Intubation and imaging device and system

• US 20060020171A1
• Filed: 10/21/2003
• Published: 01/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Gilreath, Mark G.
• Application Number:
  US10/531,692
• Publication Number:
  US 20060020171A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/188
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00105 characterised by modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0676 at distal tip of an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/267 for the respiratory tract, e.g. laryngoscopes, bronchoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0013 Medical image data A61B1/00011, A61B6/56, A61B8/56 take precedence

Abstract

An intubation tool may include an imaging unit. The imaging unit may be, for example, self contained, autonomous and/or single use. Images may be transmitted to, for example, an external receiving system.

Claims

1. An intubation tool comprising:

a handle;

a blade; and

at least one imaging unit,

said handle and blade being releasably interlockable with each other.

2. The intubation tool according to claim 1 having a passageway through the handle and the blade.

3. The intubation tool according to claim 1 wherein the imaging unit comprises an image sensor and an illumination source.

4. The intubation tool according to claim 3 wherein the image sensor and illumination source are located behind an optical window.

5. The intubation tool according to claim 1 comprising a transmitter.

6. The intubation tool according to claim 5 wherein the transmitter is wireless.

7. The intubation tool according to claim 1 comprising a power source.

8. The intubation tool according to claim 1 wherein the imaging unit is connected to the blade.

9. The intubation tool according to claim 1 wherein the imaging unit is positioned at a distal end of the blade.

10. The intubation tool according to claim 2 comprising a bivalve element, said element being releasably attachable to the handle and to the blade.

11. A system for intubation, the system comprising an intubation tool, said tool comprising:

a handle;

a blade;

at least one imaging unit; and

a transmitter;

said handle and blade being releasably interlockable with each other; and

a receiving unit for receiving signals transmitted from the transmitter.

12. The system according to claim 11 wherein the transmitter is wireless.

13. The system according to claim 11 comprising a processing unit for processing received signals.

14. The system according to claim 11 wherein the signals include image data.

15. The system according to claim 11 comprising a display.

16. The system according to claim 11 wherein the intubation tool includes single use components.

17. A device comprising:

a handle releaseably connected to a blade; and

an imager.

18. The device according to claim 17 comprising a channel through the blade.

19. The device according to claim 17 comprising a power source.

20. The device according to claim 17 comprising a radio transmitter.