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Methods and apparatus for optoacoustic guidance and confirmation of placement of indwelling medical apparatus

  • US 10,206,607 B2
  • Filed: 04/30/2012
  • Issued: 02/19/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for real-time placement tracking of an endotracheal tube, comprising:

  • an endotracheal tube comprising a cuff having an outer surface;

    an optical component mounted to the outer surface of the cuff of the endotracheal tube cuff and adapted to emit light into tissue surrounding the trachea into which the endotracheal tube is inserted to induce ultrasonic pressure waves within the tissue;

    an external acoustic detector adapted to receive the ultrasonic pressure waves induced in the tissue;

    an analyzer in electrical communication with the external acoustic detector, wherein the analyzer is configured to produce an output based on the received ultrasonic pressure waves that indicates whether or not the endotracheal tube cuff is positioned within the mid-trachea; and

    a display screen in electrical communication with the analyzer, wherein the display screen is configured to display the output from the analyzer as a graphical waveform that indicates whether or not the endotracheal tube is positioned within the mid-trachea.

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