Medical Device with Removable Camera for Intubation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laryngeal mask airways are inserted blindly, leading to potential trauma and improper placement due to the lack of visualization, which can cause airflow issues and complications during intubation, especially when the epiglottis blocks the tube opening.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a camera lumen and a removable camera that provides continuous visualization of internal membranes during insertion, allowing for precise placement of endotracheal tubes and minimizing trauma by ensuring proper alignment and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blind insertion method is used, then the insertion process is simple and quick, but trauma to patient and improper placement occur
Solution Approach 1:
A camera system is introduced as an intermediary between the medical professional and the patient's airway structures. The camera provides visual feedback that mediates the insertion process, allowing the professional to see internal membranes and adjust placement accordingly, thereby reducing trauma while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The blind mechanical insertion process is replaced with a visual-guided system. Instead of relying solely on tactile feedback and experience, the system substitutes optical information (camera views of internal membranes) to guide the insertion, reducing trauma while preserving ease of operation
2Device complexity
If blind insertion method is used, then the equipment required is minimal, but proper placement cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The camera acts as an intermediary that provides visual verification of placement. It transmits images of internal membranes and the position of the device within the airway, allowing the medical professional to confirm proper placement without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates a visual copy (image) of the internal airway structures and device position. This optical copy allows the medical professional to verify placement accuracy by viewing the captured images, providing measurement precision without requiring complex verification equipment
3Reliability
If epiglottis is pushed downwardly by cuff positioning, then the cuff secures the airway, but the tube opening becomes blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The camera provides real-time feedback on the position of the epiglottis relative to the tube opening. The medical professional can observe the epiglottis movement and adjust cuff inflation accordingly, maintaining airway sealing while preventing blockage of the tube opening through visual monitoring
4Productivity
If glottis opening does not align with tube opening, then intubation can be performed, but trauma to laryngeal inlet occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves as an intermediary that visualizes the alignment between the glottis opening and tube opening. This visual mediation allows the medical professional to adjust the tube position to achieve proper alignment, performing intubation efficiently while avoiding trauma to the laryngeal inlet
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical device is provided for insertion into a cavity of a patient to visual the internal membranes of the patient. The medical device can be an endotracheal tube, a suction tube, a bronchoscope, a tube changer, an esophageal tube, an intubating tube, an esophageal tube in combination with a separate intubating tube, a device for manipulating the position of the epiglottis of the patient, a stylet, or a tube insertable into the vagina of the patient. The medical device has a camera lumen having a sealed window at one end thereof attached thereto, and a separate camera which is insertable into the camera lumen and is removable from the camera lumen. The camera is used to monitor the internal membranes of the patient during the medical procedure.