Optical Scanning for Endotracheal Tube Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining endotracheal tube size are often based on educated guesses or inside diameter measurements, failing to consider the optimal outer diameter and length necessary for safe intubation, leading to increased risks of vocal cord injury, mal-positioning, and associated complications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize measurement devices to determine the glottic aperture and tracheal length, algorithmically calculating the optimal outer diameter and length of the endotracheal tube for each patient, incorporating indirect and direct measurement techniques, such as optical scanning and ultrasound, to ensure accurate positioning within the Safe Positioning Zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If endotracheal tube size is determined based on inside diameter measurements or educated guesses, then the selection process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of tube sizing is poor leading to increased risks of vocal cord injury and mal-positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement methods with optical scanning technology to measure glottic aperture and tracheal dimensions. The optical scanner uses light-based measurement systems to capture precise anatomical data, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools and manual estimation, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement device that includes an optical scanner and processing system. This intermediary system captures anatomical data, processes it through algorithms, and determines optimal tube size. The intermediary device acts as a bridge between the patient's anatomy and the tube selection decision, providing accurate measurements without requiring direct manual measurement by the clinician.
2Measurement precision
If standard tube length guidelines are used for all patients, then the process is fast and straightforward, but it fails to account for individual anatomical variations resulting in mal-positioning and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of tracheal length and glottic aperture using optical scanning before tube insertion. By pre-measuring these critical anatomical dimensions and storing them in a database, the system enables rapid retrieval and application of individualized tube size recommendations without requiring measurement during the emergency situation, thus reducing time loss while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the patient's airway anatomy through optical scanning. The scanned images and measured dimensions are stored as digital data representing the patient's unique anatomical structure. This digital copy can be processed by algorithms to determine optimal tube size without physically manipulating the airway or requiring repeated measurements, thereby maintaining both speed and accuracy.
3Productivity
If endotracheal tube diameter is increased to ensure adequate ventilation, then ventilation effectiveness improves, but the risk of vocal cord injury and crico-arytenoid joint subluxation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of tube diameter selection from standard fixed sizes to individually optimized dimensions based on measured glottic aperture and tracheal anatomy. By calculating the optimal outer diameter that fits within the patient's specific glottic aperture while maintaining adequate ventilation, the system achieves a personalized balance between ventilation effectiveness and safety, avoiding both too-small tubes that cause ventilation problems and too-large tubes that cause vocal cord injury.
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
This approach minimizes the risk of complications by ensuring the endotracheal tube is properly sized for both diameter and length, reducing the likelihood of vocal cord injury, mal-positioning, and associated risks like endobronchial intubation and unplanned extubation.
Implementation Method 1
measurement devices to determine the glottic aperture and tracheal length, algorithmically calculating the optimal outer diameter and length of the endotracheal tube for each patient, incorporating indirect and direct measurement techniques, such as optical scanning and ultrasound
Implementation Method 2
measurement devices to determine the glottic aperture and tracheal length, algorithmically calculating the optimal outer diameter and length of the endotracheal tube for each patient, incorporating indirect and direct measurement techniques, such as optical scanning and ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining the optimal endotracheal tube size for the intubation of a patient based upon both optimal tube length and optimal tube diameter which are determined by using either direct or indirect measurement devices or techniques to measure the patient's glottis aperture and tracheal length. The apparatus may include a maneuverable arm, a fiber optic video guidance system and an introducer guide to maneuver an end of the apparatus around obstructions in a patient who has a difficult airway to facilitate insertion of either an optimally sized endotracheal tube or a standard endotracheal tube into the patient's airway.