Patent Application
20110196204
The disclosure relates to endotracheal intubation devices, particularly to endotracheal devices having an improved means for curving the distal end and guiding of an endotracheal tube inserted into a patient.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,919 to Bullard describes a laryngoscope that permits indirect visualization of the glottis. This device reduced the need to move the head of the patient from the neutral position. The distal end of the longitudinal axis was also fixed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,519 to Lee describes an endoscopic instrument with a tubular member passed alongside a blade. It also possesses a viewing device at the proximal end for viewing placement of an endotracheal tube. The device itself is concentric with the endotracheal tube. The track means are aligned in preset orientations.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,579 to Bellhouse describes an angled laryngoscope blade with a planar component. The angular portion of the blade is fixed but allows for navigation around abnormalities.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,769 to Gandarias discloses a hollow laryngoscope with a fixed anatomical curve that incorporated a channel securing the endotracheal tube that ran parallel to the visualization channel. This channel allowed for removal of the device after the endotracheal tube is in place. A fixed blade at the distal end of the curved section assisted in securing tissue such as the epiglottis. The visualization channel in this embodiment consisted of mirrors.
U.S. Pat Application 2009/0198111 to Nearman describes a dynamically articulating laryngoscope blade controlled from any handle at multiple points. The control unit consists of both coarse and fine control to achieve various configurations. The curvable section consists of individual metal plates articulating relative to each other.
U.S. Pat Application 2007/0106121 to Yokota describes a rigid intubation instrument with an integrated guide means for passing an endotracheal tube through a target site. The integrated guide allows for removal of the intubation tube to enable removal of the device from the patient's mouth.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,153 issued to Berci discloses an intubating video endoscope which includes an elongated sheath member with a selectively controllable bendable section housing an image forming optical system. A generally rigid section includes a control housing. An image transmitting optical system extends throughout the length of the sheath member and terminates adjacent to the image forming system. A light transmitting system also extends throughout the length of the sheath member to the image forming optical system, the rearward end of which is adapted to be operatively connected to a light source.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,942 to Schwartz et al., hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes an endotracheal intubation device having a series of interlinked, truncated ring-like elements disposed along the distal portion of the tube and a handgrip for controlling the degree of bend in the distal end of the device. An imaging device, such as a nasopharyngoscope, can be inserted through the intubation device to visualize the patient's vocal cords during the intubation procedure. The endotracheal intubation device uses a scissors mechanism without pulleys to bend the distal end of the device.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,440 issued to Salem et al. discloses an adjustably flexible intubation guide to aid in the insertion of a tubular-type device into a body duct or passage. The guide includes a flexible tube member with a rod member inserted therein. The rod member is slidable within the tube member, and the rod member and the tube member are firmly connected at the tip of the distal ends thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,020 issued to Augustine discloses a tracheal intubation guide with a tubular member having a curved forward end shaped to follow the curvature of the back of the tongue and throat of a patient, a rear end for projecting out through the mouth of the patient, and an anterior guide surface extending along at least part of the length of the member to its forward end for guiding the member into the throat into a position opposite the opening into the larynx.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,020 issued to Gomez discloses an intubating assembly used to position an intubation tube into a trachea of a patient. The intubating assembly has a guide assembly that receives the intubation tube therein and conforms the intubation tube to its configuration. The guide assembly includes first and second introduction segments hingedly coupled to one another and positionable between a closed orientation, which defines a generally curved configuration of the guide assembly, and an open orientation, which defines a generally straight configuration of the guide assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,375, U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,708, U.S. Publication No. 2008/0200761, U.S. Publication No. 2008/0308098, and U.S. Publication No. 2010/0095969 to Schwartz et al. are directed to endotracheal intubation devices having a curveable portion and internal optics or a viewing device which facilitate the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient.
U.S. Publication No. 2008/0208000 to Schwartz et al. is directed to a device for endotracheal intubation and fluid delivery into the trachea of a patient. The fluid delivery device includes a tubular housing adapted to be sealably mounted on an elongate element of the endoscope and delivers a fluid thereto.
U.S. Publication No. 2009/0090357 to Schwartz et al. is directed to a guide/laryngoscope blade device for facilitating the insertion of a medical device into the trachea of a patient.
While the related art discloses endotracheal intubation devices, there still exists a need for an improved endotracheal device having both a rigid and curvable section and optionally internal optics so as to facilitate both the insertion and guidance of an endotracheal tube into a patient.
Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved endotracheal intubation device having a flexible portion. These and other objects will become increasingly apparent by reference to the following description.
The disclosure relates to an endotracheal intubation device comprising: (a) a channel element having a proximal end and a distal end, the channel element comprising (i) a rigid channel portion at the proximal end of the channel element and (ii) a curveable channel portion at the distal end of the channel element, the curveable channel portion being operatively connected to the rigid channel portion, wherein the rigid channel portion and the curveable channel portion together define a first channel that (A) extends from the proximal end to the distal end and (B) defines a centerline direction between the proximal end and the distal end; (b) an articulating means extending through the first channel between the proximal end and the distal end, the articulating means being operatively connected to the curveable channel portion for articulation; and (c) a second channel adjacent the first channel and extending in the centerline direction along at least a segment of the rigid channel portion and at least a segment of the curveable channel portion; wherein: (i) the curveable channel portion and the second channel are together continuously and reversibly moveable between a first relaxed position (e.g., substantially straight or slightly/less curved relative to the second curved position) and a second curved position upon actuation of the articulating means; and (ii) the second channel (A) exerts a retaining force on an endotracheal tube when present in the second channel and the second channel is in the curved position and (B) relaxes the retaining force to release the endotracheal tube as the second channel moves from the curved position toward the relaxed position. The intubation device can further comprise a protrusion extending in the centerline direction from the distal end of the curveable channel portion, the protrusion being operable to lift the epiglottis of a patient when inserted into the trachea of a patient. The channel element can be formed from stainless steel or a shape memory alloy (SMA) such as a nitinol nickel-titanium alloy.
Various refinements of the endotracheal intubation device are possible. For example, in an embodiment, (i) the curveable channel portion comprises one or more curveable channel elements (e.g., having a rectangular, circular, or other cross section); (ii) one curveable channel element is connected at its proximal end to the distal end of the rigid channel portion and the other curveable channel elements, when present, are connected at the proximal end thereof to the distal end of an adjacent curveable channel element; (iii) each curveable channel element defines a gap (e.g., wedge-shaped, slit-shaped, etc.) on a curveable side of the curveable channel portion, the gap being located between the curveable channel element and (A) the rigid channel portion, (B) an adjacent curveable channel element, or (C) both (A) and (B); and (iv) the gap changes in its extent as the curveable channel portion and the second channel move between the first relaxed position and the second curved position. In one refinement, the gap is at its maximum extent when the curveable channel portion and the second channel are in the first relaxed position, and the gap is closed or at its minimum extent when the curveable channel portion and the second channel are in the second curved position. In another refinement, the gap is at its minimum extent when the curveable channel portion and the second channel are in the first relaxed position, and the gap is at its maximum extent when the curveable channel portion and the second channel are in the second curved position. In another embodiment, (i) each curveable channel element is hingedly connected along a first edge of the curveable channel element to the rigid channel portion or an adjacent curveable channel element; and (ii) the gap of each curveable channel element is defined by a second, opposing edge of the curveable channel element.
In another refinement, the second channel is partially open around its circumference and along its length in the centerline direction, and the partially open structure permits access to the second channel interior other than through the proximal and distal ends of the second channel. For example, (i) the second channel can be defined by one or more retaining lips and one or more overhang structures, both of which generally extend outwardly from the first channel in a direction that is substantially normal to the centerline direction; and (ii) the retaining lips can comprise a curved surface that is sized and located to retain an endotracheal tube within the second channel. In an embodiment, the second channel extends along only a distal segment of the rigid channel portion. In another embodiment, (i) the second channel is defined by a first retaining surface and an opposing second retaining surface, each extending from or defined by a flexible sheath (e.g., a flexible polymer such as a flexible silicone polymer) encasing at least a portion of the channel element; and (ii) the first retaining surface and second retaining surface are sized and located to retain an endotracheal tube within the second channel, In the second channel, the retaining force can comprise a frictional force between an interior surface of the second channel and an exterior surface of the endotracheal tube, the diameter of the endotracheal tube being sized correspondingly to the cross sectional size of the second channel.
In another refinement, the articulating means is anchored to an interior wall of the first channel at or near the distal end. The articulating means can comprise a control wire that is anchored to an interior wall of the first channel at or near the distal end. Alternatively, the articulating means can comprise a push rod that is anchored to an interior wall of the first channel at or near the distal end.
In another refinement, the endotracheal intubation device further comprises a flexible gap cover plate on an outside wall of the channel element adjacent the gap or gaps, wherein: (i) the gap cover plate covers at least a portion of the gap or gaps and at least partially shields the first channel interior from the external environment; (ii) the gap cover plate is anchored to the channel element in one location (e.g., one of the curveable channel elements, the rigid channel portion); (iii) the gap cover plate is slidably retained at one or more locations on the channel element in the centerline direction; and (iv) the gap cover plate is flexible so that it conforms to the shape of the curveable channel portion as the curveable channel portion moves between the first relaxed position and the second curved position. The gap cover plate can be slidably retained by the curveable channel element with a retaining band thereon that defines a channel through which the gap cover plate can slide in the centerline direction. The endotracheal intubation device additionally can comprise a retaining sleeve at the distal end of the rigid channel portion, at the proximal end of the curveable channel portion, or both, wherein the retaining sleeve is positioned and sized to enclose a freely moving end of the gap cover plate as the curveable channel portion moves between the first relaxed position and the second curved position.
In another refinement, the intubation device further comprises a sensor means mounted within the first channel at or near the distal end of the curveable channel portion. The sensor means can comprise (i) an imaging unit selected from the group consisting of a CMOS imager, a CCD imager, an FPA imager, an IR imager, and an ultrasonic imager and (ii) optionally an illumination source to enhance the imaging ability of the imaging unit. Suitably, the sensor means has a sensing axis that is directed toward a placement axis extending from the distal end of the second channel in the centerline direction. The intubation device additionally can comprise a gripping means that comprises an actuating means for the articulation means, wherein: (i) the proximal end of the rigid channel portion is mounted to the gripping means; and (ii) the actuating means is operably connected to the proximal end of the articulating means. When the sensor means is included, the gripping means additionally can comprise a viewing means (e.g., LCD, OLED display) electrically connected to the sensor means through the first channel.
The disclosure also relates to a method of intubating a patient, the method comprising: (a) providing the endotracheal intubation device according to any of its various disclosed embodiments; (b) advancing an endotracheal tube through the second channel of the endotracheal intubation device; (c) inserting the distal end of the channel element with the endotracheal tube in the second channel into a patient's mouth, wherein the curveable channel portion and the second channel are in the first relaxed position during insertion; (d) actuating the articulating means to move the curveable channel portion and the second channel toward the second curved position by an amount sufficient to allow the distal end of the channel element and the endotracheal tube to be safely advanced in the throat of the patient; (e) advancing the distal end of the channel element to a position allowing guidance of the endotracheal tube into the trachea of the patient; (f) advancing the distal end of the endotracheal tube into the trachea of the patient; (g) releasing the articulating means, thereby relaxing the curveable channel portion and allowing the curveable channel portion to conform to an interior patient passageway defined by the patient's anatomy; and (h) removing the endotracheal intubation device from the patient's mouth while holding the endotracheal tube in place. In an embodiment, (i) the retaining force comprises a frictional force between an interior surface of the second channel and an exterior surface of the endotracheal tube, the diameter of the endotracheal tube being sized correspondingly to the cross sectional size of the second channel; and (ii) the release of the articulating means in part (g) reduces the frictional force, thereby facilitating the removal of the endotracheal intubation device in part (h).
The following U.S. patents and patent applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties for all purposes: Ser. No. 11/230,392 (filed Sep. 29, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,708), Ser. No. 11/514,486 (filed Sep. 1, 2006; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,458,375), Ser. No. 11/820,117 (filed Jun. 18, 2007; now U.S. Publication No. 2008/0308098), Ser. No. 11/906,870 (filed Oct. 4, 2007; now U.S. Publication No. 2009/0090357), Ser. No. 12/148,033 (filed Apr. 16, 2008; now U.S. Publication No. 2008/0208000), Ser. No. 12/148,050 (filed Apr. 16, 2008; now U.S. Publication No. 2008/0200761), Ser. No. 12/587,905 (filed Oct. 15, 2009; now U.S. Publication No. 2010/0095969), Ser. No. 12/592,406 (filed Nov. 24, 2009), Ser. No. 12/924,358 (filed Sep. 24, 2010), and Ser. No. 12/928,126 (filed Dec. 3, 2010). In general, the structure, construction, and methods for the endotracheal intubation devices disclosed herein can be incorporated into the endotracheal intubation devices of the foregoing patents/patent applications.
All patents, patent applications, government publications, government regulations, and literature references cited in this specification are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present description, including definitions, will control.
Additional features of the disclosure may become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the examples, drawings, and appended claims, with the understanding that the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and is not intended to limit the claims to the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein.
For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:
While the disclosed apparatus and methods are susceptible of embodiments in various forms, specific embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the drawings (and will hereafter be described) with the understanding that the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and is not intended to limit the claims to the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein.
With reference to
The distal end 104 of the channel element 120 is then inserted into the mouth of the patient P, along with the distal end 204 of endotracheal tube 200. At this point, the curveable channel portion 128 and the second channel 140 generally are in the first relaxed position A, although the distal end 104 of the intubation device 100 can move somewhat to accommodate the internal passageways of the patient P. Upon insertion into the patient P, the articulating means 160 is actuated to deform the channel element 120/first channel 122 and allow insertion of the intubation device 100 and the endotracheal tube 200 through curved passageways of the patient P (e.g., mouth, throat, pharynx, larynx, and/or trachea). Specifically, as the device 100 and tube 200 are inserted/advanced; the articulating means 160 is actuated to move the curveable channel portion 128, the second channel 140, and the endotracheal tube 200 (when present) together toward the second curved position B by an amount sufficient to allow the distal ends 104, 204 of the channel element 120 and the endotracheal tube 200 to be safely advanced in the throat of the patient P. By actuating the articulating means 160 to the extent necessary (e.g., by applying/releasing pressure on a gripping means 180), the distal end 104 of the channel element 120 is advanced to a position within the patient P that allows guidance of the endotracheal tube 200 into the trachea T of the patient P. For example, the distal end 104 of the channel element 120 can be advanced along with the endotracheal tube 200 (i.e., secured in place in the second channel 140) through the patient's mouth Q and into the pharynx R (e.g., oral and/or laryngeal parts thereof) to a point where it lifts/holds the patient's epiglottis (e.g., via the protrusion 110), but is above the vocal cords, larynx, and trachea T. Then, the distal end 204 of the endotracheal tube 200 can be further advanced into the trachea T of the patient P (e.g., using a sensor means 170 to remotely view the tube 200 as it is advanced while the intubation device 100 remains stationary). For example, as shown in
Once the endotracheal tube 200 is in place, the articulating means 160 is released, thereby relaxing the curveable channel portion 128 and allowing the curveable channel portion 128 to conform to an interior patient passageway defined by the patient's anatomy (e.g., a curved path defined through all or a portion of the patient's mouth, pharynx, larynx, and/or trachea), for example by allowing the curveable channel portion 128 to relax/move at least partially from its curved position (i.e., which can be curved to a degree less than that of the fully articulated state B) towards the first relaxed position A. However, even when pressure is removed from the articulating means 160, the curvature of the patient's interior anatomy will maintain the curveable channel portion 128 in a partially curved state. The relaxation of the articulating means 160 and the movement towards the first position A additionally reduces the retaining force (e.g., frictional force) between the interior surface 140B of the second channel 140 and the endotracheal tube 200, thereby facilitating the removal of the endotracheal intubation device 100 from the patient P. Specifically, as shown in
With specific reference to
As described in more detail below, the curveable channel portion 128 and the second channel 140 are together continuously and reversibly moveable between the first relaxed position A and the second curved position B upon actuation of the articulating means 160. Thus, the intubation device 100 is generally capable of assuming any configuration intermediate between the two extremes shown in
The figures generally illustrate an embodiment in which the curveable channel portion 128 is formed from one or more (e.g., a plurality) curveable channel elements 130. The curveable channel elements 130 are a series of channel structures that are serially interconnected to each other and the rigid channel portion 126. The curveable channel elements 130 generally have sidewalls (e.g., as illustrated), but have openings in the longitudinal direction to define the first channel 122 and to permit the pass-through of structure related to the articulating means 160 and/or any sensor means 170 that is present. The channel elements 130 are interconnected at a common edge/location and are disconnected at one or more other edges/other locations. The combination of free and constrained/connected edges between adjacent channel elements 130 permits movement (e.g., curvature) of the curveable channel portion 130. As illustrated, one curveable channel element 130 is connected at its proximal end to the distal end of the rigid channel portion 126 and the other curveable channel elements 130 are connected at the proximal end thereof to the distal end of an adjacent curveable channel element 130. The non-connected portions of the curveable channel elements 130 define a gap (or gaps) 132 on a curveable side 134 of the curveable channel portion 128. Each gap 132 is located between the curveable channel element 130 and (i) the rigid channel portion 126 or (ii) an adjacent curveable channel element 130.
The gap 132 changes in its extent as the intubation device 100 moves between the first relaxed position A and the second curved position B. The curveable side 134 is generally defined as the side or sides of the curveable channel portion 128 where the gaps 132 are located and where the gaps 132 change in size during the articulation of the device 100. In the embodiment illustrated in
The channel element 120 and its components (e.g., the rigid channel portion 126 and the curveable channel portion 128) can be fabricated from any biocompatible metallic or plastic material. In an embodiment, the rigid channel portion 126 and the curveable channel portion 128 both are formed from rigid materials (e.g., stainless steel or a shape memory alloy (SMA) such as a nitinol nickel-titanium alloy), in which case the curveable channel portion 128 is formed from one or more components that are flexibly connected to each other or the rigid channel portion (e.g., the curveable channel elements 130 described above). Alternatively, the curveable channel portion 128 can be formed from an integral, flexible material such as a silicone or other plastic tube (e.g., having a circular, rectangular, or other cross section).
The second channel 140 is adjacent the first channel 122 and extends in the centerline direction 124 along at least a segment of the rigid channel portion 126 and at least a segment of the curveable channel portion 128. The centerline second channel 140 defines a placement direction (or axis; related to the direction/orientation of the endotracheal tube 200 as it is threaded through the second channel 140 and into the patient P) 146 that generally runs parallel to the centerline direction 124 such that the placement direction 146 has the same or similar curvature to that of the centerline direction 124. The second channel 140 exerts a retaining force F on the endotracheal tube 200 when the tube 200 is present in the second channel 140 and the second channel 140 is in the curved position B, in particular when the diameter/width of the tube 200 is selected to correspond to the diameter/width of the second channel 140 or vice versa. For example, the retaining force F can be a frictional force between an interior surface 140B of the second channel 140 and an exterior surface 200A of the endotracheal tube 200 when the diameter/width of the endotracheal tube 200 is sized correspondingly to (e.g., slightly less than) the cross sectional size of the second channel 140. The retaining force F relaxes to release the endotracheal tube 200 as the second channel 140 moves away from the curved position B and toward the relaxed position A. The retaining force F need not be eliminated as the degree of actuation lessens (e.g., some residual retaining or frictional force F can be present in the relaxed position A), but the retaining force F suitably is reduced sufficiently to permit the withdrawal of the intubation device 100 from the patient P once the endotracheal tube 200 is in place.
As illustrated, the second channel 140 is partially open around its circumference and along its length in the centerline direction 124 (or the placement direction 146). The partially open structure permits access to the second channel interior 1408 other than through the proximal and distal ends of the second channel 140. Specifically, the partially open structure provides sufficient retaining structure to hold the endotracheal tube 200 in place during an intubation process, but the circumferential gap can permit a flexible tube 200 to be removed post-intubation (e.g., laterally removed via the circumferential gap either instead of complete or in addition to partial longitudinal removal through the distal end of the second channel 140). In another embodiment (not shown), however, the second channel 140 can be completely enclosed in the circumferential direction such that the endotracheal tube 200 is inserted into, advanced through, and eventually removed from the intubation device 100 via the open proximal and distal ends of the second channel 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the second channel 140 is defined by one or more retaining lips 142 and one or more overhang structures 144, both of which generally extend outwardly from the first channel 122 (e.g., as integral structures/extensions of the outside wall 120A of the channel element 120 and its component rigid and curveable channel portions 126, 128) and define a slit/gap 145 therebetween that permits circumferential access to the second channel 140 (i.e., as compared to longitudinal access to the second channel 140 at the distal and proximal ends thereof). The lips 142 and overhangs 144 extend in a direction that is substantially normal to the centerline direction 124. The retaining lips 142 have a curved surface (e.g., that extends normally outward and then curves upwardly or otherwise toward the centerline of the second channel 140) that is sized and located to retain an endotracheal tube 200 within the second channel 140. Alternatively, the retaining lips 142 could have any other suitable cross sectional shape to retain the tube 200 and prevent/limit the lateral movement of the tube 200 during intubation (e.g., a rectangular or other non-linear bend shape that need not have curved arc segment). In another embodiment (not shown), the overhangs 144 can similarly have a curved or other cross sectional shape to retain and limit the lateral movement of the tube 200, either in addition to or in place of such a structure for the lips 142.
As illustrated in
While the second channel 140 can extend along the entire length of the intubation device 100, the second channel 140 as illustrated extends along only a distal segment of the rigid channel portion 126. Such a configuration provides sufficient structure to retain the endotracheal tube 200 during insertion, but facilitates the disengagement of the tube 200 from the device 100 after insertion.
The articulating means 160 of the intubation device 100 extends through the first channel 122 between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The articulating means 160 is operatively connected to the curveable channel portion 128 for articulation, for example being anchored to an interior wall 120B of the first channel 122/curveable channel portion 128 at or near the distal end 104 (e.g., at an anchor point 166 using an adhesive, pin, screw, etc. or other suitable fastening means). The structure of the articulating means 160 is not particularly limited, but two suitable options include a control wire 162 (shown in
Actuation of the articulating means 160 causes the intubation device 100 (i.e., and its component first and second channels 122, 140) to move incrementally between the first relaxed position A and the second curved position B, and vice versa (
In the illustrated embodiment, the endotracheal intubation device 100 can include a flexible gap cover plate 150 on an outside wall 120A of the channel element 120 adjacent the gap or gaps 132 (e.g., when such gaps are present based on a configuration including the curveable channel elements 130). The gap cover plate 150 covers at least a portion of the gap or gaps 132 and at least partially shields the first channel 122 interior from the external environment (e.g., internal patient intubation passageways). The gap cover plate 150 is anchored to the channel element 120 in one location, for example to the rigid channel portion 126 or to the curveable channel portion 128 (e.g., via any suitable mechanical or adhesive means, shown by an anchor point 152 in the figures). The gap cover plate 150 also is slidably retained at one or more locations (e.g., illustrated by one or more retaining bands 154 defining an exterior channel segment on an outer surface of the first channel 122 and/or flexible channel portion 128) on the channel element 120 so that the plate 150 can slide/move in the centerline direction 124. The gap cover plate 150 is flexible (e.g., formed from a thin metallic or plastic material) so that it conforms to the shape of the curveable channel portion 128 as the curveable channel portion 128 moves between the first relaxed position A and the second curved position B. The intubation device 100 additionally can include a retaining sleeve 156 at the distal end of the rigid channel portion (as shown), at the proximal end of the curveable channel portion (not shown), or at both locations (not shown). The retaining sleeve 156 is positioned and sized to enclose a freely moving/sliding end of the gap cover plate 150 as the curveable channel portion 128 moves between the first relaxed position A and the second curved position B, thus preventing the freely moving end from disengaging from the device 100 outer surface and contacting or damaging an internal portion of the patient's intubation passageways.
The intubation device 100 can include other ancillary components useful for an intubation process, for example including a sensor means 170 and a gripping means 180, both of which are shown in the figures. Suitable sensor means 170 and gripping means 180 are generally described below; other suitable structures may be found in the related patents and patent applications referenced above in the Summary section.
The sensor means 170 generally includes any structure located on or within the device 100 that provides information/feedback (e.g., visual) to the physician M during an intubation process to facilitate the accurate placement of the endotracheal tube 200 within the patient P. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor means 170 is mounted within the first channel 122 at or near the distal end 104 of the curveable channel portion 128 (e.g., in a terminal curveable channel element 130). The sensor means 170 can include a camera or imaging unit 174 (e.g., a CMOS imager, a CCD imager, an FPA imager, an IR imager, and an ultrasonic imager) to provide visual information to the physician M. Additionally, the sensor means 170 can include an illumination unit 176 (e.g., a LED or other light source) that enhances the imaging ability of the imaging unit 174. The sensor means 170 is electrically connected to an external power source and/or viewing means 184 (described below) via a conductor 172 that runs through the first channel 122. Similar to the articulating means 160, the conductor 172 can be isolated from other components within the first channel 122 and from elements of the external environment (e.g., within the intubation passageways of a patient P), for example using a polymer wrap/boot that can isolate individual components or the entire channel. As illustrated in
The gripping means 180 provides a convenient structure for the physician M to hold/grip/direct the intubation device 100 during an intubation process. The gripping means 180 includes an actuating means 182 (e.g., trigger) for the articulation means 160 and facilitates the application or removal of force to the articulation means 160. As illustrated, the intubation device 100 and the gripping means 180 can be assembled into a composite unit in which the proximal end of the rigid channel portion 126 is mounted to the gripping means 160, and the actuating means 182 is operably connected to the proximal end of the articulating means 160. When the sensor means 170 is present, the device 100 can additionally include a viewing means 184 electrically connected to the sensor means 170 through the first channel 122 (e.g., via the conductor 172). The viewing means 184 can include any suitable display (e.g., an LCD display or an OLED display) to display data/images acquired by the imaging unit 174 during intubation. Additionally, the gripping means 180 can incorporate a DC power supply (e.g., an internal battery), for example in the viewing means 184 structure.
Because other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the disclosure is not considered limited to the examples chosen for purposes of illustration, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this disclosure.
Accordingly, the foregoing description is given for clarity of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications within the scope of the disclosure may be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art.
Throughout the specification, where the compositions, processes, apparatus, or systems are described as including components, steps, or materials, it is contemplated that the compositions, processes, or apparatus can also comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, any combination of the recited components or materials, unless described otherwise. Component concentrations expressed as a percent are weight-percent (% w/w), unless otherwise noted. Numerical values and ranges can represent the value/range as stated or an approximate value/range (e.g., modified by the term “about”). Combinations of components are contemplated to include homogeneous and/or heterogeneous mixtures, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing disclosure.
Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/337,678, filed on Feb. 11, 2010, and 61/456,590, filed on Nov. 9, 2010, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61337678 | Feb 2010 | US | |
| 61456590 | Nov 2010 | US |
