Variable-Durometer TEE Insertion Tube for Comfort and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TEE transducer assemblies cause patient discomfort due to large diameter insertion tubes and transducer heads, leading to complications like gagging, esophagus irritation, and sore throat, while reducing the diameter compromises image quality and manipulation dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A TEE transducer assembly with an insertion tube having varying durometer values along its length, featuring a higher stiffness at the proximal end for torque transfer and decreasing stiffness towards the distal end, allowing for reduced diameter without compromising image quality or dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the diameter of the insertion tube is reduced to make intubation less traumatic and more comfortable, then patient comfort is improved, but image quality may be compromised due to poor contact of the TEE transducer tip with the esophagus
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tube is designed with varying durometer values along its length, with the distal portion having a lower durometer (softer) than the proximal portion. This local differentiation allows the distal end to be more compliant for patient comfort and esophagus contact, while the proximal end maintains sufficient stiffness for manipulation and torque transfer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the diameter of the insertion tube is reduced to minimize contact with the esophagus, then patient discomfort is reduced, but the ability to transfer forces by the clinician to guide and locate the TEE transducer is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tube features a gradient of stiffness along its length, with the proximal portion maintaining higher durometer values to enable effective force transfer from the clinician, while the distal portion transitions to lower durometer values to reduce esophagus irritation and improve patient comfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a smaller diameter TEE transducer is used to reduce procedural trauma, then patient comfort is improved, but contact quality with the esophagus wall deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of durometer value along the length of the insertion tube, creating a gradient that transitions from stiffer proximal sections to softer distal sections. This parameter change allows the smaller transducer to maintain adequate contact with the esophagus wall while minimizing procedural trauma.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An apparatus (100, 300) includes a transducer assembly; a bending neck (106, 206, 306) connected to a proximal end (104, 204, 304) of the transducer head; and an insertion tube (103, 203, 303) disposed in tandem with the bending neck (106, 206, 306) and comprising a distal end (105, 205, 305) connected to a proximal end (104, 204, 304) of the bending neck (106, 206, 306), and a proximal end (104, 204, 304) for manipulation of the transducer head. The insertion tube (103, 203, 303) has a first durometer value at a first section (310), and second durometer value at a second section (312). The first durometer value is greater than the second durometer value.