Abstract: Video-based laryngoscopes having an external centrally located channel coursing from the handle to a curved blade configured to deliver an ETT to a trachea as visualized by a non-removable, or alternatively, a removable video camera and lighting unit located beneath the external channel. The channel laryngoscope may be made for single use in a patient and discarded, or be processed for re-use. Alternatively, the channel laryngoscope may have a removable video camera and lighting member located within an internal chamber that runs parallel with the external channel. In another embodiment a laryngoscope adapter may be detachably affixable to the channel laryngoscope equipped with the non-removable camera to provide a decontaminated or sterile surface to permit re-use of the channel laryngoscope without having to undergo washing or decontamination procedures.

Abstract: A substantially rigid cannula having a channel configured to sequentially house a slidably removable video camera and to provide a ventilating airway upon sealable engagement of a ventilation extension with the channel after the camera is removed. The camera is connected with a monitor to guide the placement of the cannula and its placement within the tracheal lumen. Upon engagement with the channel and a ventilating source, a breathable airway is established through the cannula.

Abstract: A retractor with a video system that has a blade portion detachably secured thereto is disclosed. In one embodiment, the video system is sealed within the retractor during use so that it need not be sterilized between uses. The blade portion is either reusable, in which case only it needs to be sterilized between uses, or the blade portion is disposable, thereby further preventing inadvertent contamination of the patient. The video system can be detachably secured to a variety of different shaped blade portions, thereby allowing the retractor, with its single video system, to operate effectively as a straight or curved blade laryngoscope, anoscope, colposcope, and the like.