducing the risk of misplacement and improving the accuracy of endotracheal tube placement by maintaining optimal illumination levels, even as the tube is advanced down the throat, without the need for complex feedback systems or connections to the light source.
Implementation Method 1
an autonomous light source, providing a substantially constant level modulated illumination output, adapted to be externally applied to the neck of the subject in the region of the subject's larynx
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensing system receiving a stream of image data from an endotracheal placement device within the throat of the subject, the optical image data including data relating to the level of the modulated illumination which has penetrated the trachea
Implementation Method 3
a control system adapted to perform signal processing on modulated content of the received stream of image data, and to generate image output data which enables the apparent sensed level of illumination from the trachea to be adjusted
Data Source
AI summary
A guided tracheal intubation system using an autonomous modulated light source, outputting modulated illumination at a constant level, and externally applied to the subject's larynx region. An optical imaging system receives a video stream from within the subject's throat, including modulated illumination from the subject's trachea. A display control system performs signal processing on the modulated content of the images, and outputs frames of those images in which the intensity level of illumination from the trachea can be controlled without any need to change the illumination output from the modulated light source. The light source has no connection with the rest of the system, and need contain no more than a battery, a power supply circuit and a light source. It can therefore be of low cost and can be made disposable, such as in the form of an adhesive patch applied to the subject's neck.