Telescoping Supraglottic Airway With Integrated Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supraglottic airway devices face challenges in proper placement and ventilation due to limited visualization and the risk of dislodgment during airway management procedures, especially in difficult airways, as they often rely on blind intubation or direct visualization methods that lack the benefits of enhanced imaging and sterility.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping supraglottic airway device with a video laryngoscope integration, featuring concentric cylinders that expand automatically upon activation, allowing for enhanced visualization and stable placement, and a disposable sheath for improved sterility and imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a supraglottic airway device is used for airway management, then ventilation and oxygen support can be provided, but proper placement and visualization are difficult achieving due to limited imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a video laryngoscope camera stick within the supraglottic airway device structure. The camera stick is positioned within the airway channel, allowing the camera to visualize the airway through the cuff orifice while maintaining a compact integrated design rather than separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera stick as an intermediary imaging component that bridges the gap between the airway device and the operator. The camera stick with its camera allows direct visualization of the airway through the cuff orifice, providing real-time imaging guidance for proper placement and airway management
2Measurement precision
If the airway channel is made longer to reach the orifice, then visualization is improved, but the device becomes more prone to dislodgment and harder to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescoping mechanism where the airway channel can dynamically adjust its length. The channel extends when needed for visualization and can be retracted when visualization is complete, allowing the device to adapt between these states rather than being fixed in a longer configuration that would compromise stability
3Strength
If a rigid structure is used for the airway channel, then structural strength is improved, but sterility maintenance and imaging quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the airway channel into multiple telescoping segments (first and second cylinders) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the channel to extend and retract while maintaining structural integrity, and enables the use of disposable sheaths that can be easily sterilized and disposed of
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a disposable sheath that covers the camera stick and can be easily discarded after use. This disposable component simplifies sterility maintenance compared to rigid permanent structures, as the sheath can be sterilized and then discarded rather than requiring complex sterilization of the main device structure
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 enables precise placement and reduced dislodgment of the airway device, ensuring a secure seal and effective ventilation by providing enhanced visualization and stability during airway management procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that biases the first and second cylinders apart to extend the telescoping airway channel
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates to a telescoping supraglottic airway device, such as a laryngeal mask airway. An example supraglottic airway device includes a cuff defining an orifice, a telescoping airway channel, extending in a proximal direction from the cuff, defined by first and second concentric cylinders; and a spring that biases the first and second cylinders apart to extend the telescoping airway channel.