Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
04:43
Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
Published on: March 15, 2024
First robotic tracheal intubations in humans using the Kepler intubation system.
T M Hemmerling1, R Taddei, M Wehbe
1Department of Anesthesia, McGill University, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, Canada. thomas.hemmerling@mcgill.ca
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|March 30, 2012
Summary
The Kepler Intubation System (KIS) demonstrated a 91% success rate in robotic oral tracheal intubation during its first human trials. This novel system shows promise for improving anesthetic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Robotics
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Tracheal intubation is a critical anesthetic skill.
- A novel robotic system, the Kepler Intubation System (KIS), was developed for oral tracheal intubation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and initial success rate of the Kepler Intubation System (KIS) in human patients.
- To assess the performance metrics of robotic-assisted oral tracheal intubation.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 12 patients undergoing oral tracheal intubation.
- The Kepler Intubation System (KIS) comprised a joystick, robotic arm, video laryngoscope, and control software.
- Success rate and intubation time were the primary outcome measures.
Main Results:
- The Kepler Intubation System (KIS) achieved a 91% success rate in 11 out of 12 patients.
- The median intubation time was 93 seconds.
- One case was unsuccessful due to video laryngoscope fogging.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first human testing of the Kepler Intubation System (KIS) for oral tracheal intubation.
- The robotic system demonstrated a high success rate, indicating its potential utility.
- Further research is required to validate the performance and safety of KIS.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...
01:15Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure
Endotracheal or ET intubation is a critical medical procedure used to secure a patient's airway, often in acute respiratory distress, apnea, upper airway obstruction, ineffective clearance of secretions, high risk for aspiration, or during general anesthesia.
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
01:23Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Oxygen delivery is critical in clinical care, especially for patients with respiratory disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Various systems, such as tracheostomy and the T-piece, deliver oxygen to the lungs, ensuring adequate arterial oxygenation.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
01:28Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
01:24Endotracheal Tube Extubation
Endotracheal tube extubation is a critical procedure in weaning patients from mechanical ventilation. It involves physically removing the oral or nasal endotracheal (ET) tube, marking the final step in liberating a patient from ventilatory support.
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
01:25Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...