Transtracheal energy application and sensing system for intubation: method and apparatus
US5560351A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/061
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intubation scope assembly adapted to facilitate the positioning of an endotracheal tube in a patient comprising an electromagnetic or sound energy source which enters the vocal cords exteriorly of the neck of the patient with energy having a direction, wavelength and intensity capable of entering the trachea, substantially avoiding encompassing the entire pharynx and capable of being transmitted cephalad substantially between and/or around the vocal cords. A suitable sensor for the energy emitted by such source comprises a stylet assembly, the distal end of which can detect or collect the energy transmitted between and/or around the vocal cords and the proximal end of which can monitor the detected or collected energy to thereby locate the vocal cords for positioning an endotracheal tube therebetween. A system and method of intubating a patient with the foregoing assembly are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.