MEDICAL DEVICE AND TECHNIQUE FOR USING THE SAME
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for determining placement of a tracheal tube in a subject comprising:
- emitting coherent light from an optical conductor disposed in or on a tracheal tube disposed in a subject;
receiving returned coherent light from an anatomical structure within the subject;
combining the returned coherent light with a reference beam; and
determining a placement parameter based upon interference between the returned coherent light and the reference beam.
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Accused Products
Abstract
According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ optical sensing techniques for determining a distance between the inserted tube and an anatomical structure such as a carina. The distance information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. The optical techniques may include interferometry.
121 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for determining placement of a tracheal tube in a subject comprising:
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emitting coherent light from an optical conductor disposed in or on a tracheal tube disposed in a subject; receiving returned coherent light from an anatomical structure within the subject; combining the returned coherent light with a reference beam; and determining a placement parameter based upon interference between the returned coherent light and the reference beam. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for determining placement of a tracheal tube in a subject comprising:
determining a distance between a tracheal tube and an anatomical structure within a subject based upon interference between coherent light emitted from at least one optical conductor disposed in or on the tracheal tube and a reference beam. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for determining placement of a tracheal tube in a subject comprising:
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an interferometer configured to direct coherent light through an optical conductor disposed in or on a tracheal tube disposed in a subject, to receive returned coherent light from an anatomical structure within the subject, and to combine the returned coherent light with a reference beam; and a processor configured to determine a placement parameter based upon a signal from the interferometer. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A tracheal tube comprising:
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a plurality of optical conductors disposed on a tube for transmitting coherent light from a source to a location within a subject; and at least one optical connector coupled to the optical conductors. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification