U.S. patent application number 15/715033 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-29 for devices and methods for airway measurement.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ciel Medical, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dan E. AZAGURY, Mary K. GARRETT, Gary B. HULME, Ronan L. JENKINSON, Casey LANDEY, Henry LAO, Jacqueline ROSE.
Application Number | 20180085031 15/715033 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53007546 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180085031 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AZAGURY; Dan E. ; et
al. |
March 29, 2018 |
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR AIRWAY MEASUREMENT
Abstract
Described here are devices and methods for measuring a distance
in an airway. In some instances, the devices may comprise an outer
shaft and an inner shaft that is slidably disposed in a lumen of
the outer shaft. An expandable stopper may be positioned at a
distal end of the inner shaft, which may be configured to engage a
carina of a patient. The device may comprise one or more alignment
markings and one or more displacement markings that may be used to
measure a distance between a distal tip of an endotracheal tube and
the carina. In some variations, measurement may be facilitated by
the use of an alignment guide that may attach to a predetermined
portion of an endotracheal tube.
Inventors: |
AZAGURY; Dan E.; (Palo Alto,
CA) ; GARRETT; Mary K.; (Redwood City, CA) ;
JENKINSON; Ronan L.; (Pittsburg, CA) ; LAO;
Henry; (Milpitas, CA) ; HULME; Gary B.; (San
Jose, CA) ; ROSE; Jacqueline; (Carmichael, CA)
; LANDEY; Casey; (San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ciel Medical, Inc. |
Redwood City |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53007546 |
Appl. No.: |
15/715033 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14534084 |
Nov 5, 2014 |
9770194 |
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15715033 |
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61900361 |
Nov 5, 2013 |
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61938642 |
Feb 11, 2014 |
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62006405 |
Jun 2, 2014 |
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62061109 |
Oct 7, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0488 20130101;
A61B 5/1076 20130101; A61B 2090/061 20160201; A61M 16/0461
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/107 20060101
A61B005/107; A61M 16/04 20060101 A61M016/04 |
Claims
1. A measuring device for measuring a distance in an airway of a
patient intubated with an endotracheal tube, comprising: an
elongate member configured to be removably inserted through an
endotracheal tube, comprising: an inner shaft, wherein the inner
shaft comprises an expandable stopper positioned at a distal end of
the inner shaft, and wherein the expandable stopper comprises a
plurality of prongs; an outer shaft comprising a lumen extending
therethrough, wherein the inner shaft is slidably disposed in the
lumen of the outer shaft; and a plurality of position markings
located on the outer shaft; and an alignment guide comprising a
marking indicator and position indicia, wherein the alignment guide
is configured to removably attach to a predetermined portion of an
external surface of the endotracheal tube and wherein the position
indicia depicts a distance, from a distal end of the endotracheal
tube, where the predetermined portion is located, the marking
indicator is configured, in use, to determine the position of the
endotracheal tube using the plurality of position markings on the
outer shaft; and wherein one of the plurality of position markings
is an alignment marking located on the outer shaft at a distance,
from a distal end of the elongate member, indicated by the position
indicia of the alignment guide.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the marking indicator comprises a
viewfinder.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of position
markings comprises a proximal displacement region having a first
color, a distal displacement region having a second color, and a
medial displacement region having a third color different from the
first and second colors.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the medial displacement region is
configured such that when aligned with the marking indicator, the
expandable stopper is at a predetermined distance from the distal
tip of the endotracheal tube.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the predetermined distance is
within 2-5 cm.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second colors are
the same.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the first and second colors are
different.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the alignment marking comprises a
region having a color.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs comprises
at least 5 prongs.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs comprise
prongs of different lengths.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more prongs of the
plurality of prongs comprise one or more curves.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein when the expandable stopper is
in the expanded configuration, one or more prongs of the plurality
of prongs comprise a curved proximal portion that forms an angle
with a surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device that
is less than 75 degrees.
13. The device of claim 11, wherein when the expandable stopper is
in the expanded configuration, one or more prongs of the plurality
of prongs comprise a curved distal portion that forms an angle with
a surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device that is
between 1 and 45 degrees.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs
comprises atraumatic tips.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the atraumatic tips comprise
ball tips.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the ball tips have a diameter
of 0.065-0.085 inches.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer shaft comprises a
flared distal portion and a middle portion, and wherein a maximum
transverse dimension of the flared distal portion is in the range
of 4.5-6 millimeters and a maximum transverse dimension of the
middle portion is in the range of 2-4 millimeters.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs is
configured to deflect with less than 0.2 lb of force.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/534,084, filed Nov. 5, 2014, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/900,361 filed on
Nov. 5, 2013; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/938,642 filed on
Feb. 11, 2014; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/006,405 filed on
Jun. 2, 2014; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/061,109 filed
on Oct. 7, 2014, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices and
methods for mechanically measuring one or more distances in a
patient airway.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Nasotracheal or orotracheal intubation is commonly used to
secure a patient's airway to maintain an open airway, and is
frequently used to provide ventilation to the lungs or minimize the
possibility of airway obstruction in a patient. In orotracheal
intubation, an endotracheal ("ET") tube is inserted through a
patient's mouth and into the patient's trachea. In nasotracheal
intubation, a nasotracheal tube is inserted through a patient's
nostril and into the patient's trachea.
[0004] When a patient is intubated, proper placement of the ET tube
in the trachea may be important to minimize the possibility of
negative complications associated with intubation. For example, if
the distal end of the ET tube is not sufficiently advanced into the
trachea, there may be an increased risk of accidental extubation
when the ET tube is dislodged from the trachea and can no longer
maintain an open airway or provide ventilation. Conversely,
advancement of the distal end of the ET tube too far into the
trachea may cause the ET tube to enter the bronchial passageways.
Such bronchial intubation may lead to hypoxia, pneumothorax, or
even death. Accordingly, current clinical practice recommends
positioning the distal tip of an ET tube between 2 cm and 5 cm
proximal to the carina, an anatomical structure located at the
bifurcation of the trachea.
[0005] Currently, the primary manner of determining positioning of
an ET tube is a post-intubation chest x-ray ("CXR"). CXR is
generally expensive and exposes the patient to radiation, and is
thus not a practical solution for repeated checks. Current
alternatives to CXR suffer from several shortcomings. For example,
clinical observations such as symmetrical chest expansion and
auscultation regularly result in inaccurate tube placement (e.g.,
incorrect placement in as many as 20% of intubations using clinical
observations). Sonography, ultrasound, and bronchoscopy require
expensive capital equipment and specialized training, which makes
these techniques impractical for frequent usage at many sites of
care. Lighted stylets (such as TrachLight.TM.) that use
transillumination only provide positioning with respect to external
landmarks, which do not necessarily correlate to the location of
the carina. Additionally, these lighted stylets may not function
properly in certain obese patients, and require a light source
which adds expense and a power requirement.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] Described here are devices and methods for measuring a
distance in the airway of a patient and for positioning or
repositioning an ET tube in a patient. In some variations, the
device may comprise an inner shaft, where the inner shaft may
comprise an expandable stopper positioned at a distal end of the
inner shaft. The expandable stopper may be moveable between a
low-profile and an expanded configuration. The device may further
comprise an outer shaft, which may comprise a lumen through which
the inner shaft is slidably disposed, and one or more displacement
markings positioned along the inner shaft. In some variations, the
inner shaft may comprise a handle at or near a proximal end of the
inner shaft. In some variations, the outer shaft may comprise a
flared distal end and the expandable stopper may be moveable
between a first position in which the expandable stopper is
positioned in the flared distal end and maintained in the
low-profile configuration and a second position in which the
expandable stopper is distally advanced from the flared distal end
and in the expanded configuration. In some variations, the
expandable stopper may self-expand to the expanded configuration.
In some variations the expandable stopper may comprise a plurality
of prongs. In some variations, the expandable stopper may comprise
an inflatable member. In some variations, the expandable stopper
may comprise an expandable foam member.
[0007] In some variations, a device for measuring a distance in an
airway of a patient intubated with an endotracheal tube may
comprise an inner shaft where the inner shaft may comprise a
plurality of prongs positioned at a distal end of the inner shaft,
where the plurality of prongs is moveable between a low-profile and
an expanded configuration. The device may further comprise an outer
shaft, which may comprise a lumen where the inner shaft may be
slidably disposed. In some variations, one or more displacement
markings may be positioned along the inner shaft. In some
variations, the inner shaft may comprise a handle at or near a
proximal end of the inner shaft. In some variations, the outer
shaft may comprise a flared distal end and the plurality of prongs
may be moveable between a first position in which the plurality of
prongs is positioned in the flared distal end and maintained in the
low-profile configuration and a second position in which the
plurality of prongs is distally advanced from the flared distal end
and in the expanded configuration. In some variations, the
plurality of prongs self-expands to the expanded configuration.
[0008] A device for measuring a distance in an airway of a patient
intubated with an endotracheal tube may comprise an inner shaft,
which may comprise an expandable stopper positioned at a distal end
of the inner shaft. The expandable stopper may be moveable between
a low-profile and an expanded configuration. The device may further
comprise an outer shaft, which may comprise a lumen through which
the inner shaft is slidably disposed. The device may further
comprise one or more alignment markings and a plurality of
displacement markings positioned along the device. In some
variations, the inner shaft may comprise a handle at or near a
proximal end of the inner shaft. In some variations, the plurality
of displacement markings may comprise one or more displacement
markings associated with each of the one or more alignment
markings. In some variations, the one or more alignment markings
may be positioned on the outer shaft. In some variations, the
plurality of displacement markings may be positioned on the outer
shaft. In some variations, the device may comprise an alignment
sheath positioned around at least a portion of the outer shaft. In
some variations, one or more alignment markings may be positioned
on the alignment sheath. In some variations, the plurality of
displacement markings may be positioned on the alignment sheath. In
some variations, the device may comprise a cap and the outer shaft
may be connected to the cap. In some variations of the device that
comprise an alignment sheath, the outer shaft and the alignment
sheath may be connected to the cap.
[0009] A measuring device for measuring a distance in an airway of
a patient intubated with an endotracheal tube may comprise an
elongate member and an alignment guide. In some variations, the
elongate member may comprise an inner shaft, which may comprise an
expandable stopper positioned at a distal end of the inner shaft
and moveable between a low-profile configuration and an expanded
configuration. The elongate member may further comprise an outer
shaft comprising a lumen, through which the inner shaft may be
slidably disposed, and a plurality of position markings. The
alignment guide may comprise a marking indicator and may be
configured to attach to a predetermined portion of an endotracheal
tube. In some variations, the marking indicator of the alignment
guide may be configured to indicate a relative position of the
expandable stopper to a distal tip of the endotracheal tube using
the plurality of position markings when the elongate member is
inserted into the endotracheal tube. In some variations, the
alignment guide may comprise indicia to indicate the predetermined
portion of the endotracheal tube where the alignment guide may be
attached. In some variations, the marking indicator may comprise a
viewfinder. The plurality of position markings may comprise a
proximal displacement region having a first color, a distal
displacement region having a second color, and a medial
displacement region having a third color different from the first
and second colors. In some variations, the medial displacement
region may be configured such that when aligned with the marking
indicator, the expandable stopper may be a predetermined distance
from a distal tip of the endotracheal tube. In some variations,
this predetermined distance may be within 2-5 cm. In some
variations, the first and second colors of displacement regions may
be the same and in other variations the first and second colors may
be different. In some variations, the plurality of position
markings may comprise an alignment marking and a plurality of
displacement markings. In some of these variations, the alignment
marking may be configured to indicate alignment of a distal tip of
the endotracheal tube and a distal end of the elongate member when
the alignment marking is aligned with the marking indicator. In
some variations, the alignment marking may comprise a region having
a color. In some variations, the expandable stopper may comprise a
plurality of prongs. In some of these variations, the plurality of
prongs may comprise at least 5 prongs. In some variations, the
plurality of prongs may comprise prongs of different lengths. In
some variations, one or more prongs of the plurality of prongs may
comprise one or more curves. In some variations, when the plurality
of prongs is in the expanded configuration, one or more prongs may
comprise a curved proximal portion that may form an angle with a
surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device that is less
than 75 degrees. In some variations, when the plurality of prongs
is in the expanded configuration, one or more prongs may comprise
an angled distal portion that may form an angle with a surface
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device that is between 1 and
45 degrees. In some variations, the plurality of prongs may
comprise atraumatic tips. In some of these variations, the
atraumatic tips may comprise ball tips. In some of these
variations, each ball tip may have a diameter of 0.065-0.085
inches. In some variations, the outer shaft may comprise a flared
distal end that may have a maximum transverse dimension in the
range of 4.5-6 millimeters and a middle portion that may have a
maximum transverse dimension in the range of 2-4 millimeters.
[0010] A method of mechanically measuring a distance in the airway
of a patient intubated with an endotracheal tube may comprise
advancing an outer shaft of a measuring device through a lumen of
the endotracheal tube to align the outer shaft with a predetermined
portion of the endotracheal tube. This method may further comprise
advancing an inner shaft of the measuring device through a lumen of
the outer shaft, beyond a distal end of the outer shaft to at least
a distal tip of the endotracheal tube, and further advancing the
inner shaft to engage a carina of the patient with the distal end
of the inner shaft. This method may further comprise determining a
distance between the distal end of the inner shaft and the distal
tip of the endotracheal tube while the distal end of the inner
shaft engages the carina. In some variations, the inner shaft may
comprise an expandable stopper at the distal end of the inner shaft
and engaging the carina of the patient with the distal end of the
inner shaft may comprise engaging the carina with the expandable
stopper. In some variations, the expandable stopper may be moveable
between a low-profile configuration and an expanded configuration,
and the expandable stopper may be expanded to the expanded
configuration after the distal end of the inner shaft has been
advanced to at least the distal tip of the endotracheal tube. In
some variations, the expandable stopper may self-expand to the
expanded configuration. In some variations, the expandable stopper
may comprise a plurality of prongs. In some variations, the
plurality of prongs may comprise at least 5 prongs. In some
variations, the expandable stopper may comprise an inflatable
member. In some variations, the expandable stopper may comprise an
expandable foam member. In some variations where the outer shaft
comprises one or more alignment markings, aligning the outer shaft
with the predetermined portion of the endotracheal tube may
comprise aligning one or more of the one or more alignment markings
with the predetermined portion of the endotracheal tube. In some
variations where the endotracheal tube comprises one or more length
markings, aligning one or more of the one or more alignment
markings with the predetermined portion of the endotracheal tube
may comprise aligning one or more of the one or more alignment
markings with one or more of the one or more length markings. In
some variations, where the inner shaft comprises one or more
displacement markings, determining the distance between the distal
end of the inner shaft and the distal tip of the endotracheal tube
while the distal end of the inner shaft engages the carina may
comprise comparing the relative positioning between one or more of
the one or more displacement markings and one or more of the one or
more alignment markings. In some variations where the inner shaft
comprises one or more displacement markings, determining the
distance between the distal end of the inner shaft and the distal
tip of the endotracheal tube while the distal end of the inner
shaft engages the carina may comprise comparing the relative
positioning between one or more of the one or more displacement
markings and a predetermined portion of the outer shaft. In these
variations, the predetermined portion of the outer shaft may be a
proximal inlet of the lumen of the outer shaft. In others of these
variations, the predetermined portion of the outer shaft may be a
window through the outer shaft. In some variations, where the inner
shaft comprises one or more displacement markings, determining the
distance between the distal end of the inner shaft and the distal
tip of the endotracheal tube while the distal end of the inner
shaft engages the carina may comprise comparing the relative
positioning between one or more of the one or more displacement
markings and a predetermined portion of the endotracheal tube. In
some of these variations, the predetermined portion of the
endotracheal tube may be a proximal tip of the endotracheal tube.
In others of these variations, the predetermined portion of the
endotracheal tube may be a proximal tip of a connector attached to
a proximal end of the endotracheal tube. In others of these
variations, the endotracheal tube may comprise one or more length
markings that may be the predetermined portion of the endotracheal
tube. In some variations, the method may comprise repositioning the
endotracheal tube relative to the inner shaft to change the
distance between the distal end of the inner shaft and the distal
tip of the endotracheal tube. In some variations where the inner
shaft comprises a plurality of prongs at the distal end of the
inner shaft, engaging the carina of the patient with the distal end
of the inner shaft may comprise engaging the carina with one or
more of the plurality of prongs. In some variations, where the
plurality of prongs is moveable between a low-profile configuration
and an expanded configuration, the plurality of prongs may be
expanded to the expanded configuration after the distal end of the
inner shaft has been advanced at least to the distal tip of the
endotracheal tube. In some variations, the plurality of prongs may
self-expand to the expanded configuration.
[0011] A method of intubating a patient with an endotracheal tube
may comprise advancing a distal tip of an endotracheal tube into an
airway of the patient to position a distal tip of the endotracheal
tube in a trachea and advancing an outer shaft of a measuring
device through a lumen of the endotracheal tube to align the outer
shaft with a predetermined portion of the endotracheal tube. The
method may further comprise advancing an inner shaft of the
measuring device through a lumen of the outer shaft to advance a
distal end of the inner shaft beyond a distal end of the outer
shaft to at least a distal tip of the endotracheal tube. The method
may further comprise advancing the inner shaft into the trachea to
engage a carina of the patient with the distal end of the inner
shaft, and advancing the endotracheal tube and outer shaft relative
to the inner shaft while the distal end of the inner shaft engages
the carina until the distance between the distal end of the inner
shaft and the distal tip of the endotracheal tube is a
predetermined distance. In some variations, the predetermined
distance may be between 2 cm and 5 cm. In some variations, the
inner shaft and outer shaft may be advanced into the lumen of the
endotracheal tube prior to advancing the distal tip of the
endotracheal tube into the airway of the patient. In other
variations, the inner shaft and outer shaft may be advanced into
the lumen of the endotracheal tube after advancing the distal tip
of the endotracheal tube into the airway of the patient. In some
variations, the inner shaft may comprise an expandable stopper at
the distal end of the inner shaft and engaging the carina of the
patient with the distal end of the inner shaft may comprise
engaging the carina with the expandable stopper. In some
variations, the expandable stopper may be moveable between a
low-profile configuration and an expanded configuration and the
expandable stopper may be expanded to the expanded configuration
after the distal end of the inner shaft has been advanced distal to
the distal tip of the endotracheal tube. In some variations, the
expandable stopper may self-expand to the expanded configuration.
In some variations, the expandable stopper may comprise a plurality
of prongs. In some variations, the expandable stopper may comprise
an inflatable member. In some variations, the expandable stopper
may comprise an expandable foam member.
[0012] A method of intubating a patient with an endotracheal tube
may comprise advancing a distal tip of an endotracheal tube into an
airway of the patient to position a distal tip of the endotracheal
tube in a trachea. This method may further comprise advancing an
outer shaft of a measuring device through a lumen of the
endotracheal tube to align the outer shaft with a predetermined
portion of the endotracheal tube. This method may further comprise
advancing an inner shaft of the measuring device through a lumen of
the outer shaft to advance a distal end of the inner shaft beyond a
distal end of the outer shaft to at least a distal tip of the
endotracheal tube. This method may further comprise further
advancing a distal end of the inner shaft until the distal end of
the inner shaft is a predetermined distance from the distal tip of
the endotracheal tube, and advancing the inner shaft, outer shaft,
and endotracheal tube together into the trachea until the distal
end of the inner shaft to engage a carina of the patient. In some
variations, the predetermined distance may be between 2 cm and 5
cm. In some variations, the inner shaft and outer shaft may be
advanced into the lumen of the endotracheal tube prior to advancing
the distal tip of the endotracheal tube into the airway of the
patient. In some variations, the inner shaft and outer shaft may be
advanced into the lumen of the endotracheal tube after advancing
the distal tip of the endotracheal tube into the airway of the
patient. In some variations, the inner shaft may comprise an
expandable stopper at the distal end of the inner shaft, and the
expandable stopper may engage the carina. In some variations, the
expandable stopper may be moveable between a low-profile
configuration and an expanded configuration, and the expandable
stopper may be expanded to the expandable configuration after the
distal end of the inner shaft has been advanced distal to the
distal tip of the endotracheal tube. In some variations, the
expandable stopper may self-expand. In some variations the
expandable stopper may comprise a plurality of prongs. In some
variations the expandable stopper may comprise an inflatable
member. In some variations, the expandable stopper may comprise an
expandable foam member.
[0013] A method of mechanically measuring a distance in the airway
of a patient intubated with an endotracheal tube may comprise
advancing an outer shaft of a measuring device through a lumen of
the endotracheal tube to align one or more alignment markings on
the measuring device with a predetermined portion of the
endotracheal tube. The method may further comprise advancing an
inner shaft of the measuring device through a lumen of the outer
shaft to advance a distal end of the inner shaft beyond a distal
end of the outer shaft. The method may further comprise advancing
the outer shaft and the inner shaft to engage a carina of the
patient with the distal end of the inner shaft. The method may
further comprise determining a distance between the distal end of
the inner shaft and the distal tip of the endotracheal tube while
the distal end of the inner shaft engages the carina by comparing
the relative positioning between one or more of one or more
displacement markings on the measuring device and the predetermined
portion of the endotracheal tube. In some variations, the
endotracheal tube may comprise one or more length markings and
aligning the one or more alignment markings with the predetermined
portion of the endotracheal tube may comprise aligning the one or
more alignment markings with one or more predetermined length
markings. In some variations, the one or more alignment markings
may be positioned on the outer shaft of the measuring device. In
some variations, the one or more displacement markings may be
positioned on the outer shaft of the measuring device. In some
variations, the measuring device may comprise an alignment sheath
positioned around at least a portion of the outer shaft. In some of
these variations, one or more alignment markings may be positioned
on the alignment sheath. In some of these variations, the one or
more displacement markings may be positioned on the alignment
sheath. In some variations, the measuring device may comprise a cap
and the outer shaft may be connected to the cap. In some
variations, the outer shaft and alignment sheath may be connected
to the cap.
[0014] A method for mechanically measuring a distance in the airway
of a patient intubated with an endotracheal tube may comprise
coupling an alignment guide to a predetermined portion of the
endotracheal tube and advancing an outer shaft of an elongate
member through a lumen of the endotracheal tube to align an
alignment marking of the elongate member with a marking indicator
(e.g., viewfinder) or positioning area of the alignment guide such
that the alignment marking is aligned with the marking indicator
(e.g. the alignment marking is visible through a viewfinder of the
alignment guide). This method may further comprise advancing an
inner shaft of the elongate member through a lumen of the outer
shaft to advance a distal end of the inner shaft beyond a distal
end of the outer shaft. This method may further comprise advancing
the outer shaft and inner shaft to engage a carina of the patient
with the distal end of the inner shaft, determining a distance
between the distal end of the inner shaft and a distal tip of the
endotracheal tube while the distal end of the inner shaft engages
the carina by identifying the color of at least one of a plurality
of displacement markings of the elongate member aligned with the
marking indicator (e.g., visible through a viewfinder) of the
alignment guide. In some variations, the alignment and displacement
markings may be positioned on the outer shaft. In some variations,
the elongate member may comprise an alignment sheath positioned
around at least a portion of the outer shaft, and the alignment and
displacement markings may be positioned on the alignment
sheath.
[0015] A method of manufacturing a device for measuring a distance
in an airway of a patient intubated with an endotracheal tube may
comprise shaping each wire of a plurality of wires such that each
wire comprises a proximal curved portion and an angled distal
portion. This method may further comprise stress-relieving the
wires by heating the wires at a temperature of approximately
500-700 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of approximately 5-60
minutes, and the proximal portions of at least two wires may be
joined such that the distal ends of the wires form a
radially-expandable assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts the anatomy of the upper airway of an
intubated patient.
[0017] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an illustrative variation of the
measuring devices described here.
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative variation of the measuring
devices described here.
[0019] FIGS. 4A-4D depict variations of distal portions of the
measuring devices described here comprising a plurality of
prongs.
[0020] FIG. 5A depicts a side view of a variation of the distal
portion of the measuring devices described here comprising a
plurality of prongs with different lengths. An outer shaft of the
measuring devices described here has been cut away. FIG. 5B shows
an end view of the variation of the distal portion of the measuring
device of FIG. 5A.
[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a variation of the distal portion of the
measuring devices described here comprising a plurality of prongs
and webbing.
[0022] FIG. 7A depicts a variation of the distal portion of the
measuring devices described here comprising a plurality of prongs
and ball tips in an expanded configuration. FIG. 7B is a schematic
of the distal portion of one prong of the measuring device of FIG.
7A.
[0023] FIGS. 8A-8D depict variations of sealing members suitable
for use with the measuring devices described here.
[0024] FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative variation of the measuring
devices described here.
[0025] FIGS. 10A-10H depict variations of methods by which a
measuring device described here may be used to measure a distance
between a distal tip of an ET tube and the carina of an intubated
patient.
[0026] FIGS. 11A-11D depict variations of methods by which a
measuring device described here may be used during intubation to
help position an ET tube relative to the carina of a patient.
[0027] FIGS. 12A and 12B depict variations of alignment and
displacement markings of the measuring devices described here.
[0028] FIG. 13A depicts a variation of alignment markings of the
measuring devices described here. FIGS. 13B and 13C depict
variations of methods by which the alignment markings of FIG. 13A
may be used to measure a distance in an airway of an intubated
patient.
[0029] FIGS. 14A-14D depict variations of methods by which a
measuring device described here may be used to measure a distance
between a distal tip of an ET tube and the carina of an intubated
patient.
[0030] FIGS. 15A and 15B depict a variation of a portion of a
method of using the measuring devices described here.
[0031] FIG. 16 depicts an illustrative variation of the measuring
devices described here.
[0032] FIG. 17A depicts an illustrative variation of the measuring
devices described here comprising an elongate member and an
alignment guide. FIG. 17B depicts a portion of a method of using an
alignment guide of the measuring devices described here. FIG. 17C
depicts a variation of an alignment guide of the measuring devices
described here.
[0033] FIGS. 18A-18C depict a portion of a method of using an
alignment guide of the measuring devices described here to measure
a distance in an airway of an intubated patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Device and Methods Overview
[0034] Described here are devices and methods for measuring a
distance in the airway of a patient, including distances between a
device in the airway and a bifurcation or branch of the airway. In
one specific example, the devices and methods described here may be
used to measure a separation distance between a distal tip of an
endotracheal (ET) tube and the carina. To aid in understanding of
the present devices and methods, FIG. 1 depicts portions of the
anatomy of the airway of a patient. As shown there, the mouth/oral
cavity (M) opens into the pharynx (PH), which divides into the
trachea (TR) and the esophagus (ES). The trachea (TR) bifurcates
into two main bronchi (MB) (a left main bronchus and a right main
bronchus) at the carina (CA). The carina (CA) is a cartilaginous
ridge that separates the main bronchi (MB). The main bronchi (MB)
feed into the lungs (not shown).
[0035] When a patient is intubated with an ET tube, a distal tip of
the ET tube is typically advanced through the mouth, past the
epiglottis (EP), and into the trachea (TR). For example, the
patient shown in FIG. 1 is depicted as having been intubated with
an ET tube (100) having an ET balloon (102). When the distal tip of
the ET tube (100) has been advanced through the mouth (M) and
pharynx (PH) and into the trachea (TR), the ET balloon (102) or
occlude may be positioned in the trachea (TR) past the vocal cords
(VC). The ET balloon (102) may be inflated (e.g., via an ET
inflation port (106) fluidly connected to the ET balloon (102) by
an ET inflation tube (104)) in the trachea to form a barrier in the
trachea surrounding the ET tube (100). While the ET tube (100) is
shown in FIG. 1 as having been introduced through the mouth (M)
(e.g., orotracheal intubation), the ET tube (100) may alternatively
be a nasotracheal tube introduced through the nose via nasotracheal
intubation. It should be appreciated that when devices and methods
are described here as being used with an ET tube, the same devices
and methods may be used with a nasotracheal tube.
[0036] It is typically desirable to position the ET tube within a
certain distance (e.g., between 2 cm and 5 cm) from the carina to
reduce the risk of accidental extubation or bronchial intubation.
Accordingly, the devices and methods described here may be used to
measure a distance between an ET tube and carina and/or be used to
position the ET tube relative to the carina. The devices described
here may allow a user to measure the distance between the distal
tip of an ET tube and the carina without the need for x-rays, and
may do so in a low-cost and/or disposable manner. Eliminating the
need for x-ray confirmation has several benefits. For example, the
devices and methods described here may be used to measure the ET
tube-carina separation distance frequently without needing to
expose the patient to additional radiation. Additionally, nurses
and respiratory therapists may be able to check ET tube location
without the need for a physician to first order an x-ray. The
separation distance may also be measured in locations where an
x-ray machine is not readily available (e.g., in emergency medicine
vehicles, operating rooms, long term care centers or home care
centers).
[0037] Examples provided herein may refer to human patients
intubated with an ET tube, but it should be appreciated that the
variations of devices and methods described herein may be used for
humans or animals, live or cadaveric subjects, and may also be used
to measure distances of other devices located in non-biologic
lumens to a branch or bifurcation of the lumen.
Outer Shaft
[0038] FIGS. 2A and 2B show side views of an illustrative variation
of the measuring devices described here. As shown in these figures,
the measuring device (200) may comprise an inner shaft (202) and an
outer shaft (204). The outer shaft (204) may be a tube (e.g.,
extruded PeBax tubing, polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like)
comprising a lumen (not pictured) extending between a proximal
inlet (207) and a distal outlet (209). In some variations, the
measuring device may further comprise an alignment sheath (240). In
some of these variations, the alignment sheath (240) may be a tube
which may be positioned around at least a portion of the outer
shaft (204). The alignment sheath (240) may be made from the same
material or materials as the outer shaft (204), or may be made from
different materials as the outer shaft (204). The alignment sheath
(240) may in some variations be a different color from the outer
shaft (204), which may improve the visualization of alignment
markings (214) on the alignment sheath relative to length markings
of the ET tube, as will be discussed in more detail below. In some
instances, the alignment sheath (240) may be bonded to the outer
shaft (204) to fix the alignment sheath (240) thereto. It should be
appreciated, however, that in some variations, the measuring device
(200) does not comprise an alignment sheath (240), and any markings
that would be positioned on the alignment sheath (240), as
discussed below, may be located directly on the outer shaft
(204).
[0039] The outer shaft (204) may comprise a cap (242) on the
proximal end. This cap (242) may provide a gripping mechanism,
which may allow a user to manipulate the outer shaft (204). In some
variations where the measuring device (200) comprises both an outer
shaft (204) and an alignment sheath (240), the outer shaft (204)
and the alignment sheath (240) may each be connected to the cap
(242), which may help provide strain relief between the outer shaft
(204) and the cap (242).
Inner Shaft
[0040] In some variations, the inner shaft (202) may be a tube
(e.g., an extruded Pebax shaft, which in some instances may be
extruded over a metal rod, polypropylene, polyethylene) with a
lumen (not shown) extending therethough. In these variations, the
lumen of the inner shaft (202) may allow for aspiration through the
inner shaft (202). It should be appreciated that a suction source
may alternatively be connected to an outlet along a length of the
inner shaft (202). In some variations, the inner shaft (202) may
not comprise a lumen. In some variations, the inner shaft (202) may
comprise a handle (212). The handle (212) may be positioned at or
near the proximal end of the inner shaft (202), and may provide a
gripping mechanism that may facilitate manipulation of the inner
shaft (202) by a user. In some variations, the handle (212) may be
sized or otherwise configured such that it is prevented from
entering the outer shaft (204) (e.g., via the proximal inlet (207)
of the outer shaft (204)). In other variations, the handle (212)
may be configured such that it releasably engages with the cap
(242) attached to the outer shaft (204) through a threaded
connection, a press-fit connection, or the like.
[0041] The inner shaft (202) may be sized to fit at least partially
within the lumen (not pictured) of the outer shaft (204). The inner
shaft (202) may be advanced relative to the outer shaft (204) to
move a distal end of the inner shaft (202) out of the distal outlet
(209) of the outer shaft. The inner shaft (202) may be retracted
relative to the outer shaft (244) to pull the distal end of the
inner shaft (202) into the lumen (205) through the distal outlet
(209) of the outer shaft.
[0042] In some variations, the use of an inner and outer shaft may
be advantageous. For example, as is described in more detail
herein, an outer shaft may constrain an expandable stopper on a
distal end of an inner shaft in a low-profile configuration while
the expandable stopper is within a lumen of the outer shaft. This
may allow a user to maintain the expandable stopper in the
low-profile configuration (e.g., for introduction of the measuring
device into an ET tube or withdrawing the measuring device from an
ET tube) by manipulating proximal ends of the inner and outer
shafts. This configuration may reduce the need to handle the
expandable stopper directly, which may reduce the risk of
contaminating the expandable stopper with infectious material that
may then enter a patient's airway. An advantage of this
configuration may be that the expandable stopper does not contact
inner walls of the ET tube lumen while the measuring device is
being moved relative to the ET tube. This may reduce the risk of
unintentionally dislodging the ET tube.
Expandable Stopper
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner shaft (302) of a measuring
device (300) may comprise an expandable stopper (306) or catching
structure at a distal end of the inner shaft (302). The expandable
stopper (306) or catching structure may be moved from a low-profile
configuration to an expanded configuration, and may be configured
to catch on or otherwise engage airway tissue such as the carina
when advanced through the trachea in an expanded configuration, as
will be described in more detail below. In some variations, the
outer shaft (304) may optionally comprise a flared end (318) to
receive and accommodate the expandable stopper (306) or catching
structure when in the low-profile configuration.
[0044] The expandable stopper may be any suitable expandable
structure capable of catching or otherwise being stopped by the
bifurcation or branching of the trachea at the carina. For example,
in some variations the expandable stopper may comprise an
expandable foam structure. In these variations, the foam structure
may be expanded in the trachea to a size larger than the main
bronchi, such that the foam structure may catch on the carina as
the foam structure reaches the bifurcation of the trachea. The foam
structure may be constrained to a low-profile configuration (e.g.,
by pulling the foam structure into the lumen of an outer shaft).
The foam structure may have any suitable shape (e.g., a spherical
shape, a cylindrical shape, or the like).
[0045] In other variations, the expandable stopper may comprise an
expandable loop. In yet other variations, the expandable stopper
may comprise an inflatable structure such as a balloon. In these
variations, the inflatable structure may be inflated in the trachea
to move the inflatable structure from a low-profile configuration
to an expanded configuration. When inflated in the trachea, the
inflatable structure may have a size larger than the main bronchi,
such that the inflatable structure may catch on the carina as the
inflatable structure reaches the bifurcation of the trachea. The
inflatable structure may have any suitable shape (e.g., a spherical
shape, a cylindrical shape, or the like).
[0046] In still other variations, the expandable stopper comprises
a pronged structure having a plurality of prongs. The pronged
structure may comprise any suitable number of prongs. In some
variations, the pronged structure may comprise at least two, three,
four, five, six or seven prongs. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a variation
of a distal end of a shaft (400) comprising an expandable stopper
(402) comprising a plurality of prongs (404). As shown there, the
expandable stopper (402) comprises four prongs (404), although it
should be appreciated that the expandable stopper (402) may
comprise any suitable number of prongs as described above.
[0047] When an expandable stopper comprises a plurality of prongs,
the prongs may engage the carina by catching the bifurcation of the
trachea at the carina between at least two of the prongs. In some
variations, an expandable stopper with five or more prongs may be
advantageous to increase the likelihood that at least two prongs
will be located on the side of the trachea bifurcation towards the
left main bronchus and at least two prongs will be located on the
side towards the right main bronchus. This may reduce the risk that
the resistance to advancing the stopper past the bifurcation may be
inadvertently overcome.
[0048] When an expandable stopper comprises a plurality of prongs,
the prongs may be moveable relative to the shaft to move the
expandable stopper between low-profile and expanded configurations.
For example, FIG. 4A shows the expandable stopper (402) in a
low-profile configuration and FIG. 4B shows the expandable stopper
(402) in an expanded configuration. To move the expandable stopper
(402) from the low-profile configuration to the expanded
configuration, the prongs (404) may rotate, bend, or otherwise
deflect away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft (400) to
increase the distance between the prongs (404). Conversely, the
prongs (404) may rotate, bend, or otherwise deflect toward the
longitudinal axis of the shaft (400) and each other to return the
prongs (404) to the low-profile configuration. When the plurality
of prongs (404) is in an expanded configuration, the distal ends of
the prongs (406) may define an outer profile having any suitable
diameter. For example, in some variations, the outer profile
diameter may be greater than 25 mm. In some of these variations, it
may be advantageous to have a diameter between 25 mm and 35 mm.
[0049] An expandable stopper comprising a plurality of prongs may
be moved from a low-profile to an expanded configuration in any
suitable manner. In some variations, the prongs may be deformed or
otherwise manually expanded from the low-profile configuration to
the expanded configuration (e.g., by inflating a balloon between
the prongs). In other variations, the prongs may self-expand from
the low-profile configuration to the expanded configuration. In
these variations, the prongs may be formed or otherwise connected
to the shaft such that they are biased toward the expanded
configuration. To move the prongs to the low-profile configuration,
a constraining force may be applied to the prongs to overcome the
bias towards the expanded configuration. For example, the plurality
of prongs may be withdrawn into a lumen of an outer shaft, and the
lumen of the outer shaft may constrain the plurality of prongs to a
low-profile configuration. When the plurality of prongs are
advanced from the outer shaft (thereby removing the constraining
force on the prongs), the plurality of prongs may self-expand to
the expanded configuration. In other instances, the expandable
stopper may be compressed (e.g., manually) and may be inserted into
the ET tube, such that the ET tube may constrain the plurality of
prongs. When the plurality of prongs are advanced from the ET tube
(thereby removing the constraining force on the prongs), the
plurality of prongs may self-expand to the expanded
configuration.
[0050] When the plurality of prongs are in an expanded
configuration, some or all of the prongs may be straight or some or
all of the prongs may comprise one or more curves or bends. For
example, in the variation of the plurality of prongs (404) shown in
FIG. 4B, each of the prongs (404) may be straight when the
plurality of prongs are in the expanded configuration. FIG. 4C
shows another variation of a shaft (400) comprising a plurality of
prongs (404). As shown there, each prong (404) may comprise a
curved portion (410) along the length of the prong (404). In these
variations, the prongs (404) may begin expanding prior to the
entire prong (404) being released from a constraining force
provided by an outer sheath or ET tube, and may take on a larger
outer profile when expanded. In still other variations, the
plurality of prongs may be configured such that at least one prong
is straight and at least one prong has a curved or bent portion
when the plurality of prongs is in an expanded configuration.
[0051] In some variations, each prong of the plurality of prongs
may be the same length. In other variations, an expandable stopper
may comprise a plurality of prongs having different lengths. For
example, FIG. 4D shows a variation of a shaft (400) that comprises
a first plurality of prongs (412) each having a first length and a
second plurality of prongs (414) each having a second length longer
than the first length. In some embodiments, configurations of the
expandable stopper comprising prongs of different lengths may be
advantageous in that the low-profile configuration may be more
compressed than configurations comprising prongs of the same
length. As will be discussed in more detail below, each prong may
comprise an atraumatic coating or structure at its distal end,
which may reduce the risk of piercing or snagging tissue as the
device is advanced along a body passage. In one example, the
atraumatic structure may be a rounded and/or bulbous distal ball
tip, which may limit the compressibility of the plurality of prongs
in a low-profile configuration.
[0052] FIGS. 5A (side view) and 5B (top view) show a variation of
an expandable stopper (502) with a plurality of prongs (504) with
different lengths and ball tips (506), constrained within the lumen
(508) of an outer shaft (510) in a low-profile configuration. As is
seen there, the different lengths of prongs (504) may result in the
ball tips (506) being staggered when the expandable stopper (502)
is in the low-profile configuration. The profile diameter (512) of
the prongs and ball tips may be less than the profile diameter in
configurations where the ball tips are not staggered. In variations
of the measuring device comprising a self-expanding expandable
stopper that may be withdrawn into an outer shaft lumen, a more
compressed low-profile configuration (e.g., smaller profile
diameter) of the expandable stopper may allow for the outer shaft
to have a smaller diameter. For example, in some variations, a
portion of the outer shaft that may be inserted into an ET tube may
comprise a flared distal portion to accommodate an expandable
stopper in the low-profile configuration and a narrower middle
portion. In some of these variations, the flared distal portion may
have a maximum transverse dimension in the range of about 4.5 mm to
about 6 mm. The middle portion may have a maximum transverse
dimension in the range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm. A transverse
dimension may be defined as a dimension that is in a plane that is
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outer shaft (i.e. the
axis through the proximal inlet and the distal outlet of the outer
shaft). A smaller outer shaft diameter may produce less airway
resistance when it is within a patient's airway, which may by
clinically advantageous. It should also be appreciated that in
variations where an expandable stopper comprises a plurality of
prongs, each prong may have any suitable angle with respect to the
inner shaft when the plurality of prongs is in an expanded
configuration. In some variations, each prong may have the same
angle relative to the inner shaft. In other variations, different
prongs may have different angles with respect to the shaft.
[0053] In some variations, the plurality of prongs may be
configured to promote atraumatic contact with tissue during
advancement of the expandable stopper. For example, in the
variation of the expandable stopper (502) shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B,
the prongs (504) may comprise a rounded and/or bulbous ball tip
(506). The ball tips (506) may be integrally formed with the prongs
(504), or may be formed separately (e.g., by overmolding or dipping
the prongs (504) or by any suitable molding process (e.g.,
injection, blow, rotational)). In some variations, the ball tips
(506) may be formed by dipping the prongs (504) in an acrylic
adhesive. In some variations, the prongs (504) may be dipped 1-3
times into adhesive with the same or different viscosities (e.g.,
600-1600 cP). The dipping rate may be the same or different each
time the prongs are dipped. In some variations, the ball tips (506)
may be an inflatable structure or a soft foam or sponge structure
configured to provide a softer tissue contact surface. A soft
structure of the ball tips may also allow for the prongs to be more
compressed in a low-profile configuration. In some variations, the
ball tips may have a diameter of 0.065-0.085 inches, which may be
advantageous for reducing the risk of damaging airway tissue and/or
for compressing to a desirable profile diameter (512) when the
stopper is the low-profile configuration.
[0054] Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of prongs may
comprise a webbing, mesh, or foam connecting adjacent prongs, which
provide a softer contact surface to the carina when caught between
two prongs. For example, FIG. 6 shows a variation of shaft (600)
comprising a plurality of prongs (604) and webbing (608) connecting
adjacent prongs (604). It should be appreciated that the expandable
stoppers may comprise a plurality of prongs including any
combination of the features described herein.
[0055] In some variations of the measuring device, as shown in FIG.
7A, the prongs (702) of the expandable stopper (706) may be shaped
to facilitate deployment of the measuring device (e.g., to reduce
the risk of trauma to tissue during advancement in a body lumen, or
otherwise shaped for a particular anatomy or purpose). In one
exemplary embodiment, the expandable stopper (706) comprises five
prongs (702), but may comprise fewer or more prongs (702) as
desired. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the prongs (702) may comprise
a curved proximal portion (706), with .theta..sub.1 being greater
than zero (e.g., at least approximately 15 degrees) where the
curved proximal portion contacts a surface (e.g., the trachea wall)
that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of a measuring device
shaft (700). Additionally, the prongs (702) may comprise an angled
distal portion (708), which may facilitate deflection of the prongs
(702) distally in an airway, with .theta..sub.2 being greater than
zero but less than approximately 45 degrees. In some variations,
the prongs may comprise a distal kink (710), which may help to
retain a ball tip (712) in some manufacturing processes, such as
when the prongs are dipped in a material (e.g., acrylic adhesive)
to form the ball tip. However, the prongs (702) may be curved
and/or angled along different portions of the expandable support
mechanism (706) in any suitable manner.
[0056] One exemplary method of manufacture involves shaping each
prong individually, such as with a spring forming machine. Each
prong may comprise a round stainless steel wire with a diameter of
approximately 0.007-0.019 inches, or a flat stainless steel wire
with a thickness of 0.005-0.018 inches and a width of 0.005-0.018
inches but at least one prong may comprise any suitable material.
In some variations, the use of a round stainless steel wire with a
diameter 0.011-0.013 inches may be advantageous. A stainless steel
wire of this diameter may deflect at forces (e.g., less than 0.2
lbf) that are low enough to reduce the risk of airway tissue
trauma, provide adequate tactile feel to a user when the prongs
engage the carina, and/or minimize the risk of creep of the formed
wire over time. The prong may be formed out of different stainless
steel alloys including 302, 304, 302/304, 316, 17-7 or 17-4. The
shaped wire may be stress relieved by heating the wires at a
temperature of 500-700 degrees Fahrenheit (and more particularly,
at approximately 600 degrees Fahrenheit) for a period of 5-60
minutes (and more particularly, for approximately 30 minutes). This
stress relief may help maximize material elasticity and minimize
creep over time. In other methods of manufacture, at least a
portion of the prongs of the expandable stopper may be formed
through injection molding, nitinol forming, stainless steel
forming, and/or any suitable process.
[0057] After shaping and/or stress relieving the wires, the
proximal portions of two or more wires may be joined together to
form a distal plurality of prongs in an expanded form. The wires
may be joined, for example, by bonding, crimping or twisting.
However, the wires may be joined in any suitable manner and in any
combination of methods. Additionally, the wires may be covered with
a plastic sheath (e.g., Pebax or another polymer) and/or one or
more other coatings.
Sealing Member
[0058] In some variations, the measuring devices described here may
optionally comprise a sealing member configured to block airflow
through an opening of an ET tube or a connector attached thereto.
For example, in some variations, the sealing member may comprise a
plug configured to fit at least partially inside the ET tube or
connector opening. In these variations, the plug may fill the
opening to prevent airflow therethrough. The plug may comprise a
channel or lumen extending therethrough to allow an inner shaft
and/or outer shaft of the measuring device to pass through the
plug. The plug may be formed from any suitable material, such as a
sponge, foam, or rubber material. When a shaft of a measuring
device is passed through a channel or a lumen, the shaft may
compress the material of the plug, which may cause the plug to seal
against the shaft. For example, FIG. 8A shows a variation of a plug
(800) comprising a lumen (802) extending therethrough. The plug
(800) may be inserted into an opening of an ET tube or connector to
seal the opening. For example, FIG. 8B shows the plug (800)
positioned in an opening of a wye connector (801), which may seal
the opening of the wye connector. One or more portions of the
measuring device may be positioned through the lumen (802) to allow
the measuring device to be manipulated through the sealed opening
in the wye connector (801).
[0059] In other variations, the sealing member may comprise a cap
configured to fit at least partially around an exterior portion of
the ET tube and to cover the opening of the ET tube or connector.
The cap may comprise a channel or lumen extending therethrough to
allow an inner shaft and/or outer shaft of the measuring device to
pass through the cap. The cap may be formed from any suitable
material, such as, for example, a sponge, foam, or rubber material.
In some variations, the cap may be formed from multiple components.
For example, FIG. 8C shows a variation of a cap which may comprise
a connector (804), a membrane (806), and a membrane lumen (808).
The connector (804) may be configured to sealingly fit around an ET
tube or connector, and may be rigid, flexible or the like. For
example, FIG. 8D shows the cap positioned around an opening of a
wye connector (810) to seal the opening of the wye connector. The
membrane (806) may comprise a lumen (808) through which a shaft or
other component of the measuring device may be introduced. The
membrane (806) may be made from a flexible or compressible material
(such as a sponge, foam, or rubber material), which may be
compressible to allow a shaft of the measuring device to pass
through the membrane (806) while creating a seal around the shaft.
Alternatively, a cap may comprise a connector and a sealing valve,
such as a Tuohy Borst valve or the like.
Securement Mechanism
[0060] The measuring devices described here may optionally comprise
a securement mechanism configured to temporarily fix an outer shaft
of the measuring device relative to the ET tube. In some
variations, the securement mechanism may comprise a cap or plug as
described in more detail herein. In variations where the securement
mechanism comprises a plug, insertion of the plug into the opening
of the ET tube or a connector may create a temporary friction fit
between the plug and the ET tube. Similarly, the plug may be
configured to have a friction fit with the outer shaft, such that
the plug resists movement of the outer shaft. Accordingly, when the
plug is inserted into the ET tube or connector, the plug may hold
the outer shaft in place relative to the ET tube. In order to move
the outer shaft relative to the ET tube, a user may apply a strong
enough pushing or pulling force to the outer shaft to temporarily
overcome the frictional force between the plug and the outer shaft.
In variations where the securement mechanism comprises a cap, the
cap may also be configured to form a friction fit with the ET tube
or connector and the outer shaft. In other variations, the
securement mechanism may comprise one or more clips or clamps
configured to temporarily connect the outer shaft to the ET tube or
a connector attached thereto.
Variations of Alignment and Displacement Markings and Methods for
Use of the Device with Each Variation
[0061] A measuring device as described here may comprise a
plurality of position markings that may allow for measurement of an
airway and positioning of an ET tube. In some variations, these
position markings may comprise one or more alignment and/or
displacement markings. Generally, alignment markings may be used to
align the device with a position on an ET tube that is a known
distance from the distal tip of the ET tube. Commercially available
ET tubes are commonly labeled with length markings along the length
of the tube to indicate the distance between each length marking
and the distal tip of the ET tube. Generally, these length markings
may be spaced at either even distance intervals (e.g., a tube may
comprise length markings at 24 cm, 26 cm, and 28 cm from the distal
tip of the ET tube) or odd distance intervals (e.g., a tube may
comprise length markings at 23 cm, 25 cm, and 27 cm from the distal
tip of the ET tube). Alignment markings on the measuring device may
be located a known distance from the distal end of the measuring
device. Accordingly, alignment of an alignment marking on the
measuring device with a length marking on the ET tube may allow a
user to determine the distance between the distal end of the
measuring device and the distal tip of the ET tube. For example,
alignment of an alignment marking on a measuring device that is 26
cm from the distal end of the measuring device with a 26 cm length
marking on an ET tube will align the distal end of the device with
the distal tip of the ET tube. The expandable stopper may then be
aligned with the distal end of the device and the distal tip of the
ET tube.
[0062] One or more displacement markings may indicate the distance
the expandable stopper has moved from its position when initially
aligned. In variations of the measuring device and methods where
alignment of the measuring device with an ET tube also aligns the
expandable stopper with the distal tip of the ET tube, displacement
markings may indicate the distance between the stopper and the
distal tip of the ET tube. In these methods, when the expandable
stopper engages the carina, the displacement markings may indicate
the distance between the carina and the distal tip of the ET
tube.
[0063] Positioning of markings that may be used to measure a
distance between an expandable stopper and another element (e.g.,
the distal end of the outer shaft, distal tip of the ET tube) may
take into account the design of the expandable stopper and/or the
way in which it engages the carina. For example, in variations of
the stopper comprising a plurality of prongs, the stopper may
engage the carina in such a way that the vertex of the plurality of
prongs is at the level of the carina. Markings (e.g., displacement
markings) may be configured to indicate distances from the vertex
of the plurality of prongs in these cases. In other variations of
an expandable stopper, such as those that comprise a solid element
with a diameter greater than the diameter of a main bronchus (e.g.,
expandable foam), a distal portion of the stopper may engage the
carina. Accordingly, markings (e.g., displacement markings) may be
configured to indicate distances between the distal portion of the
stopper and another element (e.g., the distal end of the outer
shaft, distal tip of the ET tube).
[0064] Multiple variations for how position markings may be
configured on the measuring device will be described. For example,
in some variations of the device, position markings comprise
displacement markings on an inner shaft, whereas in other
variations position markings comprise displacement markings on an
outer shaft. The methods for using the device may be different for
different configurations of position markings, and these different
methods will be described as well.
Variation of Device with Numerical Displacement Markings on Inner
Shaft
[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner shaft (302) may comprise one
or more displacement markings (308), which may be positioned along
a proximal portion of the inner shaft (302). The displacement
markings (308) may be used to measure the relative positioning
between the expandable stopper (306) and a distal end of the outer
shaft (304) and/or a portion of an ET tube (e.g., the distal tip of
the ET tube).
[0066] Further as shown in FIG. 3, the outer shaft (304) may
comprise one or more alignment markings (314). In variations of the
device that comprise an alignment sheath, one or more alignment
markings may be positioned on the alignment sheath. The one or more
alignment markings (314) may be aligned with one or more portions
of an ET tube to set an initial relationship between the
positioning of the outer shaft (304) and the ET tube. For example,
in some variations, the distal end of the outer shaft (304) may be
aligned with a distal tip of the ET tube when an alignment marking
(314) is aligned with a corresponding distance marker on the ET
tube.
[0067] The relative positioning between the displacement markings
(308) of the inner shaft (302) and the one or more alignment
markings (314) or another portion of the outer shaft (304) may
indicate the relative positioning between the expandable stopper
(306) and the outer shaft (304), which in turn may indicate the
relative positioning between the expandable stopper (306) and the
ET tube. The relative positioning between the expandable stopper
(306) and the ET tube may be used to measure the distance between
the distal tip of the ET tube and a portion of the patient airway,
as will be discussed in more detail below.
[0068] While the measuring device shown in FIG. 3 comprises both an
inner shaft (302) and an outer shaft (304), it should be
appreciated that in some variations, the measuring devices
described here may not comprise an outer shaft (304). For example,
FIG. 9 shows a variation of a measuring device (900) comprising a
elongate shaft (902), an expandable stopper (904) positioned at a
distal end of the elongate shaft (902), and one or more markings
(906) positioned along the length of the elongate shaft (902). In
these variations, the expandable stopper (904) may be configured to
expand within the trachea and may be configured to engage the
carina, as was described in more detail above. The one or more
markings (906) may be used to align the elongate shaft (902) with
an ET tube and to measure the distance between a distal tip of the
ET tube and the carina, as will be described in more detail
below.
Measurement Methods
[0069] As mentioned above, the measuring devices described here may
be used to measure a distance in the airway. For example, in some
variations, the measuring device may be used to measure a distance
between an ET tube (e.g., a distal tip of the ET tube) and the
carina. This may allow a user or practitioner to determine the
positioning of the ET tube in a patient's airway, and to reposition
the ET tube if necessary. In some instances, the measuring device
may be used to aid in placement of the ET tube at a desired
location in the airway (e.g., 2 cm to 5 cm from the carina).
[0070] FIGS. 10A-10H depict a method by which the measuring devices
comprising displacement markings on an inner shaft may be used to
determine placement of an ET tube relative to the carina. As shown
in FIG. 10A, a patient may be intubated with an ET tube (1000) to
position a distal tip (1002) of the ET tube in the trachea (TR)
(the anatomical structures are labeled the same as in FIG. 1). For
the purposes of illustration, the measuring device (300) described
above with respect to FIG. 3 is shown in FIGS. 10A-10H to measure a
distance between the ET tube (1000) and the carina (CA), but it
should be appreciated that any variations of the measuring device
with displacement markings on the inner shaft may be used in the
methods described here.
Introduction of Device into ET Tube
[0071] With the patient intubated, a distal end of the measuring
device (300) may be inserted into a proximal end of the ET tube
(1000), as shown in FIG. 10A. In some variations, the measuring
device (300) may be inserted directly into the proximal end of the
ET tube (1000). In other variations, one or more connectors may be
attached to the proximal end of the ET tube (1000), and the
measuring device (300) may be advanced into the proximal end of the
ET tube (1000) through the connector (e.g., the measuring device
(300) may be introduced into an inlet of the connector and advanced
through the connector to the ET tube (1000)). For example, as shown
in FIG. 10A, a connector (1004) may be attached to a proximal end
of the ET tube (1000). The connector (1004) may comprise a first
branch (1006) and a second branch (1008), and the measuring device
(300) may be introduced into either branch of the connector (1004),
advanced through the connector, and into the proximal end of the ET
tube (1000).
[0072] Generally, the measuring devices described here may be used
in conjunction with a connector, as the measuring device may be
inserted into a first branch of the connector while a ventilator
remains attached to the second branch, which may allow for
ventilation of the patient during the measuring procedure. While a
wye connector is described in the examples and illustrated in the
figures, any suitable connector (e.g., wye, swivel) may be used
with the measuring devices described here. It should be
appreciated, however, that the measuring device may be used in the
absence of a connecter, although in some of these instances
(depending on the nature of the ET tube and any connectors that may
be attached to the ET tube) it may be necessary to temporarily
disconnect the patient from the ventilator during measurement with
the measuring device.
[0073] In some instances, the expandable stopper (306) may be sized
such that the expandable stopper is larger than the proximal
opening of the ET tube (1000) (or a connector attached thereto)
when the expandable stopper is in an expanded configuration.
Accordingly, it may be desirable to introduce the measuring device
(300) into the ET tube (1000) with the expandable stopper (306) in
a low-profile configuration. In some variations, this may comprise
positioning the expandable stopper (306) within the lumen of the
outer shaft (304). The lumen of the outer shaft (304) may constrain
the expandable stopper (306) and may hold the expandable stopper
(206) in a low-profile configuration, as is depicted in FIG.
10A.
[0074] In some instances, once the measuring device (300) is
introduced into the ET tube (1000), the opening through which the
measuring device (300) is introduced may be sealed to prevent
airflow therethrough. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, a distal
portion of the measuring device (300) may be introduced into the ET
tube (1000) via a first branch (1008) of the connector (1004), and
a ventilator (not shown) may be connected to the second branch
(1006) of the connector (1004). As mentioned above, this may allow
the patient to remain ventilated during the measuring procedure.
Accordingly, to help prevent air pressure generated by the
ventilator from escaping through the first branch (1008) of the
connector (1004), it may be desirable to seal the opening of the
first branch (1008) during use of the measuring device (300).
[0075] When an opening in an ET tube (1000) or connector is sealed
as discussed above, this may be done in any suitable manner. In
some variations, this may comprise advancing a securement mechanism
or sealing member against the opening to block airflow
therethrough. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, the securement
mechanism (316) may be advanced into contact with the opening of
the first branch (1008) to cover the opening, which may in turn
block airflow therethrough. In some variations, a securement
mechanism or sealing member used to provide a seal may be
temporarily connected to or may otherwise hold itself in place
relative to the ET tube or connector to maintain the seal. For
example, in some variations, a portion of the securement mechanism
or sealing member may enter the ET tube or connector to create a
friction or pressure fit therewith. Additionally or alternatively,
the securement mechanism or sealing member may be configured to
clip or clamp to the ET tube or connector.
Alignment
[0076] Once introduced into the ET tube (1000), the measuring
device (300) may be advanced relative to the ET tube to create a
desired alignment between the measuring device and the ET tube. In
variations where the outer shaft (304) comprises one or more
alignment markings (314), the measuring device (300) may be
advanced to align the one or more alignment marking (314) with a
portion of the ET tube (1000). Generally, the one or more alignment
markings (314) are aligned with a portion of the ET tube (1000)
that is a known distance from the distal tip (1002) of the ET tube.
For example, in instances where the length of the ET tube (1000) is
known, an alignment marking (314) may be aligned with the proximal
tip of the ET tube (1000). In other variations, the ET tube may
comprise one or more length markings along the length of the ET
tube, as was discussed above, where each length marking represents
a different distance from the distal tip (1002) of the ET tube
(1000) (for example, ET tubes generally have length markings every
2 cm to indicate distance from the distal tip of the ET tube). In
these variations, the one or more alignment markings (314) may be
aligned with one or more specific length markings.
[0077] For example, as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the ET tube
(1000) may comprise a plurality of length markings (1010).
Similarly, in the variation of measuring device shown in FIGS. 10C
and 10D, the outer shaft (304) may comprise a plurality of
alignment markings (314) which may correspond to some or all of the
length markings (1010) of the ET tube. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 10C and 10D, the ET tube (1000) may comprise three length
markings (1010) labeled 23, 25, and 27 (these length markings may
correspond to 23 cm, 25 cm, and 27 cm, respectively, from the
distal tip of the ET tube). The outer shaft (304) is shown there as
including three alignment markings (314) also labeled 23, 25, and
27. To align the outer shaft (304) with the ET tube (1000), the
outer shaft may be advanced or retracted until the alignment
markings (314) of the outer shaft (304) are aligned with the
similarly-labeled length markings (1010) of the ET tube (1000). For
the purposes of illustration, FIG. 10C shows the outer shaft (304)
misaligned relative to the ET tube (1000), while FIG. 10D shows the
outer shaft (304) aligned relative to the ET tube (300).
[0078] While shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D as having three length
markings (1010) spaced 2 cm from each other, the ET tube (1000) may
comprise any suitable number of length markings (1010) (e.g., one,
two, three, four, or five or more length markings) spaced any
suitable distance from each other (e.g., 1 cm between markings, 2
cm between markings, etc.). Similarly, the outer shaft (304) may
have any number of alignment markings (314) which may be spaced any
suitable distance from each other. In some variations, a single
alignment marking may be used in conjunction with one or more
length markings of an ET tube. In these variations, the alignment
marking may be aligned with a specific length marking of the ET
tube. For example, the alignment marking may be aligned with a
length marking corresponding to 24 cm from the distal tip of the ET
tube, and the alignment marking may be labeled 24 to remind the
user which length marking should be used.
[0079] In some variations, the outer shaft (304) may optionally be
sized such that when the one or more alignment markings (314) are
aligned with the desired portion or portions of the ET tube (1000),
the distal end of the outer shaft (304) is aligned with the distal
tip (1002) of the ET tube. For example, in some variations, the
alignment markings may be configured such that the distance between
an alignment marking and the distal end of the outer shaft is the
same length as the entire ET tube. In these variations, aligning
the alignment marking with the proximal inlet of the ET tube may
also align the distal end of the outer shaft with the distal tip of
the ET tube. In other variations, the alignment marking may be
configured such that the distance between an alignment marking and
the distal tip of the outer shaft is a predetermined length (e.g.,
20 cm). In these variations, the alignment marking may be aligned
with a length marking on the ET tube corresponding to the
predetermined length. For example, if the distance between the
alignment marking and the distal end of the outer shaft is 20 cm, a
user may align the alignment marking with a length marking on the
ET tube corresponding to 20 cm in order to align the distal end of
the outer shaft with the distal tip of the ET tube.
[0080] In some variations, once the alignment marking is aligned
relative to the ET tube (e.g., relative to the proximal tip of the
ET tube or relative to a length marking of the ET tube), it may be
desirable to maintain the relative positioning between the outer
shaft and the ET tube. In some variations, a user may hold the ET
tube and the outer shaft to maintain the positioning. In other
variations, the outer shaft may be temporarily coupled to the ET
tube. For example, in variations where the measuring device
comprises a securement mechanism, the securement mechanism may be
used to temporarily fix the outer shaft relative to the ET tube, as
was described above.
Measurement
[0081] With the outer shaft (304) aligned with the ET tube (1000)
and fixed in position, the inner shaft (302) may be advanced
relative to the outer shaft (304) to expose the expandable stopper
(306) from the distal outlet (309) of the outer shaft and out of
the distal tip of the ET tube. Once advanced out of the outer shaft
(304), the expandable stopper (306) may be moved to an expanded
configuration. In some variations, the expandable stopper (306) may
self-expand once the expandable stopper (306) is no longer
constrained by the lumen of the outer shaft (304). In other
variations, the expandable stopper (306) may be manually expanded
(e.g., using one or more expansion controls or the like).
[0082] With the expandable stopper (306) expanded, the inner shaft
(302) may be further advanced relative to the outer shaft (304) to
advance the expandable stopper (306) along the trachea (TR) until
the expandable stopper (306) reaches and engages the carina (CA),
as shown in FIG. 10E. Generally, the expandable stopper (306) is
configured such that upon reaching the carina (CA), the expandable
stopper (206) engages the carina (CA) and resists further
advancement past the carina (CA) and into either of the main
bronchi (MB).
[0083] Once the expandable stopper (306) reaches the carina (CA),
the relative positioning of one or more displacement markings on
the inner shaft (302) and a portion of the outer shaft (304) may
indicate the distance between the distal tip of the ET tube (1000)
and the carina (CA). It should be appreciated that the one or more
displacement markings (308) of the inner shaft (302) may be
compared to any suitable portion of the outer shaft (304), as long
as there is a known relationship between that portion of the outer
shaft and the distal tip of the ET tube. The portions of the outer
shaft that may be compared to displacement markings on an inner
shaft include, but are not limited to, one or more alignment
markings (314), the proximal inlet (307), or a window. FIG. 10G
shows a variation of an outer shaft (304) that comprises a window
(1012), which may be, for example, a transparent portion of the
outer shaft in instances where the outer shaft is otherwise opaque,
or may be a marked off section of a transparent outer shaft.
[0084] In some variations, the inner shaft (302) may comprise a
single displacement marking (308). The displacement marking (308)
may be configured such that the distance between the displacement
marking (308) and a specific portion of the outer shaft (e.g., an
alignment marking, the proximal inlet, a window) is the same as the
distance between the expandable stopper (306) and the distal tip of
the ET tube (1000). In these variations, the inner shaft (302) may
be sized such that the alignment of the displacement marking (308)
with the specific portion of the outer shaft (e.g., the alignment
marking, the proximal inlet, the window) also aligns the expandable
stopper (306) with the distal tip of the ET tube (1000) (while the
outer shaft (304) is aligned with the ET tube (1000) such as
discussed above). A user may advance the inner shaft (302) until
the expandable stopper (306) reaches the carina (CA) and may
measure the distance between the displacement marking (308) and the
specific portion of the outer shaft (e.g., the alignment marking,
the proximal inlet, the window) to determine the distance between
the distal tip of the ET tube (300) and the carina (CA).
[0085] In other variations, the inner shaft may comprise a
plurality of displacement markings, as is seen in FIGS. 10F-10H. In
some variations, each displacement marking may correspond to a
different distance between the expandable stopper and the distal
tip of the ET tube (300), when that displacement marking is aligned
with a specific portion of the outer shaft. In FIG. 10F, the
specific portion of the outer shaft is the proximal inlet (307), in
FIG. 10G it's a window (1012), and in FIG. 10H it's an alignment
marking (314). However, the specific portion of the outer shaft
that may be compared to displacement markings on the inner shaft
may be any suitable portion of the outer shaft. In these
variations, a user may advance the inner shaft (302) relative to
the outer shaft (304) and ET tube (1000) until the expandable
stopper engages the carina (CA). The user may then look at which
displacement marking (308) is aligned (or most closely aligned)
with the specific portion of the outer shaft (e.g., the alignment
marking (314), the proximal inlet (307), the window (1012)), which
may represent the distance between the distal tip of the ET tube
(1000) and the carina (CA). For example, as shown in FIGS. 10F-10H,
the displacement markings (208) may be labeled 0 through 8, and may
each be separated by 1 cm. When the displacement marking (208)
labeled 0 is aligned with the specific portion of the outer shaft
(e.g., the alignment marking (314), the proximal inlet (307), the
window (1012)), the expandable stopper may be aligned with a distal
tip of the ET tube (1000). If the inner shaft is advanced 1 cm
relative to the outer shaft (304) and the ET tube (300), the
displacement marking labeled 1 may be aligned with the specific
portion of the outer shaft (e.g., the alignment marking (314), the
proximal inlet (307), the window (1012)) and the expandable stopper
(306) may be 1 cm away from the distal tip of the ET tube (1000).
Accordingly, when the expandable stopper (306) engages the carina,
the displacement marking currently aligned with the specific
portion of the outer shaft (e.g., the alignment marking (314), the
proximal inlet (307), the window (1012)) may indicate the distance
between the carina and the distal tip of the ET tube (300).
[0086] In the variation shown in FIG. 10H, the displacement marking
(308) on the inner shaft labeled 0 is aligned with an alignment
marking (314) on the outer shaft. This may indicate that the
expandable stopper is aligned with the distal tip of the ET tube.
In FIGS. 10F and 10G, the displacement marking (308) labeled 3 is
aligned with the proximal inlet (307) of the outer shaft and a
window (1012) of the outer shaft, respectively. These may indicate
that the distal stopper has been advanced 3 cm distal to the distal
tip of the ET tube.
[0087] In variations where a measuring device does not comprise an
outer shaft, the measuring device may measure a distance between an
expandable stopper and a distal tip of an ET tube by using a
relative positioning of an elongate shaft of the measuring device
and a portion of the ET tube (or a connector thereof). For example,
with the measuring device (900) described above with respect to
FIG. 9, the elongate shaft (902) may be advanced in the trachea
until the expandable stopper (904) engages the carina. With the
expandable stopper (904) engaging the carina, the relative position
of the one or more elongate shaft markings (906) and the ET tube
may indicate the distance between the distal tip of the ET tube and
the carina. This distance may be determined by comparing the
relative positioning of the one or more markings (906) and any
suitable portion of the ET tube, so long as the relationship with
the distal tip of the ET tube is known. Suitable portions of the ET
tube may include, but are not limited to, a length marking on the
ET tube, a proximal end of the ET tube, or a proximal end of a
connector attached to an ET tube.
ET Tube Positioning
[0088] The measuring devices described here may also be used to
help position an ET tube relative to tissue. In some instances, the
measuring devices may be used to reposition an ET tube after the
patient has been intubated. In other instances, a measuring device
may be used during intubation of a patient (e.g., to help prevent
the ET tube from being advanced past the carina during intubation
and/or to position the ET tube a predetermined distance from the
carina).
Repositioning an ET Tube
[0089] To reposition an existing ET tube relative to the carina
using a measuring device with displacement markings on an inner
shaft as described here, the measuring device may first be used to
measure the distance between the carina and the ET tube as
described above with respect to FIGS. 10A-10H. Specifically, an
outer shaft of the measuring device (e.g., the outer shaft (304) of
the measuring device (300) described above with respect to FIG. 3)
may be aligned relative to the ET tube to align one or more
alignment markings of the outer shaft with a specific portion or
portions of the ET tube (e.g., a proximal tip of the ET tube or a
length marking of the ET tube, as discussed above). An inner shaft
(e.g., the inner shaft (302)) may be advanced relative to the outer
shaft to advance an expandable stopper (e.g., the expandable
stopper (306)) into engagement with the carina. With the expandable
stopper engaging the carina, the relative positioning between one
or more displacement markings of the inner shaft and either the
outer shaft (e.g., an alignment marking of the outer shaft) or the
ET tube may indicate the distance between the carina and the distal
tip of the ET tube, as discussed above.
[0090] If this measured distance between the distal tip of the ET
tube and the carina is greater than the desired separation distance
(e.g., greater than 5 cm), the ET tube and the outer shaft of the
measuring device may be advanced toward the carina until the
desired separation distance is achieved. In some of these
variations, the inner shaft may be held in place with the
expandable stopper engaging the carina, and the ET tube and outer
shaft may be advanced until the displacement marking aligned with a
specific portion of the outer shaft (e.g., an alignment marking) or
ET tube indicates that the desired distance has been reached. In
others of these variations, the inner shaft may be withdrawn
relative to ET tube and the outer shaft until the expandable
stopper is positioned a distance from the ET tube that corresponds
to the desired separation distance (e.g., as indicated by the
alignment of an alignment marking on the outer shaft with a
displacement marking on the inner shaft). The ET tube, inner shaft,
and outer shaft may then be advanced together until the expandable
stopper reengages the carina. Conversely, if the measured distance
is smaller than the desired separation distance, the outer shaft
and the ET tube may be withdrawn relative to the inner shaft until
the distance between the ET tube and the carina reaches the desired
distance (e.g., as indicated by the alignment of an alignment
marking on the outer shaft and a displacement marking on the inner
shaft).
Positioning an ET Tube During Intubation
[0091] FIGS. 11A-11D depict two different methods by which a
measuring device as described here may be used during intubation to
help position an ET tube relative to the carina of a patient. For
the purposes of illustration, the measuring device (300) described
above with respect to FIG. 3 is shown in FIGS. 11A-11D to
facilitate placement of an ET tube (1100) relative to the carina
(CA) (the anatomical structures are labeled the same as in FIG. 1),
but it should be appreciated that any measuring device described
here with displacement markings on the inner shaft may be used for
the methods described here.
[0092] Initially, as shown in FIG. 11A, the ET tube (1100) is
advanced and positioned such that a distal tip of the ET tube is in
the trachea (TR) past the vocal cords (VC) (preferably less than
three centimeters past the vocal cords (VC)), and the measuring
device (300) is positioned within the ET tube (1100). In some
variations, the ET tube (1100) is first positioned as shown in FIG.
11A, and the measuring device (300) is then advanced into the ET
tube (1100) (e.g., through a proximal end of the ET tube or a
connector attached thereto). In other instances, the measuring
device (300) may be advanced into the ET tube (1100) prior to
introduction of the ET tube, and the ET tube and measuring device
may be advanced together.
[0093] In some variations, the outer shaft (304) of the measuring
device (300) may be shapeable (e.g., may be made from a malleable
metal such as aluminum) to allow the outer shaft to act as a
shapeable stylet during intubation. In these variations, the outer
shaft (304) may be shaped to comprise one or more bends or curves,
which may change the shape of the ET tube (1100) when the outer
shaft is positioned in the ET tube. The outer shaft (304) may be
inserted into the ET tube (1100) to reshape the ET tube, and the
outer shaft (304) and ET tube (1100) may be advanced together to
intubate the patient. Additionally or alternatively, a separate
stylet may be inserted into the ET tube (1100) with the measuring
device (300) to facilitate intubation.
[0094] Either before or after placement of the distal tip of the ET
tube (1100) in the trachea (TR) past the vocal cords (VC), the
outer shaft (304) of the measuring device (300) may be advanced
relative to the ET tube to align an alignment marking (314) of the
outer shaft relative to a predetermined location of the ET tube
(e.g., a proximal tip of the ET tube or a length marking of the ET
tube, as discussed above). As discussed previously, in some
instances this may align the distal end of the outer shaft (304)
with the distal tip of the ET tube (1100). In variations where the
measuring device (300) comprises a securement mechanism (316), the
securement mechanism may temporarily fix the outer shaft (304)
relative to the ET tube (1100).
[0095] With the outer shaft (304) aligned relative to the ET tube
(1100), the inner shaft (302) may be advanced relative to the outer
shaft and the ET tube to advance the expandable stopper (306) from
the distal ends of the outer shaft and the ET tube. The expandable
stopper (306) may be expanded to an expanded configuration, such as
described above. In some variations, with the expandable stopper
(306) expanded, the inner shaft (302) may be advanced relative to
the outer shaft (304) and the ET tube (1100) to advance the
expandable stopper (306) until it engages the carina (CA), as shown
in FIG. 11B. With the expandable stopper (306) engaging the carina
(CA), a user may determine the distance between the distal tip of
the ET tube (1100) and the carina (CA) using the relative
positioning between the one or more displacement markings (308) of
the inner shaft (302) and the outer shaft or the ET tube, as
described in more detail above. The outer shaft (304) and the ET
tube (1100) may be advanced together until the separation distance
between the ET tube (1100) and the carina (CA) is the desired
distance, such as shown in FIG. 4C.
[0096] In other variations, the expandable stopper (306) may be
advanced until the distance between the expandable stopper and the
distal tip of the ET tube (1100) (e.g., as measured by the relative
positioning between the one or more displacement markings (308) and
the outer shaft (304) or ET tube (1100)) is the same as the desired
separation distance between the distal tip of the ET tube and the
carina (CA), such as depicted in FIG. 11D. In these variations, the
ET tube (1100), inner shaft (302) and the outer shaft (304) may be
advanced together until the expandable stopper (306) engages the
carina (CA), which may position the ET tube (1100) the desired
separation distance from the carina (CA), such as shown in FIG.
11.
[0097] It should be appreciated that in some instances, the patient
may receive ventilation from the ET tube (1100) during positioning
of the ET tube using the above method. For example, in some
variations of the ET tube (1100), a wye connector (not shown) may
be attached to the ET tube. In these variations, the measuring
device (300) may be introduced into the ET tube (1100) through a
first branch of the wye connector, and a ventilator may be
connected to the second branch to provide ventilation therethrough
during the positioning steps. In some of these variations, a
securement mechanism or sealing member may seal the first branch of
the wye connector to prevent airflow therethrough.
Variation of Device with Numerical Alignment and Displacement
Markings on the Outer Shaft
[0098] In the variations of the measuring device described here,
there may not be position markings positioned on the inner shaft,
as was described in variations above. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,
and in detail in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the outer shaft (204) may
comprise one or more alignment markings (214) and one or more
displacement markings (208). In variations of the measuring device
that comprise an alignment sheath (240), one or more of these
markings may be positioned on the alignment sheath (240).
Generally, an alignment marking (214) may be aligned with one or
more portions of an ET tube to set an initial relationship between
the positioning of the outer shaft (204) and the ET tube. When the
outer shaft (204) is moved away from the initial relationship with
the ET tube (e.g., when the outer shaft (204) is advanced relative
to the ET tube), the displacement markings (208) may be used to
measure the amount of displacement from the initial
relationship.
[0099] In some variations, such as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the
outer shaft (204) may comprise a first alignment marking (246) and
a second alignment marking (248). The first alignment marking (246)
may be configured for alignment with an odd length marking of an ET
tube and a second alignment marking (248) may be configured for
alignment with an even length marking of an ET tube (or vice
versa), which may allow the outer shaft to be aligned with an ET
tube regardless of whether the ET tube has even or odd length
markings. The measuring device (200) can be rotated relative to the
ET tube to align the desired alignment marking with a length
marking of the ET tube. While the first alignment marking (246) and
second alignment marking (248) are shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B as
being configured to align with 27 cm and 28 cm length markings of
an ET tube, respectively, (the first alignment markings (246) may
be labeled "27" or "27 cm" and the second alignment marking (248)
may be labeled "28" or "28 cm" in these instances) these may be
configured to align with any length markings between 10 cm and 35
cm. In some variations, these alignment markings may be configured
to align with any length markings between 20 cm and 30 cm. In other
variations, these alignment markings may be configured to align
with any length markings between 10 cm and 20 cm.
[0100] The alignment markings may be configured to align one or
more portions of the measuring device (200) with one or more
portions of the ET tube when the alignment marking is aligned with
a corresponding length marking on the ET tube. For example, in some
variations, the distal end of the outer shaft (204) may be aligned
with the distal tip of the ET tube when an alignment marking is
aligned with a corresponding length marking (e.g., when the first
alignment marking (246) is aligned with the 27 cm length marking of
the ET tube). In other variations, when an alignment marking is
aligned with a corresponding length marking and the inner shaft
(202) is advanced relative to the outer shaft (204) such that the
handle (212) contacts the cap (242) (such as shown in FIG. 2A), the
expandable stopper (206) may be aligned with a distal tip of the ET
tube. In these variations, the portion of the expandable stopper
that may be aligned with the distal tip of the ET tube may be the
portion of the expandable stopper that may engage or catch the
carina (e.g., the vertex of a plurality of prongs, the distal end
of solid foam structure).
[0101] Each of the first alignment marking (246) and the second
alignment marking (248) may have a set of displacement markings
(208) associated with the respective alignment marking. Each
displacement marking (208) may indicate a distance between that
displacement marking (208) and the respective alignment marking.
After the alignment marking is aligned with the ET tube to set an
initial relationship (as discussed above), any further advancement
of the outer shaft (204) may align one of the displacement markings
(208) with the ET tube length marking that was used for alignment.
In variations where alignment aligns the distal end of the outer
shaft and/or the expandable stopper with the distal tip of the ET
tube, the displacement marking (208) may indicate the distance the
outer shaft (204) and/or the expandable stopper has been advanced
past the distal tip of the ET tube. While each of the first and
second alignment markings are shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B as having
ten associated displacement markings (208), it should be
appreciated that each alignment marking may have any quantity of
displacement markings (e.g., between 1 and 20 displacement
markings).
[0102] As shown in FIG. 13A, in another variation of the measuring
device, the outer shaft (1304) may comprise a plurality of
alignment markings (1314) without displacement markings, each
alignment marking representing a 1 cm increment (e.g., 24, 25, . .
. , 40). The alignment markings may facilitate alignment with
odd-numbered ET tubes as well as even-numbered ET tubes. This
alignment may indicate that the distal end of the measuring device
is aligned with the distal tip of the ET tube (1302), as was
described above. The distance the device is advanced relative to
the ET tube (1302) may be determined by calculating the difference
between an outer shaft displacement marking (1314) and the nearest
ET tube length marking (1316). For example, FIG. 13B shows a device
advancement of 2 cm in an odd-numbered ET tube. As another example,
FIG. 13C shows a device advancement of 3 cm in an even-numbered ET
tube.
Measurement Methods
[0103] As mentioned above, the measuring devices described here may
be used to measure a distance in the airway. For example, in some
variations, the measuring device may be used to measure a distance
between an ET tube (e.g., a distal tip of the ET tube) and the
carina. This may allow a user or practitioner to determine the
positioning of the ET tube in a patient's airway, and to reposition
the ET tube if necessary. In some instances, the measuring device
may be used to aid in placement of the ET tube. FIGS. 14A-14D
depict a method by which the measuring devices described here, with
numerical alignment and displacement markings on the outer shaft,
may be used to determine the position of an ET tube relative to the
carina. For the purposes of illustration, the measuring device
(200) described above with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B is shown in
FIGS. 14A-14D to measure a distance between the ET tube (1400) and
the carina (CA).
[0104] The various methods of introducing the measuring device into
the ET tube are the same as those described above for variations of
the device comprising displacement markings on the inner shaft.
Alignment
[0105] Once introduced into the ET tube (1400), the measuring
device (200) may be advanced relative to the ET tube (1400) to
create a desired alignment between the measuring device (200) and
the ET tube (1400). In variations where the outer shaft (204)
comprises one or more alignment markings (214), the measuring
device (200) may be advanced to align the one or more alignment
marking (214) with a portion of the ET tube (1400). Generally, the
one or more alignment markings (214) may be aligned with a portion
of the ET tube (1400) that is a known distance from the distal tip
(1402) of the ET tube. For example, in instances where the length
of the ET tube (1400) is known, an alignment marking (214) may be
aligned with the proximal tip of the ET tube (1400). In other
variations, the ET tube may comprise one or more length markings
(1410) along the length of the ET tube, where each length marking
represents a different distance from the distal tip of the ET tube
(1400) (for example, ET tubes generally have length markings every
2 cm to indicate distance from the distal tip of the ET tube, as
was discussed above). In these variations, the one or more
alignment markings (214) may be aligned with one or more specific
length markings (1410) on the ET tube (1400).
[0106] For example, as shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C, the ET tube
(1400) may comprise a plurality of length markings (1410). As shown
in FIG. 14B, the outer shaft (204) may be advanced relative to the
ET tube (1400) to align the alignment marking (214) with a specific
length marking (1410) of the ET tube. For example, as shown in FIG.
14B, the ET tube (1400) may comprise three length markings (1410)
labeled 25, 27, and 29 (these length markings may correspond to 25
cm, 27 cm, and 29 cm, respectively, from the distal tip of the ET
tube). To set the initial alignment between the outer shaft (204)
and the ET tube (1400), the outer shaft (204) may be advanced or
retracted until the alignment marking (214) of the outer shaft
(204) is aligned with the similarly-labeled length marking (1410)
of the ET tube (1400). For example, as shown in FIG. 14B, an
alignment marking (214) may be configured to align with the 27 cm
length marking (1410) of the ET tube (1400).
[0107] In some variations, the outer shaft (204) may optionally be
sized such that when the one or more alignment markings (214) are
aligned with the desired portion or portions of the ET tube (1400),
the distal end of the outer shaft (204) is aligned with the distal
tip of the ET tube (1400). For example, in some variations, the
alignment marking (214) may be configured such that the distance
between the alignment marking and the distal end of the outer shaft
(204) is a predetermined length (e.g., 27 cm). In these variations,
the alignment marking (214) may be aligned with a length marking
(1410) on the ET tube (1400) corresponding to the predetermined
length. For example, if the distance between the alignment marking
(214) and the distal end of the outer shaft (204) is 27 cm, a user
may align the alignment marking with a length marking (1410) on the
ET tube (1400) corresponding to 27 cm to align the distal end of
the outer shaft with the distal tip of the ET tube. In some
variations, following alignment of the distal end of the outer
shaft with the distal tip of the ET tube, a user may expand the
expandable stopper at the distal end of the inner shaft by
advancing the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft. As shown in
FIGS. 15A and 15B, this expansion of the expandable stopper (1510)
may be accomplished by moving a cap (1502) at the proximal end of
the inner shaft (1504) toward a handle (1506) at the proximal end
of the outer shaft (1508). In some variations, this may align the
expandable stopper (1510) with the distal tip of the ET tube. In
these variations, the portion of the expandable stopper that may be
aligned with the distal tip of the ET tube may be the portion of
the expandable stopper that may engage or catch the carina (e.g.,
the vertex (1512) of a plurality of prongs, the distal end of solid
foam structure).
Measurement
[0108] With the outer shaft (204) aligned with the ET tube (1400),
the inner shaft (202) may be advanced relative to the outer shaft
(204) to expose the expandable stopper (206) from the distal outlet
(209) of the outer shaft (204) and out of the distal tip of the ET
tube. Once advanced out of the outer shaft (204), the expandable
stopper (206) may be moved to an expanded configuration. In some
variations, the expandable stopper (206) may self-expand once the
expandable stopper (206) is no longer constrained by the lumen of
the outer shaft (204). In other variations, the expandable stopper
(206) may be manually expanded (e.g., using one or more expansion
controls or the like).
[0109] With the expandable stopper (206) expanded, the measuring
device may be further advanced relative to the ET tube to advance
the expandable stopper (206) along the trachea (TR) until the
expandable stopper (206) reaches and engages the carina (CA), as
shown in FIG. 14D. Generally, the expandable stopper (206) is
configured such that upon reaching the carina (CA), the expandable
stopper (206) engages the carina (CA) and resists further
advancement past the carina (CA) and into either of the main
bronchi (MB).
[0110] Once the expandable stopper (206) reaches the carina (CA),
the relative positioning between the displacement markings (208) on
the outer shaft (204) and the ET tube (300) may be used to
determine the distance between distal tip of the ET tube (1400) and
the carina (CA). Generally, a user may determine this distance
using the displacement marking (208) most closely positioned to the
length marking (1410) on the ET tube that was used during initial
alignment, as was described in more detail above. In the example
shown in FIG. 14C, the measuring device has been advanced 3 cm past
the distal tip of the ET tube, as indicated by the alignment of the
displacement marking (208) labeled 3 with the length marking (1410)
that was used for alignment (the length marking labeled 27).
ET Tube Positioning
[0111] The measuring devices described here may also be used to
help position an ET tube relative to tissue. In some instances, a
measuring device may be used to reposition an ET tube after the
patient has been intubated. In other instances, a measuring device
may be used during intubation of a patient (e.g., to help prevent
the ET tube from being advanced past the carina during intubation
and/or to position the ET tube a predetermined distances from the
carina).
Repositioning an ET Tube
[0112] For example, to reposition an ET tube relative to the carina
using a measuring device as described here with alignment and
displacement markings on the outer shaft, the measuring device may
first be used to measure the distance between the carina and the ET
tube as described above with respect to FIGS. 3A-3D. Specifically,
an outer shaft (204) of the measuring device (200) described above
with respect to FIG. 2A may be aligned relative to the ET tube to
align one or more alignment markings of the outer shaft with a
specific portion or portions of the ET tube (e.g., a proximal tip
of the ET tube or a length marking of the ET tube, as discussed
above). An inner shaft (e.g., the inner shaft (202)) may be
advanced relative to the outer shaft to advance an expandable
stopper (e.g., the expandable stopper (206)). The entire measuring
device may then be advanced until the expandable stopper engages
the carina. With the expandable stopper engaging the carina, the
relative positioning between one or more displacement markings of
the outer shaft (e.g., a displacement marking of the outer shaft
(204)) and a portion of the ET tube (e.g., a proximal tip of the ET
tube or a length marking of the ET tube) may indicate the distance
between the carina and the distal tip of the ET tube, as discussed
above.
[0113] If this measured distance between the carina and distal tip
of the ET tube is greater than the desired distance (e.g., greater
than 5 cm), the ET tube may be advanced toward the carina until the
desired distance is achieved. In some of these variations, the
measuring device may be held in place with the expandable stopper
engaging the carina, and the ET tube may be advanced until the
desired distance has been reached (e.g., as indicated by the
displacement marking on the outer shaft that is closest to the
length marking on the ET tube that was used during alignment). In
others of these variations, the measuring device may be withdrawn
relative to the ET tube until the expandable stopper is positioned
a distance from the distal tip of ET tube that corresponds to the
desired separation distance (e.g., as indicated by the displacement
marking on the outer shaft that is closest to the length marking on
the ET tube that was used during alignment). The ET tube and
measuring device may then be advanced together until the expandable
stopper reengages the carina. Conversely, if the measured distance
is less than the desired distance, the ET tube may be withdrawn
relative to the measuring device until the desired distance between
the expandable stopper and distal tip of the ET tube is
achieved.
Positioning an ET Tube During Intubation
[0114] The measuring devices described here with alignment and
displacement markings on an outer shaft may be used during
intubation to facilitate placement of an ET tube a desired distance
(e.g., 2-5 cm) from the carina. In this case, the measuring device
may be inserted into the ET tube lumen before the ET tube is
inserted into a patient's airway, and the ET tube and measuring
device may be advanced together through a patient's mouth, past to
the vocal cords, and into the trachea. Alternatively, the ET tube
may be positioned in a patient's airway first and the measuring
device then inserted into the ET tube lumen. After the measuring
device and ET tube are in a patient's airway, the measuring device
may be aligned with the ET tube, as was described in more detail
above, such that the expandable stopper is at the distal tip of the
ET tube and in an expanded configuration. The measuring device may
then be advanced relative to the ET tube until the expandable
stopper engages the carina or until the expandable stopper is
positioned a desired distance from the distal tip of the ET tube
(e.g., 2-5 cm). In variations where the expandable stopper engages
the carina, the distance between the expandable stopper and the
carina may then be measured, and the ET tube may be repositioned if
necessary (as was described in detail above). In variations where
the expandable stopper is positioned a desired distance from the
distal tip of the ET tube before the expandable stopper engages the
carina, the measuring device and the ET tube may be advanced
together until the expandable stopper engages the carina, as was
described in more detail above.
Variation of Device with an Alignment Guide and Colored Regions on
the Outer Shaft for Alignment and Measurement
[0115] As shown in FIG. 16, in another variation of the measuring
device, the position markings on the outer shaft (1604) may
comprise color and/or patterns. For example, the numerical
alignment and displacement markings as described above can be
colored differently to denote different longitudinal positions of
the outer shaft (1604). The position markings may comprise colored
markings that cover longitudinal segments of the outer shaft in
regions, supplement the numerical alignment and displacement
markings described above, and/or indicate position along the length
of the outer shaft in any suitable manner. For example, the colored
regions may or may not additionally comprise numerical displacement
markers (e.g., 1-cm increments between 1 and 10 cm) that may
indicate the distance between the distal tip of the ET tube and the
carina during use of the measuring device. While color is one
method to differentiate the regions, grey tones, hash markings,
texture or any other visual indication may be used. In variations
of the measuring device that comprise an alignment sheath, one or
more of these regions may be positioned on the alignment
sheath.
[0116] Variations of the measuring device that comprise colored
and/or patterned regions in place of or to supplement numerical
displacement and/or alignment markings may be advantageous for ease
of use of the device and/or for reducing risk to patients. For
example, color or patterns may be interpreted by a user faster
and/or more clearly than other variations of markings, which may
reduce the time the measuring device is in a patient's airway
and/or reduce the risk of a user making an error during alignment
and/or measurement.
[0117] Position markings configured as longitudinal segments may
comprise a distal alignment region (1602) used during initial
alignment of the measuring device with the ET tube. The alignment
region (1602) may be configured on the outer shaft (1604) such that
when it is aligned with one of more specified length markings on an
ET tube, the distal end of the outer shaft is aligned with the
distal tip of the ET tube. For example, if the alignment region
(1602) is positioned 27 cm from the distal end of the outer shaft,
aligning this alignment region with a 27 cm length marking on an ET
tube may also align the distal end of the outer shaft (1604) with
the distal tip of the ET tube.
[0118] Position markings configured as longitudinal segments may
also comprise a medial, safe displacement region (1608) used for
indicating proper positioning of the ET tube relative to the carina
(e.g., between 2 cm and 5 cm) and/or proximal and distal, danger
displacement regions (1610 and 1606 respectively) used for
indicating that the ET tube is positioned farther from or closer to
the carina than may be desired. In some instances, the proximal and
distal displacement regions (1610 and 1606 respectively) may be the
same color, but in other instances they may be different colors.
For example, the distal displacement region (1606) may be red,
indicating that the user should pull the ET tube out of the mouth
to achieve the desired separation distance, and the proximal
displacement region (1610) may be yellow, indicating that the user
should advance the ET tube with caution to achieve the desired
separation distance. However, any combination of colored markings
may be used.
[0119] In one example, the outer shaft (1604) may comprise a
distal, white alignment region (1602) that is 0.5-2 cm in length; a
distal, yellow danger region (1606) that is 2-4 cm in length; a
medial, green safe region (1608) that is 0.1-3 cm in length; and a
proximal, yellow danger region (1610) that is at least 1 cm in
length and may extend to the proximal end of the outer shaft
(1604). In one particular example, the distal, white alignment
region may be 0.5 cm in length; the distal, yellow danger region
may be 4 cm in length; the medial, green safe region may be 1 cm in
length; and the proximal, yellow danger region may be at least 1 cm
in length. In another particular example, the distal, white
alignment region may be 1.4 cm in length; the distal, yellow danger
region may be 2.4 cm in length; the medial, green safe region may
be 1.6 cm in length; and the proximal, yellow danger region may be
5 cm in length. However, the position markings may be of any
suitable length and located along the outer shaft (1604) in any
suitable manner.
[0120] As shown in FIGS. 17A-17C, in some variations, the measuring
device may comprise an elongate member (1700) and an alignment
guide (1720). The elongate member may comprise an inner shaft with
an expandable stopper positioned at a distal end of the inner
shaft, an outer shaft comprising a lumen through which a portion of
the inner shaft may be slidably disposed, and a plurality of
position markings. As described with respect to FIGS. 17A-17C and
FIGS. 18A-18C, the expandable stopper of the inner shaft comprises
a plurality of prongs and the plurality of position markings
comprises alignment and displacement regions. However, it should be
appreciated that any of the variations of inner shaft, expandable
stopper, outer shaft, and position markings described herein may
apply to an elongate member of a measuring device.
[0121] The alignment guide (1720) may couple to an external surface
of the ET tube (1702) surrounding the outer shaft (1704). For
example, FIG. 17B illustrates the alignment guide (1720) being
coupled to an ET tube (1702). The alignment guide (1720) may
additionally or alternatively couple to an internal surface of the
ET tube. The alignment guide (1720) may be temporarily or
permanently attached to the ET tube in any suitable manner, such as
through a snap fit, adhesive, or bonding. In some variations of the
measuring device, as is seen in FIG. 17A, the alignment guide
(1720) may also be attached to the elongate member (1700) when the
alignment guide is not coupled to the ET tube (1702) (e.g., when
the elongate member and clip are packaged, for storage of the
clip).
[0122] The alignment guide (1720) may comprise a marking indicator
or positioning area that may be aligned with one or more position
markings. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17A-17C, the marking
indicator or positioning area may comprise a viewfinder (1722)
(e.g., translucent or transparent window, opening) through which at
least a portion of one or more alignment markings, displacement
markings, and/or colored regions are visible. The size of the
viewfinder (1722) may range from 0.25 cm to 2 cm in length. In one
variation, the size of the viewfinder may be 1 cm in length. As the
outer shaft (1704) is displaced through the lumen of the ET tube,
colored regions and/or any numerical alignment or displacement
markings may be displayed through the viewfinder (1722). The
viewfinder window or opening may be fully bound around its
perimeter, or partially bound.
[0123] The alignment guide (1720) may comprise indicia (e.g.,
numerical, symbolic, other suitable markings) to indicate the
longitudinal position on the ET tube where the alignment guide
(1720) may be coupled. For example, as is shown in FIGS. 17A-17C,
the alignment guide (1720) may be marked with "26" and "27" to
indicate that the alignment guide should be coupled to the ET tube
between the 26 cm and 27 cm length markings on the ET tube.
However, the alignment guide may comprise any suitable indicia.
Measurement Methods
[0124] A variation of the measuring device comprising an alignment
guide and colored regions on an elongate member may be used in
methods for determining a position of an ET tube within an
intubated patient and/or positioning an ET tube within a patient,
as is illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18C. In these and other suitable
applications, the user may couple the alignment guide (1802) onto
the ET tube (1804), such that the alignment guide is configured to
surround the ET tube and the outer shaft (1806) when the elongate
member is inserted into the ET tube. Methods for introduction of
the elongate member into an ET tube may be the same as were
described in more detail for the variations of measurement devices
described above.
Alignment
[0125] The elongate member may be advanced until the alignment
marking on the outer shaft is aligned with the marking indicator of
the alignment guide. In variations of the alignment guide
comprising a viewfinder and an alignment region, as is shown in
FIG. 18A, the elongate member may be advanced until the alignment
region (1808) on the outer shaft (1806) is visible in the
viewfinder (1810) of the alignment guide (1802). This may indicate
that the distal end of the elongate member is aligned with the
distal tip of the ET tube, as was described in more detail
above.
Measurement
[0126] With the expandable stopper in the expanded configuration,
the elongate member may be advanced relative to the ET tube. When
there is resistance to further advancement of the elongate member,
the expandable stopper may have engaged the carina. The user may
then observe one or more colored regions on the outer shaft (1806)
through the viewfinder (1810) on the alignment guide (1802).
Depending on the color viewed through the viewfinder (1810), the
user may determine if the ET tube is positioned at a desirable
separation distance from the carina (e.g., 2-5 cm from the distal
tip of the ET tube to the carina) or if the ET tube may need to be
repositioned. As shown in FIG. 18B, if the proximal, danger
displacement region (1812) is visible in the viewfinder (1810) of
the alignment guide (1802), then the ET tube may be farther from
the carina than the desired position, and the ET tube may need to
be advanced, as was described in more detail above. Similarly, if
the distal, danger displacement region (1814) is visible in the
viewfinder (1810) of the alignment guide (1802), then the ET tube
may be closer to the carina than the desired location. However, as
shown in FIG. 18C, if the medial, safe displacement region (1816)
is visible in the viewfinder (1810) of the alignment guide (1802),
then the ET tube may located at the desired location.
[0127] While the viewfinder (1810) is shown in FIGS. 18A-18C as
being 1 cm in length, in one embodiment, the viewfinder may be 0.5
cm in length. In a variation where the viewfinder is 0.5 cm, if the
medial, safe displacement region is visible in any portion of the
viewfinder, the ET tube may be located in the desired position.
ET Tube Positioning
[0128] The measuring devices described here comprising colored
and/or patterned regions and/or an alignment guide may be used to
help position an ET tube relative to tissue. In some instances, the
measuring device may be used to reposition an ET tube after the
patient has been intubated. In other instances, the measuring
device may be used during intubation of a patient (e.g., to help
prevent the ET tube from being advanced past the carina during
intubation and/or to position the ET tube a predetermined distances
from the carina).
Repositioning an ET Tube
[0129] In order to reposition an ET tube using the measuring device
described here, the distance between a distal tip of an ET tube and
the carina of a patient may first be measured using the methods
described above. If a proximal or distal, danger displacement
region (1812 and 1814 respectively) is visible in the viewfinder
(1810), a user may reposition the ET tube (1804). Repositioning the
ET tube may be done by advancing (if the proximal danger region is
seen) or retracting (if the distal danger region has seen) the ET
tube relative to the elongate member until the medial safe region
(1816) is visualized in the viewfinder (1810). Repositioning of the
ET tube may be done with the alignment guide (1802) still coupled
to the ET tube.
Positioning an ET Tube During Intubation
[0130] A measuring device comprising colored and/or patterned
regions and/or an alignment guide may also be used for positioning
an ET tube in a desired location (e.g., 2-5 cm from the carina)
during intubation. In this case, the alignment guide (1802) may be
coupled to the ET tube (1804) before or after the ET tube is
inserted into a patient's airway. The alignment guide (1802) is
coupled to the ET tube (1804) at a predetermined location, such as
by aligning indicia on the alignment guide with corresponding
length markings on the ET tube, as was discussed in more detail
above. The elongate member may be inserted into the ET tube lumen
before the ET tube (1804) is inserted into a patient's airway, and
the ET tube and elongate member may be advanced together through a
patient's mouth, past the vocal cords, and into the trachea.
Alternatively, the ET tube may be positioned in a patient's airway
first and the elongate member then inserted into the ET tube
lumen.
[0131] After the elongate member and ET tube (1804) are in a
patient's airway, the elongate member may be aligned with the ET
tube, as was described in more detail above, such that the
expandable stopper may be at the distal tip of the ET tube (1804)
and in an expanded configuration. The elongate member may then be
advanced relative to the ET tube until the expandable stopper
engages the carina or until the expandable stopper is positioned a
desired distance from the distal tip of the ET tube, as indicated
by the medial safe region (1816) being visible in the viewfinder
(1810) of the alignment guide (1802). In variations where the
expandable stopper engages the carina, a colored region may be
visible in the viewfinder of the alignment guide. As was described
in detail above, if a proximal or distal danger region (1812 and
1814 respectively) is visible in the viewfinder (1810), a user may
reposition the ET tube (1804). If the medial safe region (1816) is
present in the viewfinder (1810), the ET tube (1804) may not need
to be repositioned. In variations where the expandable stopper is
positioned a desired distance from the distal tip of the ET tube
(1804) before the expandable stopper engages the carina, the
elongate member and the ET tube may be advanced together until the
expandable stopper engages the carina.
Removal of Device
[0132] For any of the measuring devices described here, once the
distance between the carina (CA) and the distal tip of the ET tube
has been measured, the ET tube may be repositioned if desired, and
the measuring device may be removed from the body. To remove the
measuring device from the body, the inner shaft and the outer shaft
may be withdrawn through the ET tube and any connectors. In
variations where the outer shaft is temporarily connected to the ET
tube (e.g., by a securement mechanism), the outer shaft may be
decoupled prior to or during withdrawal of the outer shaft.
Additionally, in some variations, the expandable stopper may be
returned to a low-profile configuration prior to removal. For
example, in some variations the inner shaft may be withdrawn
relative to the outer shaft to pull the expandable stopper at least
partially into the lumen of the outer shaft, which may constrain
the expandable stopper to a low-profile configuration within the
lumen. In other variations, the expandable stopper may remain
exposed from the outer shaft during withdrawal of the measuring
device. In some instances, this may cause the expandable stopper to
drag across or otherwise contact an interior of the ET tube, which
may scrape material from or otherwise clean the interior of the ET
tube. In variations of the measuring devices comprising an
alignment guide, the alignment guide may be decoupled from the ET
tube when it is not being used for measurement. In some variations,
the alignment guide may remain attached to an ET tube between
measurements.
Frequency of Measurement
[0133] The measuring devices described here may be used to measure
the ET tube position on a scheduled or repeated basis. In some
variations, the distance between the distal tip of the ET tube and
the carina may be measured according to a schedule (e.g., one or
more times daily, in lieu of daily chest x-rays to check ET tube
positioning, one or more times weekly). Additionally or
alternatively, the separation distance may be measured after
patient movement. For example, the separation distance may be
measured when a patient is moved from one location (e.g., from one
bed to another, or one room to another), after a patient is
repositioned on a bed (e.g., by one or more orderlies or health
care practitioners), and/or after other patient movement (e.g.,
shifting or thrashing by the patient).
Determining if the ET Tube or Measuring Device is Distal to the
Carina
[0134] In some instances, the distal tip of an ET tube may be
positioned distal to the carina and in one of the main bronchi. In
these instances, the expandable stopper may be unable to engage the
carina, as the distal end of the inner shaft (in variations
comprising an inner and outer shaft) or elongate shaft (in
variations comprising only one shaft) may exit the ET tube distal
to the carina. In this scenario, the distal end of the measuring
device may catch on the first bifurcation of a main bronchus, which
is approximately 1.5-2.5 cm past the carina in the right main
bronchus and 3-4 cm past the carina in the left main bronchus. Most
often, if an ET tube distal tip is positioned in a main bronchus,
it is in the right main bronchus because of the orientation and
size of the right main bronchus compared to the left main bronchus.
Accordingly, it may be desirable for a user to determine if the ET
tube is positioned distal to the carina in the right main
bronchus.
[0135] For example, in some variations, a medial, safe displacement
region of a measuring device may be configured such that when it is
aligned with a marking indicator of an alignment guide coupled to
an ET tube, the expandable stopper may be 3-4 cm from the distal
tip of the ET tube. If the distal tip of the ET tube is inserted
into the right main bronchus and the expandable stopper engages the
bifurcation of the right main bronchus when advanced, positioning
the ET tube according to the methods described in detail herein may
comprise withdrawal of the ET tube proximally until the medial,
safe displacement region is aligned with the marking indicator.
This may position the distal tip of the ET tube 0.5-2.5 cm proximal
to the carina (3-4 cm proximal to the bifurcation of the right main
bronchus). If the position of the ET tube is then measured a second
time, the expandable stopper may now engage the carina, and the
relationship of the displacement markings and marking indicator may
indicate that the ET tube may need to be withdrawn proximally again
to position the distal tip of the ET tube 3-4 cm proximal to the
carina. In some variations of the methods, if a first measurement
indicates that the ET tube may need to be withdrawn proximally, the
ET tube may be withdrawn as described above. The ET tube position
may then be measured a second time. If the second measurement
indicates that the ET tube may need to be withdrawn a second time,
the ET tube may have been positioned in the right main bronchus
prior to the first measurement.
[0136] In other variations, the measuring device may comprise a
guiding system that may indicate if the distal end of the measuring
device is positioned to the left or the right of a center line of
the patient. If the guiding system indicates the distal end of the
measuring device is to the left or right of the center line, a user
may determine that the measuring device is positioned past the
carina in one of the main bronchi. In some variations, the
measuring device may comprise a magnetic member that may be tracked
by an external sensor. In other variations, the measuring device
may comprise a light source that may be viewed externally of the
patient. In still other variations, the measuring device may
comprise a receiver that is capable of detecting or otherwise
recording a heartbeat, such that the intensity of the detected
heartbeat indicates a distance from the heart. For example, if the
detected heartbeat gets fainter, a user may determine that the
measuring device has moved past the carina.
[0137] In still other variations, the measuring device may be
configured to determine a diameter of the portion of the airway in
which the measuring device is positioned. A user may use this
diameter measurement to determine whether the measuring device is
positioned in the larger trachea or one of the smaller bronchi. The
diameter may be measured using a mechanical expander, a sound wave
generator, an electromagnetic source, or the like.
[0138] In some instances, airflow through a patient's airway may be
used to determine if a measuring device has been positioned past
the carina. For example, in some variations the measuring device
may have an occluding member (such as an inflatable balloon) at or
near the distal end of the measuring device. The occluding member
may be inflated to occlude the airway and block airflow
therethrough. If the measuring device is positioned in the trachea,
the balloon will occlude the trachea and ventilator airflow
resistance may increase significantly. Conversely, if the measuring
device is positioned in one of the main bronchi, the balloon will
only occlude that bronchus, and the ventilator airflow resistance
will not increase as much (since air may still flow through the
trachea into the other bronchus).
Determining if the ET Tube or Measuring Device is in the
Esophagus
[0139] In some instances, during intubation, the distal tip of an
ET tube may be positioned in the esophagus instead of the trachea.
In these instances, the expandable stopper may be unable to engage
the carina as the distal end of the inner shaft (in variations
comprising an inner and outer shaft) or elongate shaft (in
variations comprising only one shaft) will not encounter a
bifurcation during advancement. Accordingly, it may be desirable
for a user to determine if the ET tube is positioned in the
esophagus. For example, in some variations, advancement of the
measuring device (e.g. inner shaft, elongate shaft, inner and outer
shaft) more than a certain distance without encountering resistance
(e.g., by a bifurcation of the airway) may indicate that the ET
tube has been positioned in the esophagus. For example, if the ET
tube is positioned in the esophagus, the measuring device may be
advanced at least 15 cm beyond the distal tip of the ET tube before
meeting resistance when engaging the lower esophageal sphincter.
The average adult trachea is about 10-13 cm in length, so if the ET
tube is positioned in the trachea, the distance a measuring device
may be advanced beyond the distal tip of the ET tube before
encountering resistance may be less than 13 cm. Accordingly,
advancement of the measuring device 15 cm or more beyond the distal
tip of an ET tube without encountering resistance may indicate that
the ET tube may be positioned in the esophagus.
* * * * *