Integrated Suction Rail for Clear-View Video Intubation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current videolaryngoscopy methods lack effective and reliable suction systems, leading to difficulties in maintaining clear visualization during intubation due to fluid obstruction, requiring additional personnel, and inefficient suction control, which can result in severe complications such as ARDS.
Innovation Solution
A suction device integrated with an intubation device, featuring rigid suction channels positioned below the optical detection device, allowing for automatic guidance to the optimal suction point, one-handed operation, and real-time suction efficiency monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible suction tube is used with video laryngoscope, then suction can be performed, but the tube kinks easily and cannot be reliably controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is segmented into a rigid guide rail portion that follows the video laryngoscope blade contour and a flexible suction tube portion. The rigid guide rail ensures stable positioning and prevents kinking, while the flexible tube allows adaptation to airway geometry. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by combining structural stability with operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid guide rail acts as an intermediary between the video laryngoscope blade and the flexible suction tube. It transmits the blade's stable positioning to the suction tube while allowing the tube to remain flexible and controllable. This intermediary structure prevents direct transmission of blade movements to the tube, enabling independent control.
2Reliability
If suction tube is inserted through endotracheal tube, then suction can be performed, but positioning is dependent on tube position
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is extracted from the endotracheal tube and positioned independently in the oropharynx. The rigid guide rail with suction openings is positioned to drain fluids from the oropharynx before they enter the larynx, while the endotracheal tube remains separate for intubation purposes. This extraction allows independent positioning of suction and intubation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device operates in a different spatial dimension (oropharyngeal space) compared to the endotracheal tube (laryngeal inlet). By positioning the suction openings in the oropharynx above the laryngeal inlet, the system creates a hierarchical drainage pathway that is independent of tube position, allowing simultaneous intubation and suction.
3Reliability
If rigid suction device is inserted by second person, then suction can be performed, but simultaneous intubation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is merged with the video laryngoscope by integrating the rigid guide rail to follow the blade contour and attaching the suction tube to the blade handle. This combination allows a single operator to control both the video laryngoscope and suction device simultaneously, eliminating the need for a second person while maintaining suction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The video laryngoscope blade is given multi-functionality by integrating suction capabilities into its structure. The rigid guide rail follows the blade contour, and the suction openings are positioned to drain oropharyngeal fluids, allowing the same device to perform both visualization and suction functions, thereby simplifying the overall procedure.
4Reliability
If suction openings are positioned above optical detection device, then suction can be performed, but optical detection device becomes obstructed by fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The suction openings are positioned to perform preliminary suction of oropharyngeal fluids before they can flow downward to obstruct the optical detection device. By placing the suction openings in the oropharynx above the laryngeal inlet, the system proactively removes fluids that would otherwise accumulate and block the camera view, preventing optical obstruction before it occurs.
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
Ensures continuous, controlled suction without kinking or obstruction, enabling simultaneous intubation and suction by a single operator, reducing the risk of fluid accumulation and improving procedural safety.
Implementation Method 1
the suction device (4) is designed for aspirating fluids in the area of the end near the patient (9) of the guide rail (2)
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a suction device, in particular a medical suction device, designed for attachment to an intubation device for intubating a patient with an endotracheal tube, wherein the intubation device has a handle for holding the intubation device and a rigid guide rail connected to the handle, which has a longitudinally extending guide channel from an end furthest from the patient to an end near the patient for guiding the endotracheal tube and at least one optical detection device at the end near the patient on the guide rail, wherein the suction device is designed for aspirating fluids in the region of the end near the patient of the guide rail. The invention further relates to an intubation device for intubating a patient with an endotracheal tube, which includes a suction device.