Abstract: An apparatus, system and methods that comprise adding a removable or detachable carrier containing a camera and illumination to a TEE probe, thereby allowing the user to view the placement of the probe and minimize or reduce the risk of esophageal and pharyngeal complications during the positioning of the TEE probe into the patient's esophagus. The reduction or minimization of complications occurs by allowing the cardiologist direct visualization of pharyngeal and esophageal structures during intubation. This device and procedure eliminate any “blind procedure”, whereby direct visualization of the pharyngeal structures and esophagus present a possible solution to these mechanical complications. Once the TEE probe has been properly positioned in the esophagus, the carrier is removed from the esophagus. The removable or detachable camera of the present disclosure can be used in other industries.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and methods that comprise adding a removable or detachable carrier containing a camera and illumination to a TEE probe, thereby allowing the user to view the placement of the probe and minimize or reduce the risk of esophageal and pharyngeal complications during the positioning of the TEE probe into the patient's esophagus. The reduction or minimization of complications occurs by allowing the cardiologist direct visualization of pharyngeal and esophageal structures during intubation. This device and procedure eliminate any “blind procedure”, whereby direct visualization of the pharyngeal structures and esophagus present a possible solution to these mechanical complications. Once the TEE probe has been properly positioned in the esophagus, the carrier is removed from the esophagus. The removable or detachable camera of the present disclosure can be used in other industries.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and methods that comprise adding a removable or detachable carrier containing a camera and illumination to a TEE probe, thereby allowing the user to view the placement of the probe and minimize or reduce the risk of esophageal and pharyngeal complications during the positioning of the TEE probe into the patient's esophagus. The reduction or minimization of complications occurs by allowing the cardiologist direct visualization of pharyngeal and esophageal structures during intubation. This device and procedure eliminate any “blind procedure”, whereby direct visualization of the pharyngeal structures and esophagus present a possible solution to these mechanical complications. Once the TEE probe has been properly positioned in the esophagus, the carrier is removed from the esophagus. The removable or detachable camera of the present disclosure can be used in other industries.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes releasably attaching an image capture assembly to a distal portion of a TEE device. Next, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly is inserted into an oral cavity of the patient. With the image capture assembly releasably attached to the distal portion of the TEE device, image data of an esophagus of the patient captured by the image capture assembly is displayed. While viewing the display of image data, the TEE device coupled to the image capture assembly can be moved within the esophagus. With both the TEE device and the image capture assembly disposed within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is detached from the TEE device. With the image capture assembly detached from the TEE device, and with the TEE device disposed at least in part within the esophagus, the image capture assembly is removed from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and methods that comprise adding a removable or detachable carrier containing a camera and illumination to a TEE probe, thereby allowing the user to view the placement of the probe and minimize or reduce the risk of esophageal and pharyngeal complications during the positioning of the TEE probe into the patient's esophagus. The reduction or minimization of complications occurs by allowing the cardiologist direct visualization of pharyngeal and esophageal structures during intubation. This device and procedure eliminate any “blind procedure”, whereby direct visualization of the pharyngeal structures and esophagus present a possible solution to these mechanical complications. Once the TEE probe has been properly positioned in the esophagus, the carrier is removed from the esophagus. The removable or detachable camera of the present disclosure can be used in other industries.