U.S. patent application number 14/640905 was filed with the patent office on 2015-06-25 for multi-lumen tracheal tube with visualization device.
The applicant listed for this patent is COVIDIEN LP. Invention is credited to Mark Behlmaier, Jonathan Bloom, Shannon E. Campbell, Neville DeWitt Pierrat, Steven J. Grate, Sarah Hayman, Christina Kornreich, Roger Mecca, Susan Roweton, Alissa Wong, Lockett E. Wood.
Application Number | 20150174352 14/640905 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45390199 |
Filed Date | 2015-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150174352 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hayman; Sarah ; et
al. |
June 25, 2015 |
MULTI-LUMEN TRACHEAL TUBE WITH VISUALIZATION DEVICE
Abstract
The present disclosure describes systems and methods that
utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization
apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system
may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate
left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera
apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and
position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable
profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may
include additional components, such as integral light sources and
flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera
or optical components.
Inventors: |
Hayman; Sarah; (Boulder,
CO) ; Wood; Lockett E.; (Lyons, CO) ; DeWitt
Pierrat; Neville; (Golden, CO) ; Grate; Steven
J.; (St. Peters, MO) ; Bloom; Jonathan;
(Boulder, CO) ; Mecca; Roger; (Corona Del Mar,
CA) ; Wong; Alissa; (Boulder, CO) ; Kornreich;
Christina; (Boulder, CO) ; Roweton; Susan;
(Boulder, CO) ; Campbell; Shannon E.; (Boulder,
CO) ; Behlmaier; Mark; (Erie, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COVIDIEN LP |
Mansfield |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45390199 |
Appl. No.: |
14/640905 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12981296 |
Dec 29, 2010 |
8998798 |
|
|
14640905 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/0676 20130101;
A61B 1/015 20130101; A61M 2205/3306 20130101; A61M 16/0486
20140204; A61M 16/0404 20140204; A61M 16/0443 20140204; A61M
16/0488 20130101; A61B 1/051 20130101; A61B 1/00082 20130101; A61M
2205/502 20130101; A61B 1/05 20130101; A61M 16/0484 20140204; A61M
16/04 20130101; A61M 16/0459 20140204; A61B 1/2676 20130101; A61B
1/126 20130101; A61B 1/00045 20130101; A61M 2205/587 20130101; A61B
1/127 20130101; A61B 1/0684 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/04 20060101
A61M016/04; A61B 1/00 20060101 A61B001/00; A61B 1/015 20060101
A61B001/015; A61B 1/12 20060101 A61B001/12; A61B 1/05 20060101
A61B001/05; A61B 1/06 20060101 A61B001/06 |
Claims
1. A tracheal tube, comprising: a first ventilation lumen having a
first distal end and a first proximal end; a second ventilation
lumen adjacent to the first lumen, the second ventilation lumen
having a second distal end and a second proximal end, and wherein
the second ventilation lumen is longer than the first ventilation
lumen; and a visualization device associated with the tracheal tube
proximate to the first distal end of the first ventilation lumen,
the visualization device comprising: a housing comprising a distal
surface and a proximal surface; and a camera associated with the
housing, wherein the camera is oriented away from the proximal
surface of the visualization device.
2. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the visualization device
comprises a partial annulus that partially surrounds the first
ventilation lumen or the second ventilation lumen.
3. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the camera is disposed
within a recess in the distal surface of the housing.
4. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the housing conforms to
the tracheal tube, and wherein at least a portion of the housing is
embedded within an outer wall of the first ventilation lumen.
5. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the visualization device
comprises at least one light emitting diode disposed on or in the
distal surface of the visualization device.
6. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the camera is
approximately rotationally aligned with a dividing wall between the
first ventilation lumen and the second ventilation lumen.
7. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a
fluid delivery assembly comprising one or more openings angled
towards the camera.
8. The tracheal tube of claim 1, wherein the camera is oriented
distally.
9. The tracheal tube of claim 1, comprising a first cuff disposed
around the first ventilation lumen and the second ventilation
lumen, and a second cuff disposed around only the second
ventilation lumen.
10. The tracheal tube of claim 9, wherein the first distal end is
located on the tracheal tube between the first cuff and the second
cuff
11. The tracheal tube of claim 9, wherein the visualization device
is disposed on the first ventilation lumen distal to the first
cuff
12. A tracheal tube, comprising: a ventilation lumen having a
proximal end and a distal end; and a visualization device disposed
proximal to the distal end and comprising: a housing comprising a
proximal surface and a distal surface, wherein the housing is
attached to an outer wall of the ventilation lumen; and a camera
disposed on the distal surface of the housing.
13. The tracheal tube of claim 12, wherein the visualization device
comprises a partial annulus that partially surrounds the
ventilation lumen.
14. The tracheal tube of claim 12, wherein the camera is disposed
within a recess in the distal surface of the housing.
15. The tracheal tube of claim 12, wherein the housing conforms to
the tracheal tube, and wherein at least a portion of the housing is
embedded within the outer wall of the tracheal tube.
16. The tracheal tube of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a
fluid delivery assembly comprising one or more openings disposed on
the distal surface of the housing, and wherein the one or more
openings are angled towards the camera.
17. A tracheal tube, comprising: a first ventilation lumen having a
first distal end and a first proximal end; a second ventilation
lumen adjacent to the first lumen, the second ventilation lumen
having a second distal end and a second proximal end, and wherein
the second ventilation lumen is longer than the first ventilation
lumen; and a visualization device disposed proximate to the first
distal end and the inflatable cuff, wherein the visualization
device comprises: a housing attached to at least a portion of the
first ventilation lumen, wherein the housing comprises a distal
surface and a proximal surface; a camera disposed on the distal
surface of the housing; and a fluid delivery assembly configured to
direct fluid to the camera.
18. The tracheal tube of claim 17, wherein the visualization device
comprises a partial annulus that partially surrounds the
ventilation lumen.
19. The tracheal tube of claim 17, wherein the fluid delivery
assembly comprises one or more openings disposed on the distal
surface of the housing, and wherein the one or more openings are
angled towards the camera.
20. The tracheal tube of claim 12, wherein the housing conforms to
the tracheal tube, and wherein at least a portion of the housing is
embedded within an outer wall of the first ventilation lumen.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/981,296, entitled "MULTI-LUMEN TRACHEAL
TUBE WITH VISUALIZATION DEVICE", filed Dec. 29, 2010, which is
herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices
and, more particularly, to multi-lumen tracheal tubes that may
accommodate an integral visualization device, such as a camera.
[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various
aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the
present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This
discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with
background information to facilitate a better understanding of the
various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should
be understood that these statements are to be read in this light,
and not as admissions of prior art.
[0004] In the course of treating a patient, a tracheal tube (e.g
endotracheal, endobronchial, nasotracheal, or transtracheal device)
may be used to control the flow of gases into the trachea of a
patient. Often, a seal between the outside of the tube and the
interior wall of the tracheal lumen is required, allowing for
generation of positive intrathoracic pressure distal to the seal
and prevention of ingress of solid or liquid matter into the lungs
from proximal to the seal.
[0005] Depending on the clinical condition of the patient, a
tracheal tube may be inserted that is capable of ventilating one
lung to the exclusion or independently of the other. For example,
during thoracic surgery, surgeons may wish to isolate and perform
surgery on an affected lung while simultaneously ventilating the
healthy lung in order to optimize the surgical field and/or avoid
cross-contamination.
[0006] Endobronchial tubes that allow independent control of each
lung through dual lumens are typically used for this purpose. One
lumen is opened to ambient pressure to isolate the desired lung,
while respiratory and anesthetic gases are delivered via positive
pressure ventilation through the other lumen. Placement of an
endobronchial tube not only requires corroboration of correct
insertion and positioning within the trachea, but also additional
corroboration of correct insertion and positioning within the
desired main-stem bronchus. Placement must be reassessed frequently
after patient position changes for surgical indications (e.g.
lateral decubitus positioning), during surgical manipulations and
after tube manipulations. This corroboration of placement requires
bronchoscopic evaluation through the tracheal and/or bronchial
lumen to visualize whether the bronchial lumen has been correctly
cannulated and whether the tip of the bronchial lumen is correctly
positioned. However, bronchoscopy is time consuming, can interrupt
ventilation, and requires additional skills on the part of the
provider. In addition, bronchoscopes are bulky, expensive, prone to
damage, and difficult to operate within the relatively small
diameter of the bronchial lumen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Advantages of the disclosed techniques may become apparent
upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference
to the drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an endobronchial tube
including a visualization device in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary endobronchial
tube positioned within the left bronchus of a patient;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a visualization device associated
with an endobronchial tube;
[0011] FIG. 4 is partial perspective view of a visualization device
that may be used in conjunction with a tracheal tube;
[0012] FIG. 5 is top view of the visualization device of FIG.
4;
[0013] FIG. 6 is cutaway view of the electronic components of the
visualization device of FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a visualization
device that may be used in conjunction with a tracheal tube;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a visualization
device associated with an endobronchial tube;
[0016] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the visualization device of
FIG. 8;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a side view of a visualization device coupled to
the tube via a cuff shoulder; and
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary endobronchial
tube positioned within the right bronchus of a patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0019] One or more specific embodiments of the present techniques
will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise
description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual
implementation are described in the specification. It should be
appreciated that in the development of any such actual
implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous
implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the
developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related
and business-related constraints, which may vary from one
implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that
such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but
would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication,
and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of
this disclosure.
[0020] As described in detail below, embodiments of a tracheal tube
having an integral visualization apparatus, e.g., a camera, are
provided herein. In a particular embodiment, the tracheal tube may
be an endobronchial tube. Endobronchial tubes are double-lumen
tracheal tubes that facilitate an airtight seal in the trachea and
one stem of a patient bronchus to allow independent ventilation of
one lung. Generally, an endobronchial tube includes two tubes of
unequal length that are attached. One tube terminates within the
tracheal airway space, i.e., the shorter tube has a distal end at a
location similar to a typical endotracheal tube. The other, longer,
tube is configured to extend past the shorter tube and into a left
or right bronchial stem. Both tubes define a passageway for
transferring fluids to and from a patient.
[0021] While the total diameter of an endobronchial tube may be
larger than that of a single lumen endotracheal tube, the diameter
of each individual lumen of the endobronchial tube is relatively
smaller than that of a single lumen endotracheal tube. Such a shift
in diameter may be challenging for physicians during placement of
an endobronchial tube. Because the endobronchial tube involves not
only correct intubation within the trachea but also correct
placement of the bronchial lumen with a left or right bronchial
stem, physicians may use visualizing devices such as bronchoscopes
to aid in the placement of the bronchial tube. However, commercial
bronchoscopes are generally sized and shaped to be used in
conjunction with the relatively larger lumen of a single-lumen
endotracheal tube. As such, the bronchoscopes may not fit easily
within either lumen of a double-lumen endobronchial tube.
[0022] The tracheal tubes provided herein include built-in
visualization devices that preferably 1. facilitate proper
placement of the tube through the vocal cords, into the trachea; 2.
facilitate subsequent proper placement into the appropriate
mainstem bronchus; 3. facilitate intermittent or continuous
corroboration of positioning within the mainstem bronchus via
visual assessment; and/or 4. facilitate intermittent or continuous
evaluation of a patient's medical condition via assessment of
changes within the mainstem bronchus or trachea (e.g. hemorrhage,
accumulation of secretions, lung volume expansion, etc). These
devices may preferably accomplish these endpoints with minimum to
no impact on inner diameter of the tube lumens, no significant
change in resistance to gas flow through the tube lumens, no
interruption or reduction of fresh gas ventilation, and no
requirement for use of a bronchoscope to assess tube placement or
position. In addition, because endobronchial tubes are specifically
designed for the anatomy of the right or left-mainstem bronchus,
the built-in visualization devices are tailored to address specific
challenges presented by the unique anatomic differences (e.g. right
upper lobe occlusion).
[0023] The tracheal tubes as provided herein are preferably
disposable rather than reusable, capable of providing differential
mechanical ventilation to either or both lungs, and capable of
supporting all other functions of standard endotracheal tubes (e.g.
sealing, positive pressure generation, suctioning, irrigation, drug
instillation, etc). The tracheal tubes may further be used in
conjunction with acceptable auxiliary airway devices such as (e.g.
heat and humidity conservers, mechanical ventilators, humidifiers,
closed suction systems, scavengers, capnometers, oxygen analyzers,
mass spectrometers, PEEP/CPAP devices, etc).
[0024] Furthermore, although the embodiments of the present
disclosure illustrated and described herein are discussed in the
context of tracheal tubes such as endobronchial tubes, it should be
noted that presently contemplated embodiments may include a
visualization device associated with any of a variety of suitable
airway devices. For example, a visualization device as provided
herein may be associated with a single-lumen tube, tracheostomy
tube, a Broncho-Cath.TM. tube, a specialty tube, or any other
airway device with a main ventilation lumen. Indeed, any device
with a ventilation lumen designed for use in an airway of a patient
may include a visualization device (e.g., a camera disposed on or
within a collar). Furthermore, as used herein, the term "tracheal
tube" may include an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy tube, a
Broncho-Cath.TM. tube, a bronchoblocking tube, a specialty tube, or
any other suitable airway device.
[0025] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of
a system 8 including an exemplary tracheal tube 10 configured to be
placed in a patient bronchial stem in accordance with aspects of
the present disclosure. The tracheal tube 10 includes a central
tubular body 12 with a tracheal ventilation lumen 14 and a
bronchial ventilation lumen 16. The tracheal lumen terminates at a
tracheal lumen distal end 18 while the bronchial lumen terminates
in a bronchial lumen distal end 20. Furthermore, the tracheal tube
10 may include a tracheal lumen proximal end 22 and a bronchial
lumen proximal end 24. As shown, the tracheal ventilation lumen 14
and a bronchial ventilation lumen 16 may be attached to one another
over a portion of the tubular body 12 and may separate at their
respective proximal ends 22, 24 and distal ends 18, 20. The tube 10
may include a visualization device 26 associated with one or both
of the tracheal ventilation lumen 14 and the bronchial ventilation
lumen 16. Over the portion of the tubular body 12 in which the
tracheal ventilation lumen 14 and a bronchial ventilation lumen 16
are attached, the tubular body 12 may include a separating wall
27.
[0026] The tracheal lumen proximal end 22 and a bronchial lumen
proximal end 24 may be outfitted with separate connectors that may
be attached to a ventilation device 28 during operation that may
include a suitable controller (e.g., a processor-based control
system) so that a clinician may direct airflow to and from both the
tracheal ventilation lumen 14 and bronchial ventilation lumen 16.
In other embodiments, either tracheal ventilation lumen 14 or the
bronchial ventilation lumen 16 may be blocked or otherwise closed
such that only one of the two lumens of the tracheal tube 10 is
operational.
[0027] The tracheal lumen distal end 18 of ventilation lumen 14
terminates in an opening 30 and may be placed in a patient trachea
during operation to maintain airflow to and from the patient's
lungs. A Murphy's eye 32 may be optionally present and located on
the ventilation lumen 14 opposite the opening 30 to prevent airway
occlusion when the tracheal tube assembly 10 is improperly placed
within the patient's trachea. As illustrated, a tracheal cuff 34
may encircle the tubular body 12 and be inflated to seal against
the walls of a body cavity (e.g., a trachea). The cuff 34 may be
inflated via an inflation lumen terminating in an inflation tube 38
connected to an inflation pilot balloon and valve assembly 40.
Additionally, it should be noted that the cuff 34 may be any
suitable cuff, such as a tapered cuff, a non-tapered cuff, and so
forth. The tracheal ventilation lumen 14 may also include a suction
lumen (not shown) that extends from a location on the tracheal tube
10 positioned outside the body when in use to a location on the
tubular body 12 that terminates in a port located proximally to
cuff 34 through which secretions may be aspirated. Bronchial
ventilation lumen 16 is longer than tracheal ventilation lumen 14
and includes a distal end 20 that extends past the tracheal lumen
distal end 18. The bronchial ventilation lumen 16 may include a
bronchial inflation cuff 46 that is configured to seal against the
walls of a patient's bronchus. The cuff 46 may be inflated via an
inflation lumen terminating in an inflation tube 50 connected to an
inflation pilot balloon and valve assembly 52.
[0028] The tubular body 12 and the cuffs 34 and 46 may be formed
from materials having desirable mechanical properties (e.g.,
puncture resistance, pin hole resistance, tensile strength, and so
forth) and desirable chemical properties (e.g., biocompatibility).
Further, in one embodiment, the walls of the cuff 34 or cuff 46 may
be made of a polyurethane (e.g., Dow Pellethane.RTM. 2363-80A)
having suitable mechanical and chemical properties. In other
embodiments, the walls of the cuff 34 or cuff 46 may be made of
silicone or a suitable polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In certain
embodiments, the cuff 34 or cuff 46 may be generally sized and
shaped as a high volume, low pressure cuff that may be designed to
be inflated to pressures between about 15 cm H.sub.2O and 30 cm
H.sub.2O. Further, bronchial cuff 46 may be a different color or
include other identifying markings that allow a user to
differentiate between the tracheal cuff 34 and the bronchial cuff
46. In addition, to assist in proper placement of the tube 10,
x-ray visible markings 56 may be placed at any appropriate
location. For example, the markings 56 may outline a bronchial
distal opening 54 or a side eye 55.
[0029] In addition, portions of the visualization device 26 may be
formed from the same material or different materials as the tube
10. Generally, the visualization device 26 may be formed from
biocompatible polymers and other nonreactive materials. It should
also be understood that certain portions of the visualization
device may be coated with antimicrobial materials to prevent
bacterial adhesion or fouling. In embodiments in which camera
lenses are coated, the antimicrobial coatings may be selected to
minimize interference with image acquisition. The visualization
device 26 may be adhered to or fastened to the tubular body 12 by
any suitable process. For example, the visualization device 26 may
be embedded in or adhered (e.g., welded) to tubular body 12. In
addition, coupling to the tube 10 may be assisted by threading
cables or other attachments into lumens formed in the tubular body
12. In particular embodiments, the tubular body 12 may include
notches or recesses within the walls that accommodate the
visualization device 26 and that do not impact the inner diameter
of the ventilation lumens. Insofar as these recesses may be
structurally less rigid than the rest of the tubular body 12,
application of the visualization device 26 may restore rigidity to
the relatively thinner recesses.
[0030] In one embodiment, the tube 10 may also include a fluid
delivery lumen 58 in communication with the visualization device
26. The fluid delivery lumen 58 may terminate in a distal coupler
59 that is sized and shaped to connect to a fluid source (e.g., a
saline reservoir, a syringe). A portion of the fluid delivery lumen
58 may be formed within a wall of the tube 10. The fluid delivery
lumen 58 may be configured to flush or clear mucus buildup on the
visualization device 26. The tube 10 may also include a cable 60
coupled to the visualization device 26. The cable 60 may run along
or within (e.g., in a dedicated lumen) the tubular body 12. The
cable 60 may terminate in an electrical connector 62.
[0031] The system may also include a monitor 64 that may be
configured to implement embodiments of the present disclosure and
may be coupled to the visualization device 26 via connector 62
(e.g., a USB connector) and cable 60. It should be understood that
the monitor 64 may be a stand-alone device or may, in embodiments,
be integrated into a single device with, for example, the
ventilator 28. The monitor 64 may include processing circuitry,
such as a microprocessor 65 coupled to an internal bus and a
display 67. In an embodiment, the monitor 64 may be configured to
communicate with the tube via connector 62, to obtain signals from
the visualization device 26. The information may then be stored in
mass storage device 69, such as RAM, PROM, optical storage devices,
flash memory devices, hardware storage devices, magnetic storage
devices, or any suitable computer-readable storage medium. The
information may be accessed and operated upon according to
microprocessor 65 instructions. The monitor 64 may be configured to
provide indications of tube placement within the trachea, such as
an audio, visual or other indication, or may be configured to
communicate the information to another device, such as the
ventilator 28. In certain embodiments, the monitor 64 may also
provide camera drive signals (including a drive signal to any
associated light sources) to the visualization device 26 via camera
driver 68. The drive signal from the camera driver 68 to the camera
and light sources may be adjusted to reduce heating and power
consumption of the visualization device 26. For example, the camera
driver 68 may drive the camera continuously or intermittently or
only at designated times during intubation.
[0032] During operation, a tracheal tube 10 is inserted into the
trachea of a patient and positioned within the left or right
bronchial stem and the tracheal cuff 34 and bronchial cuff 46 are
inflated to isolate the appropriate airway structures. In certain
embodiments, a tracheal tube 10 may be configured to be positioned
within a left bronchial stem 70, as shown in FIG. 2. In such an
embodiment, the tube 10 may have particular features that assist in
positioning the distal portion 44 and the bronchial cuff 46. For
example, relative to the right bronchial stem 72, the left
bronchial stem is relatively curved. Accordingly, the distal
portion 44 may be curved in a similar manner. Further, the tube 10
optionally may include a protrusion 74 (e.g., carinal hook) to help
position the tube 10 relative to the patient's carina 76.
[0033] After insertion of the tracheal tube 10, the visualization
device 26 may be positioned so that its field of view is generally
oriented in a distal direction (indicated by arrow 78). Such an
orientation may allow viewing of the carina 76 or one or both of
the left bronchial stem 70 or the right bronchial stem 72, which in
turn may allow information about the placement of the tube 10 to be
determined In contrast to a bronchoscope, which is removed after
the initial insertion of the tracheal tube 10, the visualization
device 26 may be fixedly attached to the tracheal tube (e.g., via
one or more of adhesion, heat welding, mechanical fasteners) so
that information about tube placement may be collected throughout
the intubation period. The visualization device 26 as depicted is
associated with a distal region 18 of the tracheal ventilation
lumen 14 such that the visualization device partially surrounds the
lumen 14. In other embodiments, the visualization device may be
located more distally on the tube 10. Further, additional
visualization devices may be located on the tube 10 as appropriate.
In other embodiments in which the visualization device 26 is
associated with a single-lumen tube, the visualization device 26
may be located below or on the distal shoulder of the cuff (e.g.,
in a distal region of a single-lumen tube).
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary
visualization device 26 associated with the tracheal tube 10. As
shown, the visualization device 26 may include a camera 80 or other
image gathering component that is suitably sized and shaped to be
incorporated into the visualization device 26, e.g., a CMOS chip
camera. Other suitable image gathering components may include pixel
arrays. The camera 80 may be associated with one or more light
sources 81 (e.g., light emitting diodes or fiber optic light
sources). Supporting circuitry for the camera 80 and light sources
81 may be provided as part of a module or unit 83 that may be
incorporated within the housing 84 of the visualization device.
Connecting leads from the unit 83, including any light pipes for
light sources 81, that extend to cable 60 may be positioned in
dedicated lumens formed within the tubular body 12. Further, the
supporting circuitry may be disposed on a conventional circuit
board or may be disposed on a printed circuit board.
[0035] As noted, the visualization device 26 may be affixed to the
tubular body 12. In the depicted embodiment, a portion 90 of the
housing 84 is embedded within a tracheal ventilation lumen wall 86
and a bronchial ventilation lumen wall 88. The embedded portion 90
is suitably sized and shaped to be embedded within or, in certain
embodiments, form a portion of the tubular body 12. For example,
the curvature of the housing 84 may be selected to match the
curvature of one or both of the ventilations lumens 14 and 16.
Extending wings 92 of the housing 84 may provide additional surface
area for fixing the visualization device 26 to the tubular body
12.
[0036] The housing 84 may be any suitable size or shape to
facilitate coupling to the tube 10. For example, the housing 84 may
be an annulus, a partial annulus, a collar, or a saddle shape. The
housing 84 and other portions of the visualization device 26 may be
formed to reduce the profile that extends away from the tubular
body 12 because it is desirable to limit the outer diameter of the
tube 10, including any associated structures. In certain
embodiments, the visualization device protrudes less than 5 mm, 4
mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm away from the tubular body 12, e.g., along
axis 96 that is substantially orthogonal to the flow path of the
tracheal ventilation lumen 14. In addition, the housing 84 may be
formed so that more than 50% of the total volume of the
visualization device 26 is embedded within or forms a portion of
the tubular body 12. To that end, the supporting circuitry for
image collection may be partially or completely disposed within the
relatively thicker embedded portion 90. In particular embodiments,
the visualization device 26 may be affixed to the tube 10 at
certain portions of the tubular body 12 that are relatively thicker
and may provide better support for the weight and volume of the
visualization device 26. For example, the junction 98 of the
separating wall 27, tracheal ventilation lumen wall 86, and the
bronchial ventilation lumen wall 88 may be the thickest point along
the tracheal tube 10. As such, the camera 80 of the visualization
device 26 may be circumferentially aligned with junction 98. Such
alignment may also facilitate improved image acquisition with
regard to certain anatomical features, such as the carina 76. In
particular embodiments, the camera 80 may be circumferentially
aligned within 10 degrees, within 15 degrees, or within 30 degrees
of junction 98.
[0037] In particular embodiments, it may be advantageous to align
the camera 80 anterially. For example, the camera 80 may be
positioned on the portion of the tubular body 12 that touches the
anterior wall of the trachea when inserted. In particular, for a
left-sided or a right-sided bronchial tube, anterior alignment may
be advantageous In addition, it may be advantageous to affix the
visualization device 26 on the bronchial ventilation lumen 16 below
the tracheal lumen distal opening 30 but proximal to the carina
76.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary visualization
device 26 with a partially annular housing 100. A distal surface of
the visualization device forms a bore, recess, or aperture 104 that
accommodates a camera assembly 106 (e.g., a lens and/or other image
gathering structures). As depicted, the distal surface 102 also
includes an aperture 108 sized to accommodate one or more light
sources 110. As depicted, the light sources 110 may be associated
with a backing or housing 116, which in turn may be part of a
circuitry unit 134 containing the supporting circuitry for the
camera assembly 106. The length 118 of the distal surface 102 may
be selected so that the profile of the housing is minimized, and
may include a portion that is embedded in the tracheal wall and a
portion that protrudes.
[0039] In certain embodiments, the distal surface 102 may include a
fluid delivery assembly 120 that includes an opening 121 angled
towards the camera assembly 106. In particular embodiments, the
fluid delivery assembly 120 may include multiple openings 121 so
that fluid (e.g., water, saline, etc.) may be directed at camera
lens as well as associated light sources. In such embodiments, the
positioning and angle of the openings 121 may be selected to
facilitate cleaning of the desired object. The fluid delivery
assembly is in fluid communication with fluid coupler 124, which in
turn may be coupled to a fluid delivery lumen 58 (see FIG. 1) that
extends along the tubular body 12 and terminates in an opening
proximate to the visualization device 26. The fluid coupler 124 may
be sized and shaped to facilitate insertion into the distal opening
in the fluid delivery lumen 58. Accordingly, the fluid coupler 124
may be inserted into the opening in the fluid delivery lumen 58 as
part of coupling the visualization device 26 to the tube 10. In
particular embodiments, the delivery assembly 120 may be a separate
component that is coupled to or otherwise associated with the
visualization device 26.
[0040] The interior face 126 of the housing 100 may be curved to
follow the curvature and circumference of the ventilation lumens 14
or 16, particularly in embodiments in which the interior face 126
is embedded in the tubular body 12 and forms a portion of one or
both of the ventilation lumens 14 and 16. Extending portions 128
that wrap around the exterior surface of the tube wall 12 are
formed about notches 130 that separate the extending portions 128
from the embedded portion 132. Cable 136 (e.g., a multi-wire cable)
extends from the circuitry unit 134 through notch 138 in the
housing 100. As shown in top view in FIG. 5, the cable 136 and the
fluid delivery coupler 124 extend from the proximal surface 140 of
the visualization device 26. The cable 136 may be routed through a
dedicated lumen in the tubular body 12 or may be embedded in or
otherwise associated with the tube before terminating in a portion
proximal to the tube and a connector 28. The cable 136 may also be
printed on or within the tubular body 12. In such embodiments,
leads or wires from device 26 and the cable 60 may be electrically
coupled to the printed wires.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a component view of the circuitry unit 134 coupled
to a proximal housing face 144 that forms the proximal surface 140
of the housing 110. It is contemplated that, in particular
embodiments, providing the camera assembly 106 and/or light sources
110 as a unitary assembly with circuitry unit 134 may streamline
manufacturing of the visualization device 26. The circuitry unit
134 may be configured in any suitable manner. For example, the
position of the light sources 110 and the camera assembly 106 may
be selected to facilitate viewing of certain anatomical features.
In certain embodiments, the light sources 110 may be disposed
symmetrically or asymmetrically about the camera assembly 106.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative arrangement
of a visualization device 26. In the depicted embodiment, the
housing 100 includes a guard 152 disposed proximate to the fluid
delivery assembly 120. The guard 152 functions to smooth the
exposed surfaces of the fluid delivery assembly 120. In addition,
the guard 152 may direct the flow of fluid from openings 150 in a
desired direction (e.g., towards the camera assembly 106). The
guard 152 may be molded or otherwise formed in the housing 100
[0043] FIG. 8 is perspective view of an annular visualization
device 26. It should be understood that the visualization devices
26 may be annular or partially annular (e.g., saddle-shaped). In
certain embodiments, a saddle-shaped visualization device 26 may
protrude less relative to an annular shape. The housing 200 has a
distal surface 202 that includes bores 204 for accommodating one or
more light sources and a bore 206 to accommodate a camera assembly.
The visualization device is positioned at the distal region 18 and
vertically aligned with the location of the opening 30. In
particular embodiments, the bore 206 for the camera assembly is
positioned to be rotationally aligned with a junction point 208 of
the dividing wall 27, tracheal ventilation lumen wall 86, and the
bronchial ventilation lumen wall 88. In addition, the bore 206 is
aligned with a lumen 209 formed in the dividing wall 27. The lumen
209 may be coupled to the cable of the visualization device 26
through a notch or opening located near the proximal surface of the
visualization device 26. The tracheal ventilation lumen may also
feature additional lumens 210 that may couple to other assemblies
(e.g., fluid delivery assemblies). Depending on the rotational
alignment of the visualization device 26, the lumens 210 may be
within the tracheal ventilation lumen wall 86, and the bronchial
ventilation lumen wall 88.
[0044] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the visualization device of
FIG. 8. The visualization device includes windows or covers 211 and
212 sized to be used with light source bores 204 and camera bore
206. The camera assembly 216 is shown as fitting within a
designated notch 230 in the housing 200. The bores 204 and 206 are
positioned to align with light sources 218 and camera 220,
respectively. Cable 224 extends proximally from the camera assembly
216. The bore 232 through the center of the annular housing 200 is
sized to be approximately equal to or slightly larger than a tube
outer diameter at the attachment point. In other embodiments,
multiple light sources 218 or the light sources 218 and the camera
220 may be covered by a single appropriately-shaped cover.
[0045] FIG. 10 is a side view of the visualization device 26
coupled to the tubular body 12. As noted, the visualization device
26 may be adhered to or otherwise fixedly attached to the tubular
body 12. In addition, certain structures associated with the
visualization device 26, such as the nozzle 124 or the cable 136,
may be embedded within the wall of the tube 10, which may
facilitate coupling of the visualization device 26 to the tube 10.
As depicted in FIG. 10, the visualization device 26 may be further
affixed to the tube 10 via a compression force provided by a distal
cuff shoulder 230. It should be understood that adhesives may be
used to further affix the distal shoulder 230 to the visualization
device 26. In the illustrated embodiment, during manufacturing, at
least a portion 232 of the distal shoulder 230 may be pulled over
the visualization device 26, leaving a portion 234 of the distal
shoulder 230 directly affixed to the tubular body to anchor the
cuff 34 and prevent further inflation of the cuff 34 past portion
234. The portion 232 may partially cover the visualization device
26 so that the distal end 236 of the distal shoulder 230 rests on
the visualization device 26 and not on the tubular body 12. In
addition, any notches or holes in the tubular body 12 for
connection to lumens (e.g., fluid delivery lumen 58) or cables
(e.g., cable 60) may be positioned on the tubular body 12 in a
region under the distal shoulder 230. In certain embodiments, a
distal end 236 of the distal shoulder is positioned distally of the
visualization device 26 and comes into direct contact with the
tubular body 12 so that the visualization device 26 is completely
covered by the distal shoulder 230 and anchored proximally and
distally. In such embodiments, the material of the cuff 34 may be
sufficiently transparent so that the camera and light sources are
substantially unaffected by being covered by the distal shoulder
region 230. In a particular embodiment, the cuff 34 may be designed
with an extended distal shoulder length so that the length of the
portion 234 of the distal shoulder directly affixed to the tubular
body 12 is substantially unaffected (e.g., such that the total
surface area of distal shoulder 230 in contact with the tubular
body 12 is about the same relative to implementations in which the
visualization device 26 is not positioned under the distal shoulder
230).
[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates a tracheal tube 10 that is configured to
be positioned within a right bronchial stem 72. Because the right
stem is relatively straighter than the left bronchial stem 70, the
distal portion 44 of the tube 10 may have less of a curve. In
addition, the bronchial cuff 46 may be shaped, for example with an
S-shape, to provide a seal without occluding the right upper lobe.
Relative to a left-sided bronchial tube, a right-sided tube
presents additional challenges related to the insertion of the tube
10. Proper insertion may involve aligning the distal end 20 of the
bronchial ventilation lumen 16 with respect to an upper right
bronchus 250. However, because this feature branches off to the
side of the right bronchial stem 72, visualization through the
distal opening 32 is difficult. Provided herein are tubes 10 that
include a camera assembly 252 positioned so that its field of view
254 extends through the side eye or fenestration 55 to permit
visualization of the upper right bronchus 250. As depicted, an
endobronchial tube may include a camera assembly 252 positioned on
the tubular body 12 vertically aligned and circumferentially
opposite the side eye 55 (e.g., Murphy eye or fenestration) at the
distal end 20 of the bronchial ventilation lumen 16. In particular
embodiments, the camera assembly may be at least partially embedded
in the tubular body so that inner diameter loss in the bronchial
ventilation lumen 16 is minimized It should be understood that, in
addition to the depicted camera assembly 252, the tube 10 may also
include additional visualization devices 26, e.g., associated with
the distal end 18 of the tracheal ventilation lumen.
[0047] While the disclosure may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in
detail herein. However, it should be understood that the
embodiments provided herein are not intended to be limited to the
particular forms disclosed. Rather, the various embodiments may
cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the
following appended claims.
* * * * *