LARi is a low-cost, single-use video stylet that works exactly like conventional intubation stylets routinely used by anaesthetists to shape endotracheal tubes (ETT) and help guide them through a patient’s vocal cords. The new device integrates seamlessly into their existing workflow, while providing a real-time video feed of the entire intubation process to help navigate difficult airways and ensure proper placement in the patient’s trachea.
LARi is one of four pioneering innovations 42T is showcasing at CES (7 to 10 January, Las Vegas, US). The others include:
- Indi, a microfibre filter system for home washing machines developed with Cleaner Seas Group. The system has received multiple industry awards for improving the health of our oceans.
- FuseOhm, a low-cost, remote and real-time monitoring system to help electricity network operators to extend asset lifetimes as they continue upgrading to smart grids.
- HYBRID, a new range of gas leak detection products featuring breakthrough sensing technology, and developed for US company Heath Consultants.
42T is also distributing printed copies of its latest annual technology trend report, Shaping the Future of Technology, at CES. This year’s report builds on the 2024 edition by highlighting three transformative megatrends helping to drive business competitiveness: usability, sustainability, and digital-physical convergence.
These trends and an understanding of them are providing actionable insights to help businesses create innovative new products and experiences that resonate with people, protect the planet and generate measurable value. 42T’s new report can be downloaded free from here.
LARi is being developed with Turning Mode, an innovation lab for healthcare and medical devices, with 42T showing the first working prototype on its booth at CES (LVCC, North Hall, #8871). The two companies are working together on a commercialisation strategy to help bring LARi to market.
Many intubations are now considered as complex procedures – because of a patient’s anatomy, weight or other injuries – which can delay proper oxygenation in emergency scenarios or cause damage to a patient’s vocal cords, oesophagus and other upper airway structures.
Although existing video-enabled tools can help, they often have significant limitations. Many require specialist training, involve reusable components that need cleaning and sterilisation, and provide limited visual feedback. For example, bronchoscopes allow anaesthetists to see into a patient’s trachea but the scope has to be removed before inserting the ETT, increasing the risk of misplacement.
LARi is the first video stylet specifically designed to integrate with an anaesthetist’s existing tools and workflows to help with fast and more accurate tube placement. It provides a continuous real-time view of the entire intubation process, as well as being easy-to-use and requiring no additional training.
The video feed from the tip of the ETT is displayed on either a customised laryngoscope-mounted display or an external monitor.
