Laryngoscope Suspension System

Laryngoscope Suspension System

LiSA: Laryngoscope-integrated Suspension Apparatus

MAE 156B Spring 2012 - Team 6

Frank Buchanan - Janak Dadhaniya - Daniel Healy - Young Seo - Allan Yu

Sponsor:

Philip Weissbrod, MD

Director, Voice and Swallow Center

Assistant Professor of Surgery

UCSD Medical Center

To reach the team, click Here. 

Final Design of the Laryngoscope-integrated Suspension Apparatus (LiSA):

LiSA fabricated and set up in operating position:

Problem Description:

Type-I Thyroplasty is a medical procedure during which an immobilized or paralyzed vocal fold is 

augmented in order to improve the voice of the patient. This procedure requires visualization of the vocal folds, which is accomplished through the nasal cavity using a Laryngoscope. The Laryngoscope is positioned just above the nose of the patient during the surgery. 

Project Objective:

To produce a Laryngoscope suspension system that fulfills the needs of the surgeon, which include the following features:

- Ease of use, set up, and storage

- Motorized movements in the vertical Z-direction

- X-Y plane horizontal motion can be adjusted by hand

- Movement control using an interface that is comfortable and convenient for the surgeon or nurses

- Suspension system should attach to the operating table

- Prevent any inadvertent movement during surgical procedure

- Accommodation of several commonly used scopes.

Rendering of Final Design:

Final Design

The final design of the laryngoscope suspension system uses a lead screw to provide motorized vertical motion which will be controlled using a dual foot pedal. The suspension system includes two rotational joints with electromagnetic brakes that will provide the horizontal X-Y plane motion. Adjusting the horizontal motion requires the surgeon to disengage the electromagnetic brakes with a trigger situated on the laryngoscope holder. Additionally, the surgeon can make fine rotational movements using a ball joint at the end of the arm.

Hardware performance

Range of vertical motion– 9 inches (22.86 cm)

Max height – 25 inches (63.50 cm) from the operating table rail

Range of horizontal motion

  - fully extended arm: 90 degrees

  - collapsed arm: 180 degrees

Maximum lead screw torque resistance

  - at 0 degrees:   253.74 Nm

  - at 45 degrees: 72.30 Nm

  - at 90 degrees: 47.12 Nm

Brake testing: Torque resistance

  - Elbow brake: 1.088 Nm

  - Shoulder brake: 7.56 Nm