Laryngoscope Blade Side Opening for Intubation Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laryngoscopes require precise anatomical knowledge and dexterity for endotracheal intubation, with iterative movements to position the distal end correctly, often hindered by reflections from optically transparent window components, which complicate the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A laryngoscope blade with a side-opening design near the distal end, allowing a view towards the patient's tongue, facilitating easier positioning and reducing the need for iterative movements, and optionally incorporating a camera or optical waveguide for improved visualization without the issues of reflections from transparent materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an optically transparent window component is used to provide viewing capability, then a view can be obtained through the component, but reflections occur at the surfaces making observation difficult and construction complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic optically transparent window component entirely and replaces it with an opening in the blade structure. This extraction eliminates the reflection issue at the window surfaces while preserving the essential viewing function through the opening, directly resolving the contradiction between viewing capability and reflection interference.
2Measurement precision
If iterative movements of the laryngoscope are performed to position the distal end correctly, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the blade provides continuous visual feedback to the operator during the intubation procedure. By allowing the operator to see through the opening to the base of the tongue and epiglottis, the system enables real-time assessment of blade positioning, eliminating the need for repeated iterative movements and reducing both procedure time and complexity while maintaining precise positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A blade (20) for a laryngoscope (10) includes a proximal end (24), which is mechanically connected or connectable to a handle (16), a distal end (22), and an opening (52) near the distal end (22) of the blade (20). The opening (52) is arranged and configured in such a way that a view can be obtained, through the opening (52), from the side (28) to be directed toward a patient's palate during the intended use of the blade (20) to the side (26) to be directed toward the base of the patient's tongue during the intended use of the blade (20).