Disposable Intubation Camera with Sealed Optical Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional visualization instruments for intubation, such as laryngoscopes, face limitations like fogging, insufficient lighting, inability to project images remotely, additional procedural steps, and high costs, making them unsuitable for efficient field intubations, especially in emergency situations outside hospitals.
Innovation Solution
A visualization instrument with a camera and lens system sealed within an optical cavity, a self-contained energy source, and a guide pathway for inserting an endotracheal tube, which is either disposable or reusable, featuring a handle and display device for real-time image capture and display, with optional flexural support features to enhance durability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional laryngoscopes are used for field intubation, then intubation can be performed, but the equipment cost is high and additional procedural steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visualization function (camera and display) and the intubation guidance function (guide pathway) into a single integrated instrument. The camera is positioned within the insertable portion to capture images through the guide pathway, eliminating the need for separate visualization and intubation tools, thus reducing procedural steps and improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument serves multiple functions: it provides real-time visualization of the airway, guides the endotracheal tube through the guide pathway, and enables intubation in field conditions. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate tools and simplifies the overall intubation procedure
2Reliability
If conventional visualization instruments are used, then images can be captured, but fogging occurs and lighting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical cavity is sealed to prevent moisture and fogging from affecting the lens and camera before they can degrade image quality. The heating element is incorporated to preemptively counteract fogging by maintaining temperature above the dew point, ensuring reliable image capture in field conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element continuously operates to maintain the optical cavity temperature above the dew point, preventing fogging throughout the procedure. The LED light source provides continuous illumination, ensuring uninterrupted image capture and visualization
3Ease of manufacture
If disposable visualization instruments are used, then cost is reduced, but durability and reusability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into disposable portions (insertable portion with camera) and reusable portions (handle, display device). This segmentation allows the critical visualization components to be disposable for cost-effectiveness and safety, while expensive components like the display and power source are reusable, optimizing both cost and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The insertable portion containing the camera and optical components is designed as a disposable element that can be discarded after single or limited use, reducing contamination risk and cost. The reusable handle and display device are built for durability and multiple uses, balancing cost and lifespan
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 instrument provides clear, real-time imaging with reduced procedural steps and lower costs, enabling effective intubation in various settings, including remote locations, while being designed for single or multiple uses depending on configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging sensor for capturing images representing internal views of the space
Implementation Method 2
a self-contained energy source supported by one of the handle portion and the display device
Data Source
AI summary
A visualization instrument comprising a display support component removably coupled to a component insertable into a target space. The insertable component includes a camera providing images of the target space. The images are presented in a display device supported by the display support component. The insertable component may be discarded after a permitted number of uses.