University of Florida Research Foundation Inc

Blackbox, Inc.

Dietrich Gravenstein

Samsun Lampotang

Nikolaus Gravenstein

Richard Joel Melker

Michael Joseph Banner

Joachim S Gravenstein

Andrea Gabrielli

Anwer Sultan

James K Walker

Mark J Rice

Gordon L Gibby

Won Young Choi

J E Beneken

Michael A Brooks

Lori Deitte

Robert J Atwater

Various embodiments of the present invention include devices for use in determining the concentration of a tissue energy absorber (e.g., hemoglobin) in an individual's blood. In particular embodiments, the device includes a photometric device (e.g., a pulse oximeter) and an imaging device (e.g., an ultrasound imaging device or other suitable imaging device), and the device is adapted for: (A) using the photometric device to measure a change in mass of the tissue energy absorber within a particular volume of the individual's blood between a first point in time and a second point in time, the particular volume of blood being blood within a particular portion of at least one vascular structure, the vascular structure comprising at least one of the individual's vessels (e.g., at least one of the individual's arteries); (B) using an ultrasound imaging device to measure a change in interior volume, between the first point in time and the second point in time, of the particular portion of the vascular structure; and (C) using both the measured change in the mass of the tissue energy absorber, and the measured change in interior volume to determine at least an approximate blood total concentration of the tissue energy absorber within the individual's blood.

Methods and devices for noninvasive measurement of energy absorbers in blood

A novel connection device, and method for its use, for connecting a volume displacement detection device and a gas composition detection device in line with an intubation tube is disclosed. The connection device allows a user to combine two systems commonly employed by medical personnel to assess the location of an intubation tube placed into a patient. The two systems have alternate means of assessing the location of an intubation tube in a patient and therefore, when combined into a single unit via the connection device, improve the accuracy of placing a tube in a desired location while reducing or eliminating complications associated with misplacement. A kit comprising components that may be assembled to provide a device for assessing the proper placement of an intubation tube in a patient is also disclosed. The kit may be used in any environment, but is particularly well suited for emergency, pre-hospital settings requiring intubation where quick assembly of the components is essential.

Intubation tube placement assessment device

The subject invention pertains to a system for imaging the human airway having highly advantageous optical, mechanical, ergonomical and physical characteristics. In a specific embodiment, the human airway can be imaged during the intubation procedure. The subject imaging scopes can incorporate a malleable stylet which retains its shape when bent, in order to facilitate intubation of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, a solid metal stylet, for example, a conventional endotracheal tube stylet, can be utilized. In a specific embodiment the subject intubation scope allows for a user to utilize conventional techniques for the insertion of an endotracheal tube, reducing the training needed for use of the subject intubation scope. Preferably, the subject imaging scopes also incorporate at least one illumination fiber to convey light to the distal tip of the subject imaging scopes, for illumination of the objects to be imaged.

Imaging scope

An intubation scope assembly adapted to facilitate the positioning of an endotracheal tube in a patient comprising an electromagnetic or sound energy source which enters the vocal cords exteriorly of the neck of the patient with energy having a direction, wavelength and intensity capable of entering the trachea, substantially avoiding encompassing the entire pharynx and capable of being transmitted cephalad substantially between and/or around the vocal cords. A suitable sensor for the energy emitted by such source comprises a stylet assembly, the distal end of which can detect or collect the energy transmitted between and/or around the vocal cords and the proximal end of which can monitor the detected or collected energy to thereby locate the vocal cords for positioning an endotracheal tube therebetween. A system and method of intubating a patient with the foregoing assembly are also disclosed.

Transtracheal energy application and sensing system for intubation:

The subject invention pertains to a system for imaging the human airway having highly advantageous optical and physical characteristics. In a specific embodiment, the human airway can be imaged during the intubation procedure. The excellent characteristics of the imaging system of the subject invention result, in part, from the use of plastic optic fibers. Plastic fibers are more robust than the glass optical fibers used in currently available imaging systems, and are therefore capable of being bent and/or twisted with less concern of breakage. In addition, the lower costs of plastic fibers enables scopes of the subject invention, in a specific embodiment, to be manufactured for single patient use thereby eliminating the requirement for cleaning, special care, the maintenance of expensive inventory, and most importantly eliminating the opportunity for cross contamination between patients. A further aspect of the subject invention concerns a novel sheath which covers the portion of the imaging system which enters the patient. In this case, the sheath and its optional associated fiber optic illumination is disposable after each use.

Plastic optical fiber airway imaging system

A diagnostic monitor checks the carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) content of a gas exiting a patient during endotracheal or esophageal intubation. A plurality of composition portions substantially change color in response to exposure to the carbon dioxide. The composition portions change color in response to different times of exposure to carbon dioxide. A magnifying or condensing lens may be positioned on the monitor to enhance viewing of the color change. The monitor may advantageously be made part of an intubation system through which the gases from a patient exit the patient. The differences in time of exposure needed to cause the color change may be accomplished by using semipermeable membranes having differing thicknesses, CO.sub.2 permeabilities, and/or surface areas with each membrane corresponding to a particular one of the composition portions. An arrangement is provided whereby the monitor is automatically activated by the normal assembly steps of a patient breathing circuit.

CO.sub.2 diagnostic monitor with rupturable container

Described here are a novel means and device for noninvasively quantifying important blood constituents. Total hemoglobin, arterial oxygen content, hematocrit, and other parameters can all be determined quickly and easily without the need for skin puncture or lengthy laboratory analysis. The invention described here concerns the simultaneous measurement of volume changes and changes in the mass of either oxyhemoglobin, total hemoglobin, or reduced hemoglobin. The data obtained by these measurements is used to quantify the parameters of interest.

Method for noninvasive intermittent and/or continuous hemoglobin,

A diagnostic monitor checks the carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) content of a gas exiting a patient during endotracheal or esophageal intubation. A plurality of composition portions substantially change color in response to exposure to the carbon dioxide. The composition portions change color in response to different times of exposure to carbon dioxide. A magnifying or condensing lens may be positioned on the monitor to enhance viewing of the color change. The monitor may advantageously be made as part of an intubation system through which the gases from a patient exit the patient. The differences in time of exposure needed to cause the color change may be accomplished by using semipermeable membranes having differing thicknesses, CO.sub.2 permeabilities, and/or surface areas with each membrane corresponding to a particular one of the composition portions.

Growing community of inventors

Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Dietrich Gravenstein