Endotracheal Tube Positioning via Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning endotracheal tubes during medical procedures face challenges in accurately determining the correct depth, leading to issues like endobronchial intubation, unintended extubation, and vocal cord damage due to improper cuff inflation.
Innovation Solution
An endotracheal system equipped with sensors that emit and detect light signals to interact with patient anatomy, providing location data and visual representations to ensure accurate tube placement, using a signal processing unit and inflatable airway occlusion cuffs to maintain proper positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual positioning methods are used for endotracheal tubes, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the positioning accuracy is poor leading to endobronchial intubation or extubation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an optical sensing system. Sensors emit and detect light signals to measure the distance between the ETT and surrounding anatomy, providing automated positioning feedback that improves accuracy while reducing reliance on operator skill
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the ETT position by detecting light reflections from surrounding anatomy and provides real-time feedback signals to the operator. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of tube position to maintain optimal placement and prevent complications
2Reliability
If the airway occlusion cuff is inflated to secure the ETT, then the airway is sealed, but the cuff may accidentally inflate on the vocal cords causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensors detect the position of the ETT relative to the vocal cords before cuff inflation occurs. By measuring the distance to surrounding anatomy in advance, the system provides a warning signal to the operator to adjust the tube position or cuff inflation parameters to avoid contacting the vocal cords
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during cuff inflation by continuously monitoring the ETT position and the distance to surrounding structures. This feedback enables dynamic control of the inflation process to prevent accidental contact with the vocal cords while ensuring proper airway sealing
3Productivity
If the ETT is positioned deeply to ensure proper placement, then ventilation is effective, but the tube may pass beyond the bifurcation causing endobronchial intubation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing system provides continuous feedback on ETT depth by measuring the distance between the tube and surrounding anatomy. This real-time information enables the operator to adjust the tube position to achieve optimal ventilation while preventing over-advancement into the bronchi
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of ETT position during the procedure. The operator can advance or retract the tube based on real-time optical feedback signals, allowing flexible optimization of tube depth for each patient's anatomical variations to balance ventilation effectiveness with proper placement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise and reliable placement of endotracheal tubes, reducing the risk of complications such as extubation and vocal cord damage, while ensuring effective lung oxygenation and ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
The interaction of the sensor signal with the surrounding patient anatomy includes reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for accurately detecting a position of an endotracheal tube by sensing patient anatomy surrounding the endotracheal tube. Systems of the present disclosure include an endotracheal tube having at two or more sensors supported by the endotracheal tube configured to detect surrounding patient anatomy. A signal processing unit can receive data from the sensor and can at least one of (i) identify the detected patient anatomy, for example, vocal cords, (ii) determine a distance between the detected patient anatomy and a known point on the endotracheal tube, and (iii) verify a positioning of the endotracheal tube within a tracheal or esophageal lumen of the patient. In some embodiments, the system can include at least one inflatable component that can extend along an outer surface of the endotracheal tube and support the at least one sensor.