Intubation System with Balloon Occlusion and Camera Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intubation devices lack effective components and arrangements necessary for efficient and effective intubation, particularly in difficult intubation procedures due to factors like multiple trauma, obesity, and excessive secretions or blood in the oropharynx.
Innovation Solution
An intubation system comprising a curved esophageal tube, an intubation tube, an endoscopic camera tube, a balloon for occluding the esophageal opening, and a flexible introducer rod, along with airway tubes for suction and oxygenation, which allows for improved visualization and manipulation during intubation, enabling easier passage of the endotracheal tube into the trachea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional intubation devices are used, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the success rate is low in difficult intubation cases due to lack of effective components and arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The intubation device is divided into multiple functional segments: an introducer rod for guidance, a balloon for esophageal occlusion, an endoscopic camera for visualization, and an intubation tube for airway access. Each segment performs a specific function that collectively improves the reliability of difficult intubation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer rod is insertable through the intubation tube, and the endoscopic camera tube extends adjacent the intubation tube. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to be integrated in a compact configuration, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If a balloon is added to occlude the esophagus, then the introducer rod can be prevented from entering the esophagus, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon acts as an intermediary element between the introducer rod and the esophagus. When inflated, it creates a physical barrier that prevents the introducer rod from inadvertently entering the esophagus, while its deflation allows easy passage when needed. This single component addresses misplacement prevention without requiring multiple separate safety mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If an endoscopic camera is added for visualization, then the ability to visualize vocal cords is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopic camera tube serves multiple functions: it provides visualization of the vocal cords and upper airway, maintains the structural integrity of the intubation assembly, and can potentially facilitate other diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the camera component.
4Adaptability or versatility
If airway tubes for suction and oxygenation are added, then the ability to manage secretions and blood is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airway tubes are pre-positioned within the intubation device assembly, allowing immediate suction and oxygenation capabilities from the start of the procedure. This preliminary preparation ensures that secretions and blood can be managed without delaying the intubation process, which is critical in difficult cases.
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
Enhances the success rate of intubation procedures by providing clear visualization of vocal cords, preventing the introducer rod from entering the esophagus, and facilitating the insertion of the endotracheal tube into the trachea, even in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the balloon is movable between: (a) an inflated condition, in which the balloon fully occludes the esophageal opening of a patient
Implementation Method 2
an endoscopic camera positioned at the distal opening of the endoscopic camera tube in an arrangement such that the endoscopic camera has a line of sight to the vocal cords of the patient
Implementation Method 3
each airway tube is configured to facilitate suction in the proximal direction
Implementation Method 4
each airway tube is configured to facilitate suction in the proximal direction and urge airflow in the distal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system includes an endotracheal system and intubation system. The intubation system includes an introducer rod and intubation instrument. The intubation instrument includes: an esophageal tube, intubation tube, endoscopic camera tube, and balloon located distally beyond a distal end of the intubation tube. The introducer rod is insertable through the intubation tube to a position where an endoscopic camera in the endoscopic camera tube has a line of sight to a distal end of the introducer rod. The balloon is movable from a deflated condition to an inflated condition in which the balloon fully occludes the esophageal opening to block advancement of the introducer rod into the esophagus and urge the introducer rod into the trachea. The intubation tube is removable from the patient leaving behind the introducer rod, such that the introducer rod is guides an endotracheal tube of the endotracheal system into the patient's trachea.