Robotic-assisted navigation and control for airway management procedures, assemblies and systems

Abstract

Airway management methods, devices, assemblies and systems. Methods, devices, assemblies and systems may include robotic movement and control of an intubation tube introducer or guide, and may include utilizing image data from one or more image sensors. The methods, devices, assemblies and systems may optionally be used in endotracheal intubation procedures.

1 - 51 . (canceled) 
     
     
         52 . An introducer assembly for introducing a medical tool during an airway management procedure, comprising:
 an introducer housing comprising an axial movement actuator;   an elongate medical tool introducer having a proximal region, a second region, and a third region,   the proximal region coupled to the introducer housing such that it is axially fixed relative thereto,   the second region distal to the proximal region and extending outside of the introducer housing in a looped configuration,   the third region distal to the second region and disposed within the introducer housing,   the third region axially moveable within the housing,
 the axial movement actuator arranged and positioned relative to the third region to cause axial movement of the third region within the housing, wherein the second region moves outside of the introducer housing in response to axial movement of the third region. 
   
     
     
         53 . The introducer assembly of  claim 52 , wherein the proximal region is axially fixed within the introducer housing. 
     
     
         54 . The introducer assembly of  claim 52 , wherein the introducer housing includes an endotracheal tube coupler sized and configured to be releasably coupled to a proximal end of an endotracheal tube. 
     
     
         55 . The introducer assembly of  claim 54 , wherein a fourth region of the introducer that is distal to the third region extends through the endotracheal tube coupler. 
     
     
         56 . The introducer assembly of  claim 52 , wherein the introducer housing is sized and configured to be detachably coupled to a handheld controller, and wherein the axial movement actuator is adapted and arranged to be actuated by the handheld controller to cause the axial movement of the introducer. 
     
     
         57 . The introducer assembly of  claim 52 , wherein the introducer housing further comprises one or more introducer deflection elements that are arranged relative to the introducer to cause deflection of the introducer. 
     
     
         58 . The introducer assembly of  claim 57 , wherein the introducer housing is sized and configured to be detachably coupled to a handheld controller, and wherein the one or more introducer deflection elements are adapted and arranged to be actuated by the handheld controller to cause deflection of the introducer. 
     
     
         59 . The introducer assembly of  claim 52 , wherein the introducer includes a camera at an introducer distal end. 
     
     
         60 . An introducer assembly for introducing a medical tool during a medical procedure, comprising:
 an introducer housing comprising an axial movement actuator;   an elongate medical tool introducer having a proximal region, a second region, and a third region,   the proximal region coupled to the introducer housing such that it is axially fixed relative thereto,   the second region distal to the proximal region and extending outside of the introducer housing,   the third region distal to the second region and disposed within the introducer housing,   the third region axially moveable within the housing,
 the axial movement actuator arranged and positioned relative to the third region to cause axial movement of the third region within the housing, wherein the second region moves outside of the introducer housing in response to axial movement of the third region. 
   
     
     
         61 . The introducer assembly of  claim 60 , wherein the proximal region is axially fixed within the introducer housing. 
     
     
         62 . The introducer assembly of  claim 60 , wherein the introducer housing is sized and configured to be detachably coupled to a handheld controller, and wherein the axial movement actuator is adapted and arranged to be actuated by the handheld controller to cause the axial movement of the introducer. 
     
     
         63 . The introducer assembly of  claim 60 , wherein the introducer housing further comprises one or more introducer deflection elements that are arranged relative to the introducer to cause deflection of the introducer. 
     
     
         64 . The introducer assembly of  claim 63 , wherein the introducer housing is sized and configured to be detachably coupled to a handheld controller, and wherein the one or more introducer deflection elements are adapted and arranged to be actuated by the handheld controller to cause deflection of the introducer. 
     
     
         65 . The introducer assembly of  claim 60 , wherein the introducer includes a camera at an introducer distal end.