Video Laryngoscope Insertion Section Curvature Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video laryngoscopes often face challenges during intubation, particularly in difficult airways, due to insertion sections that are too curved, leading to improper positioning of the endotracheal tube and excessive force application, which can result in trauma and inefficient intubation processes.
Innovation Solution
The design of an elongate laryngoscope insertion section with a continuously curved inferior surface, varying in curvature along its length, and a unique curving profile that seamlessly transitions into constant curvature regions, along with markings and a guide line for optimal tube placement, reduces tissue distortion and friction, facilitating easier insertion and improved visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insertion section has a greater curvature to allow insertion into the oral cavity when direct line of sight is not possible, then the ability to visualize the larynx is improved, but the insertion section becomes more difficult to insert and may cause tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion section is divided into multiple regions with different curvature characteristics: a first region with a first curvature radius, a second region with a second curvature radius, and a third region with a third curvature radius. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function - the more curved regions provide better larynx visualization while the less curved regions facilitate easier insertion and reduce tissue trauma.
2Reliability
If the insertion section is too curved to achieve proper positioning in difficult airways, then visualization of the larynx is improved, but excessive force must be applied which can result in tissue trauma
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the insertion section are given different local curvature qualities. The first region has a first curvature radius optimized for larynx visualization, while the second and third regions have larger curvature radii that reduce friction and tissue distortion. This local quality differentiation ensures that the curved portion achieves proper positioning without causing excessive force or tissue trauma during insertion.
3Ease of operation
If the insertion section has a straight design for easy insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to obtain a view of the larynx in difficult airways is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion section is segmented into regions with different curvature characteristics. The straighter regions (second and third regions with larger curvature radii) facilitate easy insertion and maneuverability, while the more curved region (first region with smaller curvature radius) provides the necessary angle to visualize the larynx in difficult airways. This segmentation reconciles the conflicting requirements of ease of insertion and effective visualization.
Data Source
AI summary
A video laryngoscope and elongate laryngoscope insertion section for a video laryngoscope, comprising a viewing port through which an imaging device within the insertion section can obtain images of a larynx, the insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and an opposite proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the insertion section comprises a proximal region where the insertion section extends through a subject's teeth in use, a distal region extending to the distal end and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the inferior surface of the insertion section comprises or consists of a curved region which extends from the proximal region through the intermediate region to the distal region, wherein the curved region of the inferior surface is continuously longitudinally curved along the length of the longitudinally curved region and wherein the longitudinal curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface varies in the intermediate region. Markings on an elongate laryngoscope insertion can be used to monitor depth of insertion and to indicate a path by which an endotracheal tube should be inserted.