Multiple channel tracheal tube placement device and technique for using the same

摘要

According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may employ 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. Because a tracheal tube may rotate within the trachea, the sensing information may be gathered from multiple locations on the tracheal tube for a rotation-independent measurement technique.

主权项

1. A method for determining placement of a tracheal tube in a subject comprising:
emitting light from a plurality of locations disposed about a tracheal tube disposed in a subject; receiving returned light from the respective plurality of locations; determining a placement parameter of the tracheal tube by separately comparing the returned light from each location of the respective plurality of locations with a threshold, wherein the placement parameter is representative of a relative position of the tracheal tube within the trachea; and providing a user-perceivable output based on the placement parameter.