Video-Assisted Percutaneous Needle Cricothyrotomy System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical systems lack effective methods for quickly and accurately locating a patient's trachea during emergency surgical airway procedures, particularly in patients with restrictive anatomical features, leading to challenges in inserting an air cannula and risking tissue damage and prolonged ventilation time.
Innovation Solution
A video-assisted percutaneous needle cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy system that includes a display monitor, a percutaneous needle assembly with a fiber optic stylet and illuminators, allowing real-time visualization of the tracheal lumen on a display screen to guide the insertion of an air cannula, reducing anatomical landmark reliance and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional anatomical landmark methods are used to locate the trachea, then the procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but the precision and speed of tracheal identification deteriorate, especially in patients with restrictive anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical palpation method with an optical imaging system. A camera is inserted through the needle into the tracheal lumen to capture real-time images, which are then displayed on a monitor to guide needle advancement. This optical substitution enables precise visualization of the trachea without relying on external anatomical landmarks, directly resolving the contradiction between precision and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the operator and the trachea. The camera captures images of the tracheal lumen and transmits them to a display monitor, serving as a mediator that provides visual feedback without requiring direct visual inspection. This intermediary enables precise tracheal identification while maintaining a relatively simple procedural framework.
2Productivity
If anatomical landmarks are relied upon for needle insertion, then the procedure setup remains simple, but the speed and accuracy of cannula placement deteriorate, increasing ventilation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical landmark-based navigation with real-time optical imaging. The camera provides immediate visual feedback of the tracheal lumen, allowing the operator to see exactly when the needle enters the trachea and guide the cannula placement with precision. This eliminates the trial-and-error approach of landmark-based methods, significantly speeding up the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously captures images of the tracheal lumen during needle advancement, and these images are displayed in real-time on a monitor. This visual feedback loop allows the operator to adjust the needle position based on direct observation of the tracheal opening, ensuring rapid and accurate cannula placement without prolonged ventilation delays.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If blind needle insertion is performed without visualization, then the equipment remains simple, but tissue damage increases due to inability to precisely identify the tracheal opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces blind mechanical needle insertion with optical visualization. The camera inserted through the needle provides real-time images of the tracheal lumen, allowing the operator to precisely identify the tracheal opening before advancing the needle. This visual guidance eliminates blind insertion and prevents damage to surrounding tissues, directly addressing the harmful effects of tissue trauma.
4Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used without visual guidance, then the procedure can be performed with basic equipment, but the accuracy of cannula placement deteriorates, requiring multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time visual feedback through the camera system. As the needle is advanced, the camera continuously captures images of the tracheal lumen, and these images are displayed on a monitor. This feedback allows the operator to see the exact position of the needle relative to the trachea, ensuring accurate cannula placement on the first attempt and eliminating the need for multiple trials that would consume time.
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
Enables rapid and accurate identification of the tracheal lumen, minimizing tissue damage and improving ventilation efficiency by providing visual guidance for precise cannula placement, thereby enhancing patient outcomes in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber optic stylet that extends into the hollow needle, and includes one or more illuminators and a camera for capturing and transmitting images of a patient's anatomical features including the tracheal lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for video assisted percutaneous needle cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy to assist physicians in quickly intubating patients suffering from respiratory distress when oral or nasal intubation is not possible or contraindicated. The system and method includes a display monitor, a percutaneous needle assembly including a connection hub having a syringe port for removably attaching a syringe, a needle port for attaching a hollow needle, and a stylet port in communication with the needle port for receiving a fiber optic stylet that extends through the hollow needle. The fiber optic stylet includes one or more illuminators, and a camera for capturing and transmitting anatomical images for display on the display monitor to visually assist physicians in locating a patient's trachea lumen. The fiber optic stylet is positioned within the trachea lumen, and used as a guide wire to insert a dilator and cannula for ventilating the patient.