Stylet Assembly with Biasing Member for Intubation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intubation devices face high failure rates due to 'lost motion' issues in steering, particularly in the hands of under-trained first responders, leading to complications such as soft-tissue injury and hypoxia, despite the addition of video feedback which did not significantly improve success rates.
Innovation Solution
A manually articulated stylet assembly with a flexible end-piece and a biasing member within the remote actuator to eliminate lost motion, combined with a foreshortened perspective video feed to enhance control and accuracy during intubation procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote actuator is used to steer the distal tip of the stylet assembly, then the intubation procedure can be performed by under-trained first responders, but lost motion in the steering mechanism causes under-shooting or over-shooting of the distal tip leading to intubation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the steering system by introducing a rack and pinion mechanism with specific gear ratios and a cable-driven system with predetermined tension. These parameter changes eliminate lost motion while maintaining ease of operation, allowing under-trained first responders to achieve reliable steering control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional flexible cable-driven steering mechanisms with a rack and pinion mechanical system that provides positive engagement and eliminates play or lost motion. This substitution maintains the remote actuation capability while significantly improving steering control accuracy and reliability.
2Loss of information
If video feedback is added to the intubation device, then real-time visualization is provided, but the perspective distortion makes it difficult to judge the actual position and movement of the distal tip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational intermediary that processes the video feedback and applies perspective correction algorithms. This intermediary layer translates the distorted video perspective into accurate spatial information, allowing practitioners to judge the actual position and movement of the distal tip despite the inherent perspective distortion in the video feed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distal tip is made highly flexible to navigate the airway, then the stylet can conform to anatomical structures, but the flexibility creates lost motion and reduces steering precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stylet into a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion, with a defined transition zone. The rigid portion provides stable steering control and transmits forces accurately, while the flexible distal portion conforms to anatomical structures. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different flexibility requirements to different segments of the same device.
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 solution significantly reduces intubation failure rates by providing better control over the distal tip and improving the ability of under-trained practitioners to successfully navigate the ET tube through the airway, enhancing safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member (64) disposed between the anchor point and the track within the remote actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A manually articulated stylet assembly for placing an endotracheal tube. The stylet assembly has a steering shaft that carries a flexible distal tip at one end and is attached to a handle at the other end. The distal tip is manipulated via sheathed cables controlled by a remote actuator in the handle. A biasing member inside the remote actuator maintains continuous tension on the cables to improve control. A video camera is carried in a recessed lens pocket in the steering shaft but spaced from the distal tip. The camera FOV captures movement of the distal tip with foreshortened perspective. A collar seat in the handle receives the collar connector of a standard endotracheal tube, providing quick disconnect when removing the stylet assembly upon placement.