Offset Handle Intubation Stylet with Bougie for Video Laryngoscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video laryngoscopy (VL) complicates tracheal intubation due to the 90-degree offset of the ETT approach from the insertion axis, requiring complex movements and increased risk of laryngeal injury from multiple intubation attempts, especially in emergency and austere conditions.
Innovation Solution
An intubation assist device with an offset ergonomic handle and a hollow or solid stylet incorporating a bougie for guiding the ETT, allowing for easier curvature and axial force application, reducing the need for direct visualization and minimizing collisions with the anterior larynx.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If video laryngoscopy is used to visualize vocal cords, then visualization ease is improved, but ETT advancement difficulty increases due to 90-degree offset angle
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet is pre-formed with a specific curvature that matches the anatomical path from the oral cavity through the larynx into the trachea. This curved configuration allows the ETT to follow the natural anatomical trajectory, eliminating the need for sharp 90-degree bends and reducing collision with the anterior laryngeal structures while maintaining compatibility with video laryngoscope positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet acts as an intermediary device between the operator's hand and the ETT. It provides a pre-configured curved pathway that guides the ETT through the complex anatomical route, mediating the transition from the offset video laryngoscope position to the correct tracheal insertion path without requiring the operator to manually navigate sharp angles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid stylets are used to maintain shape under loading, then structural stability is improved, but operator ergonomics deteriorate due to awkward positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with an asymmetric offset configuration where the grip axis is deliberately offset from the stylet's longitudinal axis. This asymmetric geometry allows the operator's wrist to remain in a neutral, ergonomic position while the stylet maintains its required curvature for anatomical navigation, resolving the conflict between structural stability and operator comfort.
3Reliability
If multiple intubation attempts are made to overcome advancement difficulty, then ETT insertion success is improved, but laryngeal injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet is pre-configured with the optimal curvature and rigidity characteristics before insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures that the ETT follows the correct anatomical path on the first attempt, eliminating the need for repeated manipulation and reducing the risk of laryngeal trauma associated with multiple intubation attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments are directed to a laryngoscopy device and methods of use thereof, the device having a curved, hollow stylet with a handle and a flexible bougie contained at least partially within the hollow stylet, the bougie being extendable out of the end of the stylet for use in guidance of a hollow endotracheal tube.