Reproduction of the article appeared in Healthtech360.it -> link to the article
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced us to the medical procedure known as “intubation,” which is the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient's airway, especially in emergency situations, in order to connect the lungs with a ventilator, either manual or automated. A videolaryngoscope is an instrument that can perform this maneuver more safely because the physician or paramedic performing it can see on a viewer inside the patient's airway. This is often a life-saving maneuver, as it allows a patient with a compromised airway to resume breathing.
How the MedSniper videolaryngoscope was born
The idea behind the MedSniper project was born in late 2019, just before the advent of the pandemic. An anesthesiologist with an innovative vision set out to improve the videolaryngoscope, an existing tool in the medical field. His insight was to make the device more flexible to prevent trauma during intubation procedures, thus improving the safety and effectiveness of medical operations, and especially to make it remotely usable. This concept was developed with the support of the Polytechnic University of Turin, which provided the technical and regulatory expertise needed to initiate the project, and the company Tiesse Spa. The name Medsniper should not be misleading: here, the term “sniper,” or “sharpshooter,” is used to refer to the precision with which it enables health workers to perform the patient intubation procedure.
MedSniper, a flexible remotely controllable videolaryngoscope
The new Medsniper disposable videolaryngoscope, with a directional tip designed for better visualization and management of the airway, is distinguished by its flexibility, which reduces possible trauma to patients and facilitates the work of health care providers, making intubations safer and less invasive. The device is designed to be used in telemedicine, allowing physicians and paramedics to conduct intubations under the remote supervision of specialists. This is a significant step forward, especially in emergency scenarios where time is critical.
“This is a time-dependent procedure. The first neurological damage to a patient who stops breathing is estimated to occur shortly after 6 minutes, so the clock is ticking if these procedures are not available and you have to wait for a doctor to arrive,” says Andrea Mazza, an anesthesiologist and founder of Medsniper.
The flexibility of the device allows it to better adapt to different patient anatomies, reducing the risk of complications. “We started by working on the flexible part and patented it,” Mazza explains.
The possibility of remote control through telemedicine then allows the device's operational capabilities to be extended to settings where the physical presence of a medical expert is not immediately available, such as in ambulances or remote areas.
Medsniper is designed to be used primarily by paramedics and nurses. “Intubation is a life-saving procedure, like that with the defibrillator, but it involves training and skills so it cannot be delegated, like the defibrillator, to software that acts automatically, but must be performed by specialized personnel, or a physician operating remotely,” Mazza says.
Medsniper connects to a monitor or video recording system via the usb port. “It is important to note that the part of the device that is inserted into the patient's mouth contains no battery, for EMC and safety reasons. The battery is external and recharges via the usb connection,” Mazza points out.
Integrating telemedicine with clinical practice: the example of the MedSniper videolaryngoscope
After passing the initial stages, the Medsniper device was launched on the international market and, as of 2024, is marketed in Italy, Spain, France, and Israel.
Internationalization has enabled it to reach a wider market, responding to the global needs of an increasingly interconnected healthcare system. The ability to integrate telemedicine with traditional clinical practice is a significant competitive advantage, opening new opportunities for device adoption in diverse and complex settings. The ability to videotape the intubation procedure also offers medico-legal and educational value, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.
The role of Tiesse SpA: advanced technology for telemedicine
A key element of the project was the involvement of Tiesse SpA, an Italian company founded in 1998 that specializes in advanced technology solutions and designs and manufactures connecting devices for the Internet of Things (IoT), OEM network access products, and network equipment.
TIESSE has developed innovative software that allows the laryngoscope camera to be connected to a monitor, providing the clinician with an intuitive and reliable interface; the system is designed to integrate an advanced feature that provides additional power supply, powering the motorized components of the device.
The solution developed by TIESSE, explains Lorenzo Ciofalo alo, chief executive officer of TIESSE, is designed to ensure continuous and uninterrupted operation, even during particularly complex procedures. This innovation not only helps to significantly improve operational efficiency, but also increases the overall reliability of the system. In particular, it introduces a number of advanced features to the video laryngoscope that optimize performance and safety during use:
- Doctor selection and contact: the Tiesse-developed controller allows calling a doctor from a predefined list, facilitating immediate access to specialists in case of emergencies;
- Advanced video calling: thanks to connectivity via 4G network, already prepared for 5G, or Wi-Fi, the device allows real-time video calling, ensuring connection with specialists and improving communication during intubations;
- Image display: the controller enables real-time display of images transmitted by the laryngoscope's built-in camera, providing essential visual guidance for the operator;
- Remote device control: the ultimate goal is to enable piloting of the laryngoscope for remote intubation, expanding the capabilities of the device. Viewing and control functions can also be performed locally, directly from the device.
Editorial contribution developed in collaboration with MedSniper