Multi-lumen tracheal tube with visualization device

Abstract

The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tracheal tube, comprising:
 a first ventilation lumen having a first distal end and a first proximal end;   a second ventilation lumen adjacent to the first lumen, the second ventilation lumen having a second distal end and a second proximal end, and wherein the second ventilation lumen is longer than the first ventilation lumen; and   a visualization device associated with the tracheal tube proximate to the first distal end of the first ventilation lumen, the visualization device comprising:
 a housing comprising a distal surface and a proximal surface; and 
 a camera associated with the housing, wherein the camera is oriented away from the proximal surface of the visualization device. 
   
     
     
         2 . The tracheal tube of  claim 1 , wherein the visualization device comprises a partial annulus that partially surrounds the first ventilation lumen or the second ventilation lumen. 
     
     
         3 . The tracheal tube of  claim 1 , wherein the camera is disposed within a recess in the distal surface of the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The tracheal tube of  claim 1 , wherein the housing conforms to the tracheal tube, and wherein at least a portion of the housing is embedded within an outer wall of the first ventilation lumen. 
     
     
         5 . The tracheal tube of  claim 1 , wherein the visualization device comprises at least one light emitting diode disposed on or in the distal surface of the visualization device. 
     
     
         6 . The tracheal tube of  claim 1 , wherein the camera is approximately rotationally aligned with a dividing wall between the first ventilation lumen and the second ventilation lumen. 
     
     
         7 . The tracheal tube of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a fluid delivery assembly comprising one or more openings angled towards the camera. 
     
     
         8 . The tracheal tube of  claim 1 , wherein the camera is oriented distally. 
     
     
         9 . The tracheal tube of  claim 1 , comprising a first cuff disposed around the first ventilation lumen and the second ventilation lumen, and a second cuff disposed around only the second ventilation lumen. 
     
     
         10 . The tracheal tube of  claim 9 , wherein the first distal end is located on the tracheal tube between the first cuff and the second cuff 
     
     
         11 . The tracheal tube of  claim 9 , wherein the visualization device is disposed on the first ventilation lumen distal to the first cuff 
     
     
         12 . A tracheal tube, comprising:
 a ventilation lumen having a proximal end and a distal end; and   a visualization device disposed proximal to the distal end and comprising:
 a housing comprising a proximal surface and a distal surface, wherein the housing is attached to an outer wall of the ventilation lumen; and 
 a camera disposed on the distal surface of the housing. 
   
     
     
         13 . The tracheal tube of  claim 12 , wherein the visualization device comprises a partial annulus that partially surrounds the ventilation lumen. 
     
     
         14 . The tracheal tube of  claim 12 , wherein the camera is disposed within a recess in the distal surface of the housing. 
     
     
         15 . The tracheal tube of  claim 12 , wherein the housing conforms to the tracheal tube, and wherein at least a portion of the housing is embedded within the outer wall of the tracheal tube. 
     
     
         16 . The tracheal tube of  claim 12 , wherein the housing comprises a fluid delivery assembly comprising one or more openings disposed on the distal surface of the housing, and wherein the one or more openings are angled towards the camera. 
     
     
         17 . A tracheal tube, comprising:
 a first ventilation lumen having a first distal end and a first proximal end;   a second ventilation lumen adjacent to the first lumen, the second ventilation lumen having a second distal end and a second proximal end, and wherein the second ventilation lumen is longer than the first ventilation lumen; and   a visualization device disposed proximate to the first distal end and the inflatable cuff, wherein the visualization device comprises:
 a housing attached to at least a portion of the first ventilation lumen, wherein the housing comprises a distal surface and a proximal surface; 
 a camera disposed on the distal surface of the housing; and 
 a fluid delivery assembly configured to direct fluid to the camera. 
   
     
     
         18 . The tracheal tube of  claim 17 , wherein the visualization device comprises a partial annulus that partially surrounds the ventilation lumen. 
     
     
         19 . The tracheal tube of  claim 17 , wherein the fluid delivery assembly comprises one or more openings disposed on the distal surface of the housing, and wherein the one or more openings are angled towards the camera. 
     
     
         20 . The tracheal tube of  claim 12 , wherein the housing conforms to the tracheal tube, and wherein at least a portion of the housing is embedded within an outer wall of the first ventilation lumen.