Sensor-Guided Intubation Device for Tracheal Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intubation methods heavily rely on visual observation, which can be unreliable, especially in challenging conditions such as unstable cervical spine, airway trauma, or heavy airway secretion, leading to potential misplacement of endotracheal tubes and inadequate ventilation, and are difficult to perform by non-experienced medical professionals in non-hospital settings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a movable guide with trachea condition sensors to detect signals and guide the insertion of an endotracheal tube into the trachea, allowing for manual, semi-automatic, or automatic intubation without sole reliance on visual aids, utilizing sensors to differentiate the trachea from the esophagus and provide real-time feedback for accurate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual observation methods (direct laryngoscopy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy) are used for intubation, then the ability to verify ETT placement is improved, but the procedure becomes unreliable in conditions with unstable cervical spine, airway trauma, heavy airway secretion, or bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual observation methods with sensor-based detection systems. Trachea condition sensors detect physiological parameters (such as CO2 levels, pressure changes, or temperature variations) to identify tracheal placement, substituting the mechanical/visual laryngoscopy system with an automated sensing system that works reliably in conditions where visual verification is impossible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor technology as an intermediary between the endotracheal tube and the operator. Instead of directly observing placement, the system uses sensors to detect tracheal conditions and provides feedback signals, serving as a mediator that translates physiological conditions into actionable information for safe intubation.
2Ease of operation
If experienced medical professionals perform intubation in non-hospital settings, then the procedure can be performed, but the difficulty increases due to lack of experienced personnel and lack of easily-operated devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the intubation device to guide itself through automated sensor feedback. The trachea condition sensors continuously monitor placement and provide real-time feedback to the operator, allowing the system to self-correct and self-verify placement without requiring expert judgment or interpretation, making it operable by non-expert personnel while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where sensors detect tracheal placement conditions and provide continuous information to the operator. This feedback loop allows non-expert operators to make informed decisions based on objective sensor data rather than relying on subjective visual assessment or extensive experience, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.
3Productivity
If traditional visual verification methods are used, then operator experience and training are critical, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual assessment with objective sensor-based measurement systems. Automated sensors provide precise, quantifiable data about tracheal placement conditions, eliminating human error in interpretation and enabling faster decision-making without sacrificing placement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An intubation device is provided. An intubation device comprises a movable guide configured to guide an insertion of an endotracheal tube into a trachea of a patient, the guide having a guide extension and a guide tip; an external trachea identifier source external to the trachea and disposed on the patient during an intubation, wherein the trachea identifier source generates and transmits a signal; at least one trachea condition sensor disposed on the guide tip to detect the signal generated by the trachea identifier source; and a guide control device operatively coupled to the guide, the guide control device configured to move the guide into the trachea in response to the detected signal.