A group of innovators has built a cost-efficient video laryngoscope that can help patients in low- and middle-income countries. Hack The Planet, a team of engineers, designers, and medical professionals, has designed and developed this medical instrument to address the challenges in intubation procedures, especially in resource-limited settings.
Intubation is a medical procedure that involves inserting a tube into a patient's airway to provide breathing support. Laryngoscopy is the process of visualizing the vocal cords and the glottis, the opening within the vocal cords, to facilitate intubation. Performing laryngoscopy is difficult when the patient has a limited view, a small mouth opening, or a distorted airway. Therefore, the use of a video laryngoscope, which provides a magnified and illuminated view of the airway, has become more popular in recent years.
However, video laryngoscopes can be expensive, bulky, and require technical expertise to operate. These limitations make it challenging for medical practitioners in low- and middle-income countries to have access to this equipment. The lack of video laryngoscopes can lead to delayed or unsuccessful intubation, which can worsen the patients' condition or even result in death.
Therefore, Hack The Planet has set out to create an affordable and easy-to-use video laryngoscope that can be used by healthcare providers in resource-limited settings. The team has leveraged their expertise in engineering, design, and medicine to develop a video laryngoscope that costs less than $100, which is significantly cheaper than existing models that can cost up to $5,000.
The video laryngoscope uses a high-quality camera and an LED light to provide a clear view of the airway. The device's handle is made of durable and lightweight materials, making it easy to hold and maneuver. The device's dimensions make it portable, allowing healthcare workers to carry it with them wherever they go. The device's simplicity of use ensures that medical professionals who have not undergone specialized training can use it without difficulty.
The Hack The Planet team has tested the device in several low-resource settings, obtaining encouraging feedback from medical professionals. They also plan to partner with organizations and governments to distribute the device to medical facilities in low- and middle-income countries, prioritizing those in areas with high rates of respiratory distress and difficulty.
"The affordability and simplicity of use of our video laryngoscope can benefit many people worldwide," said Dr. Jane Lee, the team's chief medical officer. "Our device can help save lives by enabling timely and accurate intubation, which is crucial in critical care patients. The opportunity to provide support to medical practitioners and patients in need is a great motivator for our team."
Jiangsu Mole Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as "Mole Medical") is an advanced visual medical equipment production base that integrates R&D, manufacturing, sales, and aftersales service. The company is dedicated to creating innovative medical products that meet global standards, including CE, FDA, South Korea KFDA, and NMPA approved products.
In recent years, Mole Medical has been involved in developing medical instruments that are affordable and accessible to healthcare providers in low- and middle-income countries. "We understand the importance of providing equitable healthcare to all," said the company's CEO, Mr. Zhang Wei. "Therefore, we are excited to work with Hack The Planet in bringing our expertise in medical technology to the development and distribution of their video laryngoscope. We believe that our partnership can contribute to improving the quality of care for patients worldwide."
The Hack The Planet team and Mole Medical's collaboration signals a promising development in the field of global health. Innovations such as the affordable video laryngoscope not only contribute to improving health outcomes but also promote health equity by providing accessible and affordable medical instruments to underserved communities worldwide.