Introducing Stylet with Gradient Rigidity for Smooth ETT Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endotracheal intubation devices face challenges in positioning and smoothly passing the endotracheal tube through the larynx due to issues like the ETT becoming hung-up on laryngeal structures, and existing stylets do not adequately address these problems, often requiring re-shaping and re-attempts during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An improved introducing stylet with a distal end that extends longitudinally beyond the ETT, featuring a soft S-shape, obturating feature, Murphy eye plug, and oxygen source cap, which minimizes trauma and facilitates smooth passage by engaging the ETT to prevent movement and maintain air flow, while the obturating feature and bridges stabilize the ETT within the stylet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid stylet is used to control ETT direction, then control and guidance of ETT tip is improved, but trauma risk to laryngeal structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet changes its rigidity parameter along its length, with the proximal portion being rigid for control and the distal portion being flexible to reduce trauma. This gradient in rigidity allows the operator to maintain control while the flexible tip safely navigates laryngeal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet is divided into distinct segments with different mechanical properties - a rigid proximal segment for operator control and a flexible distal segment for safe passage through the airway. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual shaping of stylet is performed, then customization of curvature is improved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet is pre-formed with an optimal curvature that is determined through design rather than manual shaping during the procedure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming manual bending step while maintaining the necessary adaptability for proper ETT guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet incorporates adjustable curvature parameters that can be modified within a range to accommodate different patient anatomies, eliminating the need for complete manual reshaping while still providing customization capability.
3Ease of operation
If stylet extends beyond ETT distal end, then directional control is improved, but trauma risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet exhibits a gradient in rigidity parameter, being rigid proximally for control and flexible distally to reduce trauma risk when extending beyond the ETT end.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion of the stylet is constructed as a flexible element that can bend and conform to the airway anatomy, reducing the risk of trauma to vulnerable structures like the vocal cords while still providing directional guidance.
4Productivity
If ETT passage is forced through larynx, then intubation speed is improved, but trauma and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet's variable rigidity parameter allows it to be stiff enough for controlled advancement but flexible enough to bend around obstacles, enabling faster passage without excessive force that would cause trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet dynamically adapts its flexibility along its length, with the distal portion able to bend and conform to the laryngeal anatomy in real-time, facilitating smooth passage through variable anatomical conditions without forcing that leads to complications.
Data Source
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AI summary
An introducing stylet is configured for insertion into an endotracheal tube (ETT) and includes an elongated rod having a distal end and a proximal end, and a positioning feature formed on the rod and configured to engage the ETT to prevent both longitudinal and lateral movement of the introducing stylet relative to the ETT. A portion of the distal end of the rod that extends longitudinally outwardly of the ETT and defines a leading end.