U.S. patent application number 13/819743 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-20 for endobronchial tube with integrated image sensor.
This patent application is currently assigned to ETVIEW LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Elias Daher, Matthias Benedikt Schuh. Invention is credited to Elias Daher, Matthias Benedikt Schuh.
Application Number | 20130158351 13/819743 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46262117 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130158351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daher; Elias ; et
al. |
June 20, 2013 |
ENDOBRONCHIAL TUBE WITH INTEGRATED IMAGE SENSOR
Abstract
An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumens of
different lengths for selectively associating with a patient about
at least two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina. said tube
comprising: a first lumen having an open distal end that associates
proximally to the Carina within the Trachea, with a first
inflatable cuff; a second lumen having an open distal end that
extends distally, past the Carina and associates within one of the
Left Bronchial branch and Right Bronchial branch with a second
inflatable cuff; a dedicated image sensor lumen spanning the length
of said first lumen, the dedicated image sensor lumen comprising an
image sensor and illumination source disposed adjacent to the
distal end of said first lumen, and configured to provide an image
of the Tracheal bifurcation of the Tracheal Carina, the openings of
the Left Bronchial branch, and the opening Right Bronchial branch;
and at least one dedicated cleaning lumen disposed parallel with
said dedicated image sensor lumen along the length of said
endobronchial tube and wherein said cleaning lumen is configured to
forms a cleaning nozzle at the distal end, wherein said cleaning
nozzle is directed toward said image sensor lumen at its distal
end.
Inventors: |
Daher; Elias; (Bielefeld,
DE) ; Schuh; Matthias Benedikt; (Obersuessbach,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Daher; Elias
Schuh; Matthias Benedikt |
Bielefeld
Obersuessbach |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
ETVIEW LTD.
Misgav
IL
|
Family ID: |
46262117 |
Appl. No.: |
13/819743 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
April 26, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2012/052077 |
371 Date: |
February 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61506210 |
Jul 11, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/109 ;
600/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0459 20140204;
A61M 16/044 20130101; A61B 1/00082 20130101; A61B 1/07 20130101;
A61M 15/00 20130101; A61B 1/126 20130101; A61B 1/012 20130101; A61M
16/0488 20130101; A61B 1/00124 20130101; A61M 16/0465 20130101;
A61B 1/2676 20130101; A61M 16/0434 20130101; A61M 16/0463 20130101;
A61B 1/051 20130101; A61B 1/0684 20130101; A61B 1/00018 20130101;
A61M 16/0404 20140204; A61M 16/0833 20140204; A61M 16/104 20130101;
A61B 1/313 20130101; A61M 16/0057 20130101; A61B 1/0676 20130101;
A61M 16/04 20130101; A61M 16/0461 20130101; A61B 1/00094 20130101;
A61B 1/12 20130101; A61M 16/0486 20140204; A61B 1/05 20130101; A61B
1/00091 20130101; A61B 1/015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/109 ;
600/120 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/267 20060101
A61B001/267; A61B 1/05 20060101 A61B001/05; A61B 1/12 20060101
A61B001/12; A61B 1/06 20060101 A61B001/06; A61B 1/012 20060101
A61B001/012; A61B 1/313 20060101 A61B001/313; A61M 16/10 20060101
A61M016/10; A61M 16/00 20060101 A61M016/00; A61B 1/00 20060101
A61B001/00; A61M 16/04 20060101 A61M016/04; A61B 1/07 20060101
A61B001/07 |
Claims
1. An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumen of different
lengths for selectively associating with a patient about at least
two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina, characterized in
that said tube comprises: a. a first lumen having an open distal
end that associates proximally to the Carina within the Trachea,
with a first inflatable cuff; b. a second lumen having an open
distal end that extends distally, past the Carina and associates
within one of the Left Bronchial branch and Right Bronchial branch
with a second inflatable cuff; c. a dedicated image sensor lumen
spanning the length of said first lumen, the dedicated image sensor
lumen comprising an image sensor and illumination source disposed
adjacent to the distal end of said first lumen, and configured to
provide an image of the Tracheal bifurcation of the Tracheal
Carina, the openings of the Left Bronchial branch, and the opening
Right Bronchial branch; and d. at least one dedicated cleaning
lumen disposed parallel with said dedicated image sensor lumen
along the length of said endobronchial tube and wherein said
cleaning lumen is configured to forms a cleaning nozzle at the
distal end, wherein said cleaning nozzle is directed toward said
image sensor lumen at its distal end.
2. The tube of claim 1 characterized in that said cleaning nozzle
is provided with a diameter from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.
3. The tube of claim 2 characterized in that said cleaning nozzle
is provided with a diameter of 0.6 mm.
4. The tube of claim 1 characterized in that said cleaning lumen is
provided with two or more cleaning nozzles about either side of
said image sensor.
5. The tube of claim 4 characterized in that said two or more
cleaning nozzles cooperate with one another.
6. The tube of claim 1 characterized in that said cleaning lumen
provides for suctioning or flushing the image sensor field of
view.
7. The tube of claim 1 characterized in that said dedicated image
sensor lumen is disposed within the wall of said tube about an
anterior or posterior portion between said first and second
lumen.
8. The endobronchial tube of claim 1 characterized in that said
second lumen comprises a second image sensor providing an image of
the Right bronchi or Left bronchi.
9. The endobronchial tube of claim 1 characterized in that said
image sensor is a CCD image sensor or CMOS image sensor.
10. The endobronchial tube of claim 1 characterized in that said
first lumen further comprises a light source disposed proximal to
the distal end of said first lumen and adjacent to said image
sensor.
11. The endobronchial tube of claim 9 characterized in that said
light source is selected from the group consisting of a LED,
optical fiber, waveguide, light guide, and any combination
thereof.
12. The endobronchial tube of claim 1 adapted for non-invasive
insertion through the oral cavity or nasal cavity.
13. The endobronchial tube of claim 1 adapted for insertion through
an external port or incision.
14. The endobronchial tube of claim 1 adapted for insertion through
surgery or other invasive procedure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to upper airway tubes and in
particular, to an endobronchial tube with an integrated image
sensor and light source.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Respiratory tubes for example endobronchial tubes,
endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes are used to ventilate at
least a portion of the respiratory system or lungs of a subject.
Such respiratory tubes may be inserted in a number of ways via a
non-invasive approach through an orifice or cavity such as the oral
or nasal cavity. Alternatively such tubes may be introduced to a
body via a minimally invasive external incision creating a port for
tube insertion for example through the trachea in a tracheotomy
procedure.
[0003] Such respiratory tubes may be provided as double lumen
tubes, or single lumen tubes for selectively ventilating a portion
of the respiratory system. For example endobronchial tubes,
whether, double lumen tubes or a single lumen tube may be utilized
for one-lung ventilation procedures or for selective lung
ventilation of the left or right bronchi, during one-lung
ventilation procedures.
[0004] In order to perform one-lung ventilation procedures without
complications, the position of the respiratory tube placed within
either the left or right bronchi and the trachea must be closely
monitored or at least confirmed prior to initiating a procedure.
Various technologies are available to confirm the tube's placement,
for example capnograph, auscultation, bronchoscope and x-ray.
[0005] However these procedures take time, technique and skill to
perform and therefore it is not feasible to continuously monitor
the tube's placement. In particularly when the subject is moved
during a procedure the tube's location may change leading to
potentially dangerous displacement of the tube possibly suffocating
the subject or inappropriate ventilation of the patient, for
example not ventilating the correct portion of the respiratory
system.
[0006] Verification by means of a bronchoscope is currently the
gold standard, but none of the mentioned confirmation techniques
provide continuous monitoring of the carina or provide for correct
tube positioning. Furthermore, drawbacks with respect to the design
and sensitivity of the bronchoscope, render its cleaning process
elaborate and often inefficient and costly process, that may lead
to cross infection between subjects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] There is an unmet need for, and it would be highly useful to
have an endobronchial tube capable of continuously and seamlessly
inspect the location and implantation of the endobronchial tube
relative to the Tracheal Carina.
[0008] The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the
background by providing an endobronchial tube having an integrated
image sensor and corresponding light source.
[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for
a respiratory tube, and an endobronchial tube, designed for oral or
nasal insertion via the trachea and into a lung to maintain airway
patency and/or deliver anesthetic, inhalation agent or other
medical gases, and secure ventilation.
[0010] Most preferably the endobronchial tube of the present
invention may be made of medical grade materials for example
including but not limited to plastic, rubber, polymers or silicone
or the like materials as is known in the art.
[0011] Most preferably the endobronchial tube of the present
invention provides for continuous monitoring of the Tracheal Carina
(herein "TC"), allowing a user, physician, nurse, or caregiver to
verify the correct placement of the endobronchial tube
[0012] Most preferably the endobronchial tube includes an
integrated image sensor, optionally and preferably in the form of
CCD or CMOS camera provided for visualizing the carina to confirm
the correct placement of the tube within the trachea and bronchi,
assuring correct ventilation during procedures for example
including but not limited to one lung ventilation.
[0013] Most preferably the integrated camera and light source
provide continuous verification of the correct placement of the
endobronchial tube. The continuous placement verification allows a
caregiver the opportunity to detect any dangerous situation, for
example cuff dislodgement, providing sufficient time to react to
the situation as is necessary. Moreover blood and secretion
accumulation or any other unexpected incidents during surgery,
which might cause risk to the patient, may be observed.
[0014] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for
an endobronchial tube with an integrated image sensor, for example
including but not limited to CCD or CMOS camera, with a
corresponding light source, for example including but not limited
to a Light Emitting Diode (`LED`) while optimizing the lumen
patency for both adequate airflow performance through the tube.
Most preferably the image sensor and corresponding light source are
provided in a dedicated lumen along the length of the endobronchial
tube. Most preferably the image sensor is further provided with a
cleaning nozzle to ensure an open field of view distal to the image
sensor. Most preferably the length of the dedicated image sensor
lumen is provided paralleled with the length of the tracheal lumen,
therein both tracheal lumen and image sensor lumen are of
essentially the same length. Optionally the length of the dedicated
image sensor lumen may be provided according to the length of the
bronchial lumen.
[0015] Optionally the endobronchial tube may be provided with two
dedicated image sensor lumen. Optionally a first dedicated image
sensor lumen is provided according to the length of the tracheal
lumen and a second dedicated image sensor lumen is provided
according to the length of the bronchial lumen.
[0016] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides for
an endobronchial tube with an integrated image sensor and light
source provide a continuously and unobstructed view and
illumination of the carina, left bronchi, right bronchi, bronchial
cuff and bronchial bifurcations, within a single field of view.
[0017] An optional embodiment of the present invention provides for
utilizing at least one or more bronchial cuff. Optionally at least
two or more bronchial cuffs may be utilized to provide adequate
sealing of the bronchi.
[0018] Optionally the bronchial cuff may be provided in varying
shapes so as to better fit the bronchi for example include but is
not limited to spherical, elliptical, helical, hourglass,
trapezoidal, or the like.
[0019] Optionally different bronchial cuff configured and shaped
according to anatomy and placement location, for example anatomy
based on configuration of a cuff for left bronchi placement and for
right bronchi placement.
[0020] Within the context of this application the term
endobronchial tube may be used interchangeably with any one of
Tracheobronchial tube, double lumen tube, double lumen
endobronchial tube, double lumen endotracheal tube, to collectively
refer to a tube and/or catheter utilized for selectively
ventilating a subject via both lungs, one of the lungs or a portion
of one or both of the lungs.
[0021] An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumen of
different lengths for selectively associating with a patient about
at least two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina, the tube
comprising:
a. a first lumen having an open distal end that associates
proximally to the Carina within the Trachea, with a first
inflatable cuff; b. a second lumen having an open distal end that
extends distally, past the Carina and associates within one of the
Left Bronchial branch and Right Bronchial branch with a second
inflatable cuff; c. a dedicated image sensor lumen spanning the
length of said first lumen, the dedicated image sensor lumen
comprising an image sensor and illumination source disposed
adjacent to the distal end of said first lumen, and configured to
provide an image of the Tracheal bifurcation of the Tracheal
Carina, the openings of the Left Bronchial branch, and the opening
Right Bronchial branch; and d. at least one dedicated cleaning
lumen disposed parallel with said dedicated image sensor lumen
along the length of said endobronchial tube and wherein said
cleaning lumen is configured to forms a cleaning nozzle at the
distal end, wherein said cleaning nozzle is directed toward said
image sensor lumen at its distal end.
[0022] Optionally, said cleaning nozzle is provided with a diameter
from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.
[0023] Optionally, said cleaning nozzle is provided with a diameter
of 0.6 mm.
[0024] Optionally, said cleaning lumen is provided with two or more
cleaning nozzles about either side of said image sensor.
[0025] Optionally, said two or more cleaning nozzles cooperate with
one another.
[0026] Optionally, said cleaning lumen provides for suctioning or
flushing the image sensor field of view.
[0027] Optionally, said dedicated image sensor lumen is disposed
within the wall of said tube about an anterior or posterior portion
between said first and second lumen.
[0028] Optionally, the second lumen comprises a second image sensor
providing an image of the Right bronchi or Left bronchi.
[0029] Optionally the image sensor may be a CCD image sensor or
CMOS image sensor.
[0030] Optionally, the first lumen further comprises a light source
disposed proximal to the distal end of said first lumen and
adjacent to the image sensor.
[0031] Optionally, the light source may be selected from the group
consisting of a LED, optical fiber, waveguide, light guide, and any
combination thereof.
[0032] Optionally the image sensor may be disposed within a
dedicated channel embedded within a wall of the first lumen.
[0033] Most preferably the image sensor may be associated with an
auxiliary device for example including but not limited to a display
and power supply at the proximal end of the tube most preferably
about the first lumen, through a single dedicated connector for
example including but not limited to a USB connector.
[0034] Optionally the endotracheal tube may be adapted for
non-invasive insertion through the oral cavity or nasal cavity.
[0035] Optionally the endotracheal tube may be adapted for
insertion through an external port or incision.
[0036] Optionally the endotracheal tube may be adapted for
insertion through a surgical procedure or other invasive
procedure.
[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The
materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative
only and not intended to be limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific
reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the
particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of
illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present
invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is
believed to be the most useful and readily understood description
of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this
regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the
invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental
understanding of the invention, the description taken with the
drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the
several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
[0039] In the drawings:
[0040] FIGS. 1A-B show schematic illustrations of an exemplary
endobronchial tube according to an optional embodiment of the
present invention; FIG. 1A shows the endobronchial tube within the
right bronchi; FIG. 1B shows the endobronchial tube within the left
bronchi;
[0041] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the Tracheal
Carina as seen from the endobronchial tube according to an optional
embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a perspective views of an exemplary
endobronchial tube according to an optional embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an exemplary
endobronchial tube according to an optional embodiment of the
present invention;
[0044] FIG. 4B shows a close up view of notch exit point for the
image sensor connector according to the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of exemplary endobronchial
tube according to an optional embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of exemplary endobronchial
tube according to an optional embodiment of the present invention,
depicting the curvature of the tube;
[0047] FIGS. 7A-F shows varying close up views of the distal end of
the endobronchial tube according to optional embodiments of the
present invention;
[0048] FIGS. 8A-B show cross-sectional views about different
portions of the endobronchial tube according to optional
embodiments of the present invention; and
[0049] FIG. 9 shows a close up view of the image sensor with
integrated light source within a dedicated lumen disposed within
the wall of the endobronchial tube according to an optional
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The principles and operation of the present invention may be
better understood with reference to the drawings and the
accompanying description. The following reference labels listed
below are used throughout the drawings to refer to objects having
similar function, meaning, role, or objective.
[0051] 10 Stylet;
[0052] 12 Y-connector;
[0053] 14 Air Balance Cap;
[0054] 20 Endobronchial Tube connector assembly;
[0055] 22 Endobronchial Tube connector proximal end;
[0056] 24 Tracheal lumen connector portion;
[0057] 26 Bronchial lumen connector portion;
[0058] 28 Endobronchial Tube connector distal end;
[0059] 50 endobronchial tube system;
[0060] 100 endobronchial tube;
[0061] 101 sectional view;
[0062] 102 tube proximal end;
[0063] 104 tube distal end;
[0064] 104a distal curvature;
[0065] 106 tube medial portion;
[0066] 106a medial curvature;
[0067] 108 midline partition;
[0068] 110 tracheal lumen;
[0069] 111 tracheal lumen connector;
[0070] 112 tracheal cuff;
[0071] 112n tracheal cuff notch;
[0072] 114 tracheal lumen distal end;
[0073] 116 tracheal lumen proximal end;
[0074] 118 tracheal cuff connector;
[0075] 120 bronchial lumen;
[0076] 122 bronchial cuff;
[0077] 124 bronchial lumen distal end;
[0078] 126 bronchial lumen proximal end;
[0079] 128 bronchial cuff connector;
[0080] 130 injection tube connector;
[0081] 150 image sensor with integrated illumination;
[0082] 150c image sensor;
[0083] 150I illumination source;
[0084] 150L image sensor lumen
[0085] 152 image sensor notch;
[0086] 154 image sensor conductor;
[0087] 156 image sensor cleaning nozzle;
[0088] 158 image sensor connector;
[0089] 160 cleaning lumen;
[0090] TR Trachea;
[0091] TC Tracheal Carina;
[0092] BR Right Bronchi;
[0093] BL Left Bronchi.
[0094] FIG. 1A shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary
endobronchial tube 100 according to an optional embodiment of the
present invention placed within the right bronchi (BR). FIG. 1B
shows a schematic illustration of an endobronchial tube 100 within
the left bronchi (LB).
[0095] Endobronchial tube 100 is a dual lumen tube comprising a
first tracheal lumen 110 and a second bronchial lumen 120. Most
preferably a midline partition 108 defines the individual lumen
into tracheal lumen 110 and bronchial lumen 120. Tracheal lumen
110, most preferably, ends within the trachea while the bronchial
lumen 120 ends within the bronchi, left or right. Therein tracheal
lumen 110 and bronchial lumen 120 are configured to have different
lengths, wherein the bronchial lumen 120 extends past and/or
distally to tracheal lumen 110.
[0096] Each lumen comprises an inflatable cuff respectfully,
tracheal cuff 112 and bronchial cuff 122. Tube 100 is placed such
that the tracheal lumen 110 is placed within the Trachea by way of
cuff 112 proximally, above, the tracheal carina. Most preferably
the tracheal carina may be continually visualized with an image
sensor and light source 150. Optionally image sensor and light
source 150 may be integrated within tracheal lumen 110 about its
distal end 114. Optionally and most preferably image sensor and
light source 150 may be integrated within a dedicated channel or
peripheral lumen 150L within a wall of the tracheal lumen 110. Most
preferably image sensor 150 provides a cross sectional view 101,
shown in FIG. 2.
[0097] Most preferably image sensor and light source 150 are
provided in the form of at least one or more light emitting diode
(`LED`) 150I and image sensor 150c for example including but not
limited to a CCD or CMOS, (FIG. 9) providing a view 101 showing the
status of the bronchi, FIG. 2.
[0098] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the Tracheal
Carina as seen from endobronchial tube 100, provided by image
sensor and light source 150, allowing the visualization of
bronchial cuff 122 disposed within the left bronchi BL, the patency
of the left bronchi, the patency of the right bronchi, the tracheal
carina, bronchial bifurcation, in a single field of view 101.
Optionally a similar view may be provided with image sensor 150
when tube 100 is disposed with the right Bronchi BR as shown in
FIG. 1A.
[0099] FIG. 3 shows endobronchial double lumen tube system 50
comprising endobronchial tube 100 and optional various auxiliary
devices that may be used in conjunction with and/or facilitate the
use of tube 100.
[0100] Optionally auxiliary devices may for example include but is
not limited to stylet 10, Y-connector 12, air balance caps 14, and
an endobronchial tube connector assembly 20, or the like adjunct
device utilized facilitating the use of tube 100 as is known in the
art.
[0101] Stylet 10 most preferably is utilized to facilitate
placement of tube 100, as is known and accepted in the art.
[0102] Y-connector 12 most preferably provides for simultaneously
connecting both lumens of double lumen tube 100 to a single
ventilation source.
[0103] Endobronchial Tube connector assembly 20 provides for
individually connecting to tracheal lumen 110 and bronchial lumen
120. Connector is assembly 20 comprises a proximal end 22, distal
end 28, and respective tracheal lumen connector portion 24 and
Bronchial connector portion 26.
[0104] Most preferably proximal end 22 provides for connecting
and/or otherwise associating the tube 100 at proximal end 102 at
about the individual lumen tracheal lumen 110 and bronchial lumen
120 to auxiliary devices for example including but not limited to
ventilation sources.
[0105] Most preferably distal end 24 provides for coupling and/or
otherwise associating with tube 100.
[0106] FIG. 3 further provides a perspective view of a preferred
double lumen endobronchial tube 100 comprising tracheal lumen 110
having a tracheal lumen distal end 114 and bronchial lumen 120
having a bronchial lumen distal end 124.
[0107] Tube 100 further comprises tracheal cuff 112, shown in its
expanded state, provided for securely placing and/or anchoring tube
100 within the trachea while ventilating the lungs through tracheal
lumen 110.
[0108] Tube 100 further comprises bronchial cuff 122, shown in its
expanded and/or inflated state, provided for securely placing
and/or anchoring tube 100 within the bronchi, left or right. Most
preferably cuff 122 provides for selectively controlling the
ventilation to the bronchial arch wherein it is placed (left or
right). For example ventilation to either the left or right bronchi
may be completely blocked so as to allow a procedure on the
respective lung (for example right) while allowing the ventilation
of the other lung (for example left) via tracheal lumen 110.
[0109] Most preferably tracheal cuff 112 may be inflated and/or
deflated via cuff tracheal connector 118.
[0110] Most preferably bronchial cuff 122 may be inflated and/or
deflated via cuff bronchial connector 128.
[0111] Most preferably injection tube connector 130 provides an
access point to a dedicated lumen about each of the tracheal tube
110 and bronchial tube 120, preferably for delivering drugs,
suctioning liquids about tracheal distal 114 and/or bronchial lumen
distal end 124.
[0112] FIG. 4A provide a further perspective view of endobronchial
tube 100, showing image sensor connector 158. Most preferably image
sensor connector 158 is provided in the form of a USB connector
that provides both for image and power supply to image sensor 150
disposed in a dedicated lumen near distal end 114. Optionally and
preferably image sensor and illumination 150 may be rendered
function when connected to a display and power source (not shown)
via connector 158.
[0113] FIG. 4B provides a close up view showing the image sensor
notch 152 disposed about the proximal end of image sensor lumen
150L providing an exit point for image sensor conducting wires 154,
most preferably provided for both image transfer and power supply
to image sensor and illumination source 150.
[0114] FIG. 5 provides a further perspective view of tube 100
provided from a face on view showing the separation of tracheal
lumen 110 and bronchial lumen 120 at distal end 104 of tube
100.
[0115] FIG. 6 provides a further schematic illustrative depiction
of tube 100 showing a perspective view of tube 100 with the
bronchial cuff 122 and tracheal cuff 112 removed. FIG. 6A shows the
curvature provided at both the medial section 106 and distal end
104 therein defining a medial curvature 106a and a distal curvature
104a. Curvatures 104a and 106a are provided to so that tube 100
fits within the upper airway tract's anatomy.
[0116] Most preferably medial curvature 106a is provided for the
ease of accessing and introducing tube 100 within the trachea
through the oral cavity and pharynx. Most preferably, curvature
106a, is provided with an angle from about 100 degrees to about 160
degrees.
[0117] Most preferably distal curvature 104a is proved for ease of
accessing and introducing distal end 104 into one of the bronchi,
left or right. Optionally and preferably distal curvature 104a may
be specific for individual left or right endobronchial tubes.
Optionally distal curvature may be configured to be from about 25
degrees to about 70 degrees. Optionally and preferably about 35
degrees as shown.
[0118] Optionally the length of tube 100 may be provided with a
length from about 200 mm to about 550 mm. Optionally and preferably
the length of tube 100 may be selected in accordance with a user's
anatomy.
[0119] Optionally endobronchial tube 100 may be provided with
different sizes, length, diameters as known and accepted in the
art. Optionally tube 100 may be provided with a gauge from about 26
Fr to about 44Fr, or from about For example the external diameter
of tube 100 may be provided in varying gauges and/or sizes for
example including but not limited to 28 Fr, 32 Fr, 35 Fr, 37 Fr, 39
Fr and 41Fr, within the context of this application the units `Fr`
refer to the gauge of the tube 100 in the units French as is a
common term of the art. Alternatively the gauge and or size of tube
100 may be provided in the SI units of millimeters `mm`. The tube
100 according to the present invention may be provided with an
external diameter of about 9.3 mm, 10.7 mm, 11.7 mm, 13 mm and 13.7
mm.
[0120] Optionally and preferably the length and diameter (also
referred to as gauge) of tube 100 may be correlated with one
another.
[0121] FIG. 7A shows a close up view of distal end 104 of tube 100
shown in FIG. 6 providing a close up view. FIG. 7A further shows a
close up view of curvature 104a showing the flaring of distal end
104 from the tracheal lumen into the side portion of bronchial
lumen 120.
[0122] FIGS. 7A-E show various close up view of distal end 104
specific to curvature 104a showing the flaring and tapering of
distal end 104 from the tracheal lumen into the side portion of
bronchial lumen 120.
[0123] FIGS. 7D-E provide further close up views of the distal end
of image sensor lumen 150L and cleaning nozzle 156, most preferably
provided for cleaning image sensor. Optionally and preferably
cleaning nozzle 156 is provided with an opening having a diameter
from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm. Optionally and preferably cleaning
nozzle 156 may be provided with a diameter of about 0.6 mm.
[0124] Image sensor 150 is most preferably provided in a dedicated
lumen 150L that spans the length of tube 100. Most preferably lumen
150 is disposed between tracheal lumen 110 and bronchial lumen
120.
[0125] Most preferably distal end of lumen 150L provides for
visualizing the carina and the bronchial cuff 122, for example as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0126] Most preferably the diameter of image sensor lumen 150L is
variable along the length of tube 100. Most preferably image sensor
lumen 150 is smallest at the proximal end 102 and largest at the
distal end 104. Optionally and preferably at proximal end 102
sensor lumen 150L is configured to have an elliptical
cross-section. Optionally and preferably at distal end of sensor
lumen 150L is configured to have a circular cross-section.
[0127] Most preferably alongside image sensor lumen 150L is a
dedicated cleaning lumen 160 that has a distal end defining a
cleaning nozzle 156, as shown, providing for cleaning image sensor
150 about its distal end. Optionally and preferably cleaning nozzle
156 is provided with a curvature and/or angle so as to direct
cleaning solution, fluid, gas or the like flowing fluid toward
and/or away from integrated image sensor 150 and more preferably
image sensor 150c. For example cleaning lumen 160 may be utilized
to clear mucus or the like biological obstruction from in front of
integrated image sensor 150 by flushing with a flowing fluid, for
example a liquid or gas, from the proximal end of lumen 160 through
to its distal end at forming cleaning nozzle 156. Optionally
cleaning lumen 160 may be used to clear the viewing field of
integrated image sensor 150 by applying suctioning therein
suctioning in front of the field of view to keep it clean.
[0128] FIG. 7F shows a close up view of cleaning nozzle 156 as
directed toward image sensor 150 about the distal end of lumen
150L. Optionally and preferably cleaning nozzle 156 is configured
such that it provides for maintaining an open field of view of the
Tracheal Carina for integrated images sensor 150.
[0129] Optionally and preferably the distal end of cleaning lumen
160 may be curved such that the distal end is directed toward the
distal end of image sensor lumen 150L therein providing for forming
at least one or more cleaning nozzle 156 that is optionally and
preferably directed toward image sensor 150, for example as shown
in FIG. 7E.
[0130] Optionally tube 100 may be provided with at least two or
more cleaning lumen 160. Optionally a first cleaning lumen may be
provided for flushing biological obstruction while a second
cleaning lumen may be provided for suctioning biological
obstructions away from the distal end 114. Optionally a plurality
of cleaning lumen 160 may be disposed on opposite sides of
integrated image sensor 150. Optionally a plurality of cleaning
lumen 160 may be configured to cooperate with one another, for
example a first lumen would flush biological obstructions toward a
dsecond cleaning lumen where the obstruction is carried away by
suctioning. Optionally at least two or more cleaning lumen may be
utilized concertedly to either suction or flush obstructions distal
to integrated image sensors 150, therein most preferably ensuring
an open viewing field. Optionally a plurality of cleaning lumen may
be provided with different diameters and or sizes.
[0131] FIG. 8A shows a cross sectional view of tube 100 about its
proximal end 102 having tracheal lumen 110 and a bronchial lumen
120 defined on either side of a midline partition 108. Most
preferably tube 100 comprises a plurality of peripheral lumen
disposed internally and/or within the walls of tube 100. Most
preferably a plurality of peripheral lumen may be disposed about
the circumference of tube 100 and span essentially the length of
tube 100, about the tracheal lumen 110 and/or bronchial lumen 120.
Optionally and preferably the peripheral lumen may for example
include but is not limited to a suctioning lumen, cuff inflating
lumen, electronic lumen, image sensor lumen, cleaning lumen,
injection tube lumen, or the like.
[0132] Most preferably tube 100 includes a dedicated lumen 150L
provided for image sensor and integrated illumination source 150.
Most preferably lumen 150L provides for housing the image sensor
150 at its distal end (FIG. 7E-F) and housing image sensor conducts
for example in the form of a wire 154, disposed along the length of
lumen 150L, and a image sensor notch 152 disposed near the proximal
end of lumen 150L allowing image sensor conductor 154 and connector
158 to be disposed external to tube 100.
[0133] Optionally and preferably lumen 150L is disposed about the
anterior portion of tube 100 about the middle of the cross-section
of tube 100. Most preferably lumen 150L is disposed anterior to
partition 108. Optionally lumen 150L may be disposed about the
posterior portion of tube 108 therein posterior to partition
108.
[0134] Most preferably on both sides of lumen 150L are dedicated
lumen running along the length of tube 100 and most preferably
running parallel with lumen 150L. Optionally and preferably at
least one or more of lumen are provided as a dedicated cleaning
lumen 160. Optionally both lumen flanking lumen 150L may be
dedicated cleaning lumen 160.
[0135] Most preferably tube wall further comprises lumen 112L and
122L respectively corresponding to tracheal lumen 110 and bronchial
lumen 120. Optionally and preferably lumen 112L and 122L are
provided for inflating and/or deflating cuffs 112 and 122
respectively.
[0136] FIG. 8B shows the same image as in FIG. 8A however showing
the cross-section near tracheal lumen distal end 114 of tube 100.
Most preferably at tracheal lumen distal end 114 image sensor lumen
150L is provided with a lumen having a larger radius than that
provided at the proximal end 102 as shown in FIG. 8A. Most
preferably tube 100 is expanded about distal end 104 and lumen 150L
to accommodate integrated image sensor 150. Optionally image sensor
lumen 150 about the external surface of tube 110 is widened and/or
expanded 1.5 mm to 5 mm from distal end 114 of tracheal lumen
110.
[0137] Optionally the image sensor dedicated lumen 150L is provided
with an notch 150n disposed 22.5 mm from the proximal end 102 of
tube 100 and a exit notch having a diameter of about 1.5 mm.
[0138] FIG. 9 shows a close up bottom-up view of the integrated
image sensor 150 within dedicated electronics lumen 150L disposed
within the wall of the endobronchial tube 100, showing image sensor
150c optionally and preferably provided in the form of a CCD or
CMOS or the like, and illumination source 150I most preferably
provided in the form of at least one and more preferably at least
two or more LED, as shown.
[0139] While the invention has been illustrated primarily with
reference to a left bronchi endobronchial tube, it will be
appreciated that the present invention is not limited to a left
bronchi endobronchial tube where the inventive and novel aspects
equally covers a right bronchi endobronchial tube.
[0140] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
variations, modifications and other applications of the invention
may be made.
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