Patent ID: 8457716
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: A61B,A61M,G01S

Abstract:
1. A method for determining placement of a tracheal tube in a subject comprising the steps of: emitting a light from a plurality of optical conductors circumferentially spaced about a beveled distal end of a tracheal tube disposed in a subject, wherein the beveled distal end is slanted relative to a wall of the tracheal tube; receiving the light returned from an anatomical structure within the subject; measuring a time of flight of the light from each of the plurality of optical conductors; and determining an orientation of the tracheal tube based upon the time of flight of the light from each of the plurality of optical conductors and a difference in path length between the plurality of optical conductors, wherein the difference in path length is representative of a position of each respective optical conductor about the beveled distal end.