Printed Laryngeal Electrodes on Endotracheal Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laryngeal surface electrodes on endotracheal tubes are not suitable for prolonged use due to structural additions that cause stiffness, potential trauma to vocal cords, and limitations in continuous monitoring, requiring frequent tube replacements and interrupting valuable clinical data.

Innovation Solution

The integration of conductive electrodes and traces directly printed or sprayed onto the surface of standard endotracheal tubes using conductive ink, maintaining the tube's flexibility and avoiding structural additions that could cause trauma or stiffness, allowing for prolonged and continuous laryngeal electromyography monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If laryngeal surface electrodes are adhesively secured or embedded into the endotracheal tube surface, then electrode functionality for monitoring is achieved, but the tube structure becomes stiffer and raises the profile of the tube surface causing potential trauma to vocal cords

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode functionalityVSAvoidtrauma to vocal cords

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is merged with the endotracheal tube by integrating it into the same molded structure, eliminating separate adhesive layers or embedded components. The electrode forms an integral part of the tube surface during the molding process, creating a unified structure that maintains tube flexibility while providing electrode functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is constructed as a thin, flexible element that conforms to the tube surface without adding significant thickness or rigidity. This thin-film approach allows the electrode to flex with the tube during insertion and positioning while maintaining electrical contact with the laryngeal structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If laryngeal surface electrodes are adhesively secured or embedded into the endotracheal tube surface, then electrode functionality is achieved, but the monitoring duration is limited to eight hours requiring reintubation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode functionalityVSAvoidmonitoring duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode and endotracheal tube are merged into a single integrated structure that remains stable throughout prolonged use. This integration eliminates the risk of adhesive failure or electrode displacement that would occur with separate components, enabling continuous monitoring for the full duration of the intubation period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If metallic plates, adhesives, lead wires, and structural elements are added to the endotracheal tube surface, then electrode functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the smooth physical profile of the tube is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode functionalityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple components (electrode, adhesive layer, structural elements) are merged into a single integrated structure that is formed during the tube molding process. This eliminates the need for separate metallic plates, adhesives, and structural reinforcements, reducing device complexity while maintaining electrode functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endotracheal tube structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing airway support, maintaining flexibility for proper positioning, and serving as the substrate for the electrode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated electrode components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables safe, long-term intubation and continuous monitoring of laryngeal electromyographic signals without compromising tube flexibility or increasing trauma risk, allowing for extended intubation periods without interrupting clinical data collection.

Implementation Method 1

electrodes and electroleads screen printed on the exterior surface thereof using a conductive ink or paint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8634894B2Electrode for prolonged monitoring of laryngeal electromyography

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 NEUROVISION MEDICAL PRODS

AI summary

Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue.