Introducer Guide for Intubation with Segmented Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intubation procedures face challenges in efficiently guiding endotracheal tubes into the trachea due to cumbersome processes and the risk of introducers being accidentally placed in the oesophagus, with existing guide means requiring awkward and time-consuming methods to remove the laryngoscope and introducer after tube placement.
Innovation Solution
A guide means for intubation devices, such as laryngoscopes, featuring an open channel that securely holds an introducer and is designed to release it gently as the endotracheal tube advances, eliminating the need for manual removal and reducing bulkiness, allowing for easier visualization and quicker tube placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional tube guides extending along the majority of the laryngoscope blade length are used, then the intubation tube can be directed into the trachea, but the device becomes bulky and obscures the user's view
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means is divided into discrete spaced-apart tube guiding members rather than a continuous long guide structure. This segmentation reduces the overall bulk and volume of the guide means while still providing effective tube direction into the trachea, thereby improving the user's view during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the guide means along the length of the laryngoscope blade (one dimension), the invention uses spaced-apart guiding members that provide guidance through their spatial arrangement and geometry. This dimensional approach reduces bulk while maintaining functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the laryngoscope blade is slid back along the inserted tube to remove the blade from the tube, then the blade can be separated from the tube, but the procedure becomes awkward and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer is pre-attached to the laryngoscope blade before the procedure. This preliminary attachment allows the introducer to remain in place while the blade is easily removed, eliminating the awkward and time-consuming process of sliding the blade back along the tube for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer is extracted or separated from the blade after use, allowing independent removal of the blade without needing to manipulate the tube. This extraction simplifies the removal process and reduces time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the difference between the external diameter of the introducer and the internal diameter of the outer intubation tube is large, then the introducer can be easily guided, but the outer intubation tube can drag the introducer out of the airway
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means provides localized guidance at specific points along its structure rather than relying on a uniform fit throughout. The spaced-apart guiding members create localized interaction zones that provide sufficient guidance while maintaining introducer stability through controlled engagement points.
Data Source
AI summary
An introducer guide (19) for an intubation device (21) having an open channel adapted to releasably secure an introducer, and shaped such that advancement of an intubation tube (21) through which the introducer extends causes the introducer to be removed from the introducer guide (19).