Integrated LMA for Robotic Head and Ventilation Tube Merging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During robotic surgery of the head and neck, the obstruction of the surgeon's view by ventilation and anesthesia tubes limits access and visualization of the surgical site, and removing these tubes compromises patient ventilation or anesthesia.
Innovation Solution
An integrated laryngeal mask airway (LMA) device with channels for a robot head, ventilation tube, and anesthesia tube, allowing for airway access without an endotracheal tube, incorporating a cuff with an inflatable section to seal the larynx and accommodate robotic instruments and cameras, ensuring continuous ventilation and improved surgical visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ventilation and anesthesia tubes are used during robotic surgery, then patient ventilation and anesthesia are maintained, but the surgeon's view is obstructed and access to the surgical site is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ventilation tube and robotic head into a single integrated LMA device. The robotic head is positioned within the LMA mask, allowing the ventilation function and robotic surgical function to occupy the same spatial envelope, thereby eliminating the need for separate tubes that would obstruct the surgeon's view
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic head is nested within the LMA mask structure, with the robot head and instruments passing through the mask body. This nesting arrangement allows the robotic components to be contained within the ventilation device, freeing up external space for unobstructed surgical access and visualization
2Ease of operation
If tubes for ventilation or anesthesia are removed to assist surgeon's view, then the surgeon's view is improved, but patient ventilation or anesthesia is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the ventilation tube and robotic head into one integrated device, the patent eliminates the need to choose between having ventilation tubes present or having a clear surgical field. Both functions coexist in the same integrated structure, ensuring continuous ventilation while maintaining unobstructed surgeon's view
3Reliability
If an endotracheal tube is used to maintain airway, then patient ventilation is secured, but access to the larynx and pharynx for surgery is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional endotracheal tube with an integrated LMA device that provides both airway access and serves as the entry point for robotic instruments. This single device fulfills both the ventilation function and the surgical access function, eliminating the need for separate endotracheal tube placement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the endotracheal tube from the system entirely, replacing it with the integrated LMA device. This removal of the separate endotracheal tube eliminates the obstruction it creates to laryngeal and pharyngeal surgical access while maintaining airway security through the LMA's inflatable cuff
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 unobstructed surgical access and visualization during robotic procedures by integrating the robot head and ventilation tubes within the LMA, maintaining patient ventilation and anesthesia without the need for an endotracheal tube, thereby enhancing surgical maneuverability and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The cuff piece has an inflatable cuff with an inner edge which defines a mouth of the inflatable cuff and an inflation line extending from the inflatable cuff
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an LMA mask integrated for robotic surgery with ventilation or anesthesia tubes and for receiving the robot head with medical instruments through the mask. The inflatable cuff of the mask surrounds the robot head and ventilation so that the items necessary for surgical procedures are contained within a compact defined area. Increased maneuverability and visibility for the medical professional. Integration of the mask with processes for ventilation or anesthesia by accessories is also provided.