Intubation Accessory with Camera and Light for Airway Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to provide a cost-effective and readily available accessory for intubation devices that can aid in the accurate and timely positioning of artificial airways, especially in emergency situations where expensive and complex tools are not readily available, particularly in non-hospital settings.
Innovation Solution
An intubation accessory that includes an illumination member, an imaging device with a communication mechanism for image conveyance to a display screen, and a fixing mechanism for easy attachment to existing intubation tools, optionally with a carbon dioxide sensor, designed to be low-cost, portable, and user-friendly, integrating with standard devices and personal electronic displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive and complex intubation tools are used, then visualization and positioning accuracy is improved, but cost and availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the intubation system into separate functional components: a standard intubation tool (laryngoscope or stylet) and a detachable accessory device containing the imaging camera and light source. This segmentation allows the complex visualization functions to be added as a separate module rather than requiring an entirely complex integrated system, improving availability while maintaining visualization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device is designed to be universally compatible with multiple types of intubation tools including different laryngoscope handles and stylets. The standardized attachment mechanism allows a single accessory device to enhance various intubation systems, reducing the need for multiple specialized expensive tools while maintaining measurement precision across different base devices.
2Measurement precision
If expensive and complex intubation tools are used, then visualization and positioning accuracy is improved, but availability at point of care worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the visualization accessory from the primary intubation tool, the system allows facilities to maintain existing standard intubation kits and simply add the accessory device when needed. This segmentation enables the positioning accuracy benefits to be available at point of care without requiring replacement of entire expensive specialized toolsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device is designed as a lower-cost alternative to expensive complex intubation systems. It can be used as a disposable or limited-life device that can be included in standard intubation kits, ensuring availability at point of care without the financial burden of expensive reusable specialized equipment.
3Device complexity
If simple and inexpensive accessories are used, then cost and availability are improved, but visualization capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple essential functions into a single integrated accessory device: an imaging camera for visualization, a light source for illumination, and an attachment mechanism for securing to the intubation tool. This merging provides complete airway visualization capability in one affordable unit, preventing information loss while maintaining accessory simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device replaces the need for complex mechanical visualization systems with a more modern approach using small imaging cameras and electronic displays. This substitution provides superior airway visualization capability at lower cost and simpler design compared to traditional complex mechanical intubation aids.
4Reliability
If specialized expensive tools are used, then intubation effectiveness is improved, but ease of use and training requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device acts as an intermediary that bridges standard intubation tools with modern visualization technology. It attaches to familiar standard equipment that clinicians already know how to use, providing enhanced visualization without requiring retraining on entirely new complex systems. This maintains intubation effectiveness while preserving ease of operation with minimal training requirements.
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
The accessory ensures reliable and efficient intubation at points of care by providing accurate visualization and positioning of intubation tools, is inexpensive, easily portable, and does not require extensive training, enhancing the availability and effectiveness of airway management in various scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination member
Implementation Method 2
an imaging device with which the illumination member is associated
Implementation Method 3
a communication mechanism operably connected to the imaging device and configured to convey images from the imaging device to a display screen
Data Source
AI summary
An intubation tube accessory for use in combination with an intubation tool. The accessory includes an illumination member; an imaging device; a communication mechanism configured to convey images from the imaging device to a display screen; and an intubation fixing mechanism configured for removable fixing of the intubation accessory to the intubation tool.