Methods and Apparatus for Optoacoustic Guidance and Confirmation of Placement of Indwelling Medical Apparatus

• US 20140058253A1
• Filed: 04/30/2012
• Published: 02/27/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Original Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System (University of Texas System)
• Inventors: Prough, Donald S., Esenaliev, Rinat O., Petrov, Yuriy, Petrov, Irene
• Granted Patent: US 10,206,607 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/424
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0676 at distal tip of an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/07 using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2505/05 Surgical care
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0095 by applying light and detecting acoustic waves, i.e. photoacoustic measurements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/06 Devices, other than using radiation, for detecting or locating foreign bodies for removing same A61B17/50 ; determining position of probes within or on the body of the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/061 Determining position of a probe within the body employing means separate from the probe, e.g. sensing internal probe position employing impedance electrodes on the surface of the body A61B1/00158 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0411 with means for differentiating between oesophageal and tracheal intubation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0434 Cuffs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0488 Mouthpieces; Means for guiding, securing or introducing the tubes guiding or introducing with laryngoscopes A61B1/267; holding devices on the body A61M25/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3375 Acoustical, e.g. ultrasonic, measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/502 User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/581 by audible feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/583 by visual feedback

Abstract

Medical apparatus are disclosed for optoacoustic monitoring of an indwelling unit of the apparatus, where the indwelling unit includes one or more optical components capable of directing pulsed light into an overlying tissue. The apparatus also include one or more acoustic components in contact with an exterior surface of the tissue to detect induced pressure waves producing an acoustic output analyzed with an optoacoustic unit to monitor and confirm proper placement of the indwelling unit. Methods for using the apparatus are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A system for real-time placement tracking of indwelling medical devices, comprising:

an indwelling medical device;

one or more optical components affixed to the indwelling medical device and adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation and thereby generate an acoustic signal in a tissue receiving the indwelling medical device;

one or more external acoustic detectors adapted to receive the acoustic signal generated in the tissue; and

an analyzer in electrical communication with the one or more detectors, wherein the analyzer is adapted to produce an output that reflects placement of the medical device.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a light conduit in optical communication with the optical component and adapted for connection to, and transmittal of light from, a light source external to the patient'"'"'s body.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the light conduit is a fiber optic.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical component includes a light source that is adapted to generate light locally from inside the patient'"'"'s body.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is pulsed laser light.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is characterized by a wavelength from about 750 nm to about 2500 nm.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display screen in electrical communication with the analyzer.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the display presents the tracking output as a waveform.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the analyzer generates a range of audible signals including a safety tone that indicates desired placement of the indwelling device and an alarm tone that indicates improper placement of the indwelling device.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the indwelling medical device is an endotracheal tube on which the one or more optical components are mounted.

11. The system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of acoustic detectors.

12. A method of real-time placement tracking of indwelling medical devices comprising:

providing an optoacoustic tracking system that includes a) one or more optical components adapted to be affixed to the indwelling medical device and further adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation and thereby generate an acoustic signal in a tissue receiving the indwelling medical device;

b) one or more external acoustic detectors adapted for placement on an external surface of patient on a region overlying the tissue, wherein the detectors are further adapted to receive the acoustic signal generated in the tissue; and

c) an analyzer in electrical communication with the one or more detectors, wherein the analyzer is adapted to produce an output that reflects placement of the medical device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more optical components are provided affixed to an indwelling medical device.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more optical components are provided with instructions for placement on an indwelling medical device.

15. A method of real-time placement tracking of indwelling medical devices comprising:

inserting an indwelling medical device that includes one or more optical components affixed to the medical device, wherein the optical components are adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation and thereby generate an acoustic signal in a tissue receiving the indwelling medical device;

applying one or more external acoustic detectors to one or more external surfaces of patient on a region overlying the tissue, wherein the detectors are adapted to receive the acoustic signal generated in the tissue and wherein the detectors are in electrical communication with an analyzer that is adapted to produce an output that reflects placement of the medical device; and

applying power to the optical components, detectors and analyzer and monitoring the output from the analyzer during insertion of the indwelling medical device.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising continuing to monitor the output of the analyzer on a periodic basis for as long as the indwelling medical device is in place.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising continuing to monitor the output of the analyzer on a continuous basis for as long as the indwelling medical device is in place.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is characterized by a wavelength from about 750 nm to about 2500 nm.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the analyzer generates a range of audible signals including a safety tone that indicates desired placement of the indwelling device and an alarm tone that indicates improper placement of the indwelling device.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising an initial step of affixing the one or more optical components to an indwelling medical device.