Single-Handed Intubation Device With Thumb-Operated Tube Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endotracheal intubation is a high-risk procedure that requires significant skill and often results in complications due to anatomical variations and limited visual access, with existing instruments being cumbersome and requiring both hands for operation, making it difficult for even trained professionals to perform successfully.
Innovation Solution
A laryngoscope device with a thumb-operated tube movement mechanism that allows single-handed advancement of the endotracheal tube, maintaining ergonomic familiarity with conventional laryngoscopes while freeing the other hand for anatomical manipulation and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laryngoscope is used with two-handed operation, then anatomical manipulation can be performed, but the procedure complexity increases and success rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of laryngoscope manipulation and endotracheal tube advancement into a single integrated device. The channel formed by the blade and handle allows the tube to be advanced through the same pathway used for visualization, merging two separate manual operations into one coordinated action that can be performed with a single hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The laryngoscope blade serves multiple functions: it provides visualization of the larynx, forms a channel for tube passage, and can be manipulated to expose the glottic opening. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate instruments for each task, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If both hands are used to manipulate anatomical structures, then visualization can be improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visualization function and tube passage function into a single optical pathway. The blade creates a channel that both illuminates the laryngeal structures and guides the tube, allowing one hand to perform both manipulation and advancement simultaneously, thereby maintaining visual access while enabling single-handed operation.
3Productivity
If conventional two-handed technique is used, then tube advancement can be controlled, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The endotracheal tube is pre-positioned within the channel formed by the blade and handle before the intubation procedure begins. This preliminary placement allows the tube to be rapidly advanced through the already-formed pathway without requiring complex real-time coordination between two hands, thereby increasing intubation speed while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An intubation device for use in an endotracheal intubation procedure includes: a laryngoscope blade having a tip and a base; a handle attached to the base of the blade; a channel, the channel including a blade channel portion extending along the blade substantially from the tip to the base and including an outlet proximate to the tip and a handle channel portion extending partially along the handle from the blade channel portion; and a tube movement mechanism in the handle, the tube movement mechanism including a thumb interface.