Rail-guided Intubation Device for Precise Tube Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intubation methods, such as direct laryngoscopy and video laryngoscopy, face challenges in accurately positioning endotracheal tubes due to difficulties in visualizing vocal cords, leading to scenarios like 'cannot see, cannot intubate' and 'can see but cannot intubate,' especially in situations where breathing is compromised.
Innovation Solution
An intubation device featuring a rail system with a swing arm and guide rail, coupled with a video laryngoscope blade and drive-down mechanism, allows for mechanical or manual guidance of the endotracheal tube insertion, enabling precise positioning and delivery within the trachea, even in cases where direct visualization is obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual guidance of endotracheal tube insertion is used, then the device structure remains simple, but intubation accuracy and success rate deteriorate due to difficulty in visualizing vocal cords
Solution Approach 1:
A rail system acts as an intermediary mechanical guide between the operator's hand and the endotracheal tube. The rail system includes guide rails that define a predetermined delivery path, ensuring the tube follows the correct trajectory into the trachea even when vocal cord visualization is difficult or impossible.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system is pre-configured with guide rails and delivery paths before intubation begins. This preliminary setup establishes the correct geometric path for tube insertion, allowing the operator to simply follow the pre-determined route rather than relying on real-time visual feedback during the procedure.
2Reliability
If mechanical guidance systems are added to improve positioning accuracy, then intubation success rate improves, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical guidance system is segmented into modular components: a handle unit, a separate rail system with guide rails, and the endotracheal tube. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity - the rail system provides guidance without requiring complex actuators or controls.
3Productivity
If manual intubation techniques are used, then the device remains simple to operate, but intubation speed and accuracy deteriorate in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system's predetermined delivery path is established before the procedure begins, allowing for rapid tube insertion without the need for complex real-time adjustments. The pre-configured geometric path enables quick, accurate intubation by simply following the pre-set route, significantly improving speed in emergency situations.
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems for delivery of an ETT for intubation are provided. In one example, an ETT delivery system includes a rail system for guiding insertion of an ETT and at least partially defining the motion of the ETT. The ETT delivery system further may include a video laryngoscope blade coupled to the rail system and a delivery mechanism. In some examples, the ETT delivery system further includes a positioner configured to adjust the motion of the ETT. As a further example, the ETT delivery system may include a swing arm and a guide rail to at least partially define the motion of the swing arm. Further, a drive-down mechanism may effect motion of the swing arm. As another embodiment, a rail system, a disposable blade and a positioner may be provided. Further, a delivery mechanism may be operatively linked with the integrated rail system.