The Design of a Sensorized Laryngoscope Training System for Pediatric Intubation

Intubation is essential for ventilating critically ill patients and involves precise maneuvering of a laryngoscope to place an endotracheal tube (ETT). However, training for this procedure is fraught with challenges. Traditional meth- ods, relying on manikins or training with a single sensing modality, fail to adequately convey important interaction in- formation. Such challenge is heightened in pediatric intubation due to anatomical differences that demand greater precision. Furthermore, integrating multiple sensing modalities into a laryngoscope without changing its size presents a significant design challenge, critical for maintaining realistic training sce- narios. To overcome these obstacles, we developed a sensorized laryngoscope system equipped with a force-torque sensor, a 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), and tactile sensors. This system, validated in a preliminary user study, provides online feedback on angles, forces, and grip strength through an online feedback GUI. Adopting a learning-by-demonstration approach with both experts and novices, the initial validation confirmed the system’s potential, paving the way for expanded trials with more participants.