Abstract: A reactor device for simultaneously retracting and viewing bodily tissues during a medical procedure. The retractor includes a blade member for retracting bodily tissues and an imaging device to form an image of the bodily tissues which are exposed by the operation of the blade member. The imaging device is coupled to a display device so that the image of the bodily tissues formed by the imaging device is displayed by the display device. Moreover, a method is provided for endoscopically performing a tissue retracting procedure using a retractor device. The method includes the steps of retracting bodily tissues using a retractor to form a cavity and imaging the cavity using an imaging device mounted on said retractor to form an image of the cavity and to provide the image of the cavity to a display device that is coupled to the imaging device.
Abstract: A multifunctional intubating stylet and laryngoscope, and a method of intubating a patient, comprise a laryngoscope body, and a hollow tubular intubating stylet affixed to and extending generally parallel to the laryngoscope body. An endotracheal tube is mounted on the exterior of the stylet. A guide member is passed through the interior of the stylet and advanced through the patient's vocal cords into the trachea. The endotracheal tube is then advanced along the guide member until it is established in a desired location in the patient's trachea to permit ventilation of the patient.
Abstract: A laryngoscopic spatula comprises a handle, a spatula-shaped portion and a light pipe (2) containing glass fibers, through which light rays emitted by a light source can be guided via the glass fibers. For enabling the light pipe (2) to be easily exchanged it is provided that the light pipe (2) is configured as a detachable part, that the spatula-shaped portion (10) is provided with a recess adapted for receiving at least an area of the light pipe (2), and that the light pipe is fixed in the recess in its final position. (FIG. 9).
Abstract: An improvement for laryngoscope blades is disclosed, for expanding the field of view beyond that directly visible to a person performing intubation. A small endoscope is provided, slidably attached to the blade, and includes an eyepiece near the laryngoscope handle and a front lens near the blade tip. The endoscope is adapted to expose for remote viewing through the eyepiece an additional field of view generally above and beyond the blade tip. The endoscope is slidably attached to the blade so that the endoscope can be advanced and retracted when and as required to assist intubation. The blade includes an upper protrusion extending outwardly from the blade spoon, and a ridge depending downwardly from the protrusion for shielding the front lens of the endoscope from tissue surrounding the lens.