Throat Examination Device with Wide-Angle Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current throat examination methods, such as flexible fibreoptic endoscopy, require trained professionals, have limited field of view, can be uncomfortable for patients, and are costly due to the need for sterilization of reusable devices, limiting their use in routine and remote diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A throat examination device with a support arm and imaging unit that captures panoramic images of the oral cavity and throat, providing a wide transverse and longitudinal angle of view, allowing unskilled professionals to take comprehensive images without navigating complex anatomy, and enabling use in telemedicine and automated screening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flexible fibreoptic endoscopy is used to examine the deep part of the throat, then diagnostic capability is improved, but the procedure requires trained specialists and manual dexterity to navigate the complex anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rigid camera that captures images of the throat, creating a visual copy of the anatomical structures. This allows untrained operators to obtain diagnostic images without needing to master the complex manual navigation skills required for flexible endoscopy, as the rigid camera simply records what is visible in the oral cavity and throat.
2Measurement precision
If flexible fibreoptic camera is inserted through the nose to provide live image, then visualization of deep throat structures is improved, but the field of view is restricted and unidirectional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple cameras positioned at different angles and orientations within the oral cavity. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous capture of various throat structures including the tongue base, vocal cords, and pharyngeal walls, providing a comprehensive three-dimensional view rather than a single unidirectional perspective.
3Productivity
If reusable flexible endoscopes are used for routine examinations, then cost is reduced per procedure, but sterilization between uses is costly, time consuming and can be ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a rigid camera system with a disposable mouthguard that can be easily sterilized or replaced between patients. This eliminates the complex sterilization requirements of flexible endoscopes while maintaining infection control, as the rigid components can withstand standard autoclaving procedures and the disposable mouthguard provides a simple barrier that prevents cross-contamination.
4Measurement precision
If flexible camera is passed through the nose into the throat, then examination of deep throat structures is enabled, but patient discomfort increases and tolerance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the camera through the nose as is done with flexible endoscopy, the patent inverts the approach by placing the rigid camera in the oral cavity and having the patient open their mouth wide. This reversal of the insertion route eliminates nasal discomfort and the gag reflex triggered by nasal passage, making the procedure more tolerable while still enabling visualization of the throat structures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a throat examination device (1) for examining a throat of a patient. The throat examination device (1) has a support arm (7) having a longitudinal axis (X); and an imaging unit (10). The imaging unit (10) is disposed on the support arm (7) and includes at least one imaging sensor (11-n) for capturing an image of at least a portion of one or more of the oral cavity, the oropharynx and the laryngopharynx. The imaging unit (10) has a transverse angle of view (TAOV) in a transverse plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the support arm (7). The imaging unit (10) may be provided in an imaging module (3) which is removably mounted to the support arm (7). A disposable cover (45) may be provided over the imaging unit (10).