Abstract: A laryngeal access system includes a laryngeal blade with a proximal portion and a distal portion, an inner channel extending longitudinally through the laryngeal blade, wherein an outer wall of the laryngeal blade has an opening therethrough extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the blade through which an object can pass through the outer wall into the inner channel, an articulating member provided at the distal portion of the blade, and an actuator provided at the proximal portion of the blade and coupled to the articulating member, wherein the actuator moves the articulating member from a first position, in which the articulating member has a first longitudinal axis, to a second position, in which the articulating member extends at an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A laryngoscope blade (30) includes a blade proximal end (32), to be articulated to a handle (20), a blade distal end (38), a patient tongue side (34), a patient palate side (36), a plurality of adjacent rigid elements (40, 50, 60, 70) extending from the tongue side to the palate side, a plurality of joints (46, 56, 66) articulately connecting two of the adjacent rigid elements, and a force-transmitting mechanism (80), with a proximal end (82) and a distal end (87). The force-transmitting mechanism distal end is mechanically connected to the blade distal end. The force-transmitting mechanism is movable relative to the rigid elements in a longitudinal direction. The force-transmitting mechanism proximal end is mechanically couplable to the handle such that, by pivoting of the handle relative to the blade proximal end, the force-transmitting mechanism is moved relative to the blade proximal end.

Abstract: A laryngoscope comprises a blade portion and a handle portion. The handle portion comprises a plurality of grip portions, a bottom support and a top support, a bottom support and a top support. The grip portions are separated form each other. One end of each of the grip portions is mounted on the bottom support, and the other end of each of the grip portions is mounted on the top support. The blade portion is integrally formed with the top support of the handle portion and extending away from the handle portion. Each of the grip portions is formed by a two-part mold technique.

Abstract: An illumination device for a speculum may include a first housing part and a second housing part that define a cavity therein. The illumination device may further include a pull tab configured to move from a first position to a second position. When the pull tab moves from the first position to the second position, the pull tab may be disposed so as to allow an electric circuit to be complete so as to provide illumination from an illumination source. When the pull tab is disposed in the first position, the pull tab may be positioned to interrupt the electric circuit such that the illumination device is in an unilluminated state.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation assistance device for use in assisting a practitioner in performing an endotracheal intubation on a patient. The endotracheal intubation assistance device comprises a thumb member which is engaged with a practitioner's thumb thereby creating a protective barrier between the practitioner's thumb and the patient's teeth. The endotracheal intubation assistance device further comprises a blade member which extends beyond a distal side of the thumb member and serves to expose the patient's glottis in an efficient and effective manner, thereby enhancing the accuracy of a digitally performed endotracheal intubation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laryngoscope (1) that has been adapted to improve comfort during use. The important adaptations are that the laryngoscope handle (4) is offset and in one embodiment the handle (4) is pivotably connected to a receiving portion (5).

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus (110) comprising a first device (120) adapted to be releasably operatively coupled to a second device (130). The second device comprises a detection coil (136) associated with a coupling arrangement (133) of the second device. The first device comprises a sensing coil (2206) arranged at a coupling region (123) of the first device, the coupling region being operatively associable with the coupling arrangement of the second device. The apparatus also has a circuit (125) connected to the sensing coil and configured to detect at least coupling of the first device to the second device through interaction of the detection coil with an electrical signal imparted upon the sensing coil.

Abstract: A ergonomic surgical instrument is provided having a first and second trigger. The instrument comprises a shroud and at least one toggle switch located on the shroud's lateral surface for selectively engaging the first or second trigger to actuate an end-effector. The toggle fixes the position of one trigger with respect to the shroud while permitting the other trigger to actuate the end-effector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illuminated optical laryngoscope formed by an assembly, longitudinally defining a first straight segment and a second curved segment and comprising a main body (1) that is inserted into a tubular protective case (2). The curved segment of the main body (1) is formed by successive segments hinged to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified laryngoscope attachment device for use in “difficult” intubations and more specifically to a quick-attach power generator device that attaches to an existing laryngoscope to provide a means for a second user to help generate a power sufficient to open and/or maintain the opening of a “difficult” airway while not interfering with the first users ability to accurately guide the laryngoscope blade into its proper position. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a power-generating handle adapted to be rapidly attached to the distal end of the handle of a laryngoscope to facilitate oral endotracheal intubation of a patient.

Abstract: A system and method for endotracheal intubation of airways are disclosed. A malleable stylet having a distal end and a proximal end, a charged coupled device (CCD) at the distal end and a transmitter, at or near the proximal end or connected to the proximal end of the stylet with connectors, transmits video to a visualization device comprising a receiver means, a display means, and a display support adapted to be worn on an operator in a position so that the operator can view the display with one eye while simultaneously viewing the airway directly. The display support is typically worn on the head of a physician. A second display can be worn by a student or observer. In some instances, the transmitter means and receiver means are wireless.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anoscope (1) that comprises a back piece (3) to stand on; a handle (6) with a longitudinal axis that faces the front piece (2) of the anoscope (1), particularly the sliding lid (5) and the window (11) when the lid (5) is opened; a broadly piece (7) that is located at the junction of the handle (6) and the front piece (2) and that sits on the front piece (2); a socket (8) on the surface of the atrium (23) of the broadly piece (7); a cylindrical extension (17) inside the broadly piece (7); a sliding lid (5) located on the front piece (2) that can either be separated totally from the front piece (2) or can form a window (11) that opens to the desired extent; a protrusion (12) located at the inner surface of the sliding lid (5) that facilitates the lid (5) being handled and pulled; a tongue (9) distal to the front piece (2) that sits on the socket (8) and manages locking and unlocking processes of the front piece (2) and the back piece (3); and a pillar (21) and a console (22) located

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laryngoscope having two selectable blades, straight and curved, foldable to the side grooves of a handle piece, so that doctors/nurses can react to the need to handle tracheal intubation for different patients, resulting in better airway management tasks. A battery compartment is made inside the body of the handle, providing a battery power source for optional LED lighting, or other type of lighting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a shaft having at least a first portion and a second portion that can adopt a closed position in which the first and second portions are positioned adjacent each other and an open position in which the first and second portions are positioned distant from each other, one or both of the first and second portions housing or forming part of one or more of an ophthalmoscope, an otoscope, a tendon hammer, a tuning fork and a red hat pin. Also provided are improved otoscope heads and means to protect the functional heads of medical tools when not in use.

Abstract: A lifting cap for attachment to a handle of a laryngoscope for facilitating oral endotrachael intubation. The lifting cap includes an undulating side wall that forms a plurality of finger-grip notches. The finger-grip notches enable a second user to securely grip the lifting cap while a first user grips the handle of the laryngoscope during an intubation procedure.

Abstract: Laryngoscope handles including a handle shell having a pair of opposite semi-cylindrical metal or plastic handgrip support members permanently joined together to form a tubular handgrip support and a non-metal sleeve-like handgrip encircling the handgrip support. Rechargeable illumination units for use with laryngoscopes and including a light transmissive end cap diffusely glowing on interior illumination by a least one user indication light source for providing at least one visual user indication regarding the operability of an illumination unit.

Abstract: Metal laryngoscope blade including a resiliently elastically deformable metal blade hook-on fitting for removable double snap engagement into an operative intubation position on a metal laryngoscope handle with a correspondingly sized handle hook-on fitting, a metal spatula attached to the blade hook-on fitting and including a leading tip for transversely extending from the laryngoscope handle in the operative intubation position for insertion into a subject's mouth, and an illumination assembly including an electrical light source disposed toward the leading tip for providing illumination thereat for assisting intubation.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the light source (7) is elastically mounted on the electric housing (5) and it can be pushed back by the projecting proximal end (4P) of the light conduit, when said housing is inserted into the disposable handle (3). As a result of being pushed back, the light source (7) actuates a microswitch (8) which enables it to be powered from a power source (6).

Abstract: A two-piece video laryngoscope includes a disposable handle/blade unit having a handgrip portion with a cavity at the proximal end, a curved distal end portion extending from the handgrip portion terminating in a terminal face containing a LED and a lens and digital image sensor connected with a first connector in the cavity, and a tube receptacle channel extending distally along the dorsal surface of and a vacuum/oxygen passageway extending through the curved distal end portion; and a power/video module releasably engaged in the cavity having a flat panel display pivotally mounted at the proximal end thereof and containing a rechargeable battery and electrical and video circuitry connected with a second connector. An endotracheal tube is received and releasably retained in the tube receptacle channel in a preloaded condition. When assembled, the connectors are engaged to complete the electrical and video circuits and allow viewing of insertion and intubation.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope. In one embodiment a laryngoscope blade includes a main blade portion and blade tip and a blade base. The main blade portion has a posterior surface, a distal end and proximal end. The blade tip extends from the distal end of the main blade portion. The blade tip also has a width that is flared wider in a first direction than a width of the main blade portion. The blade tip is further positioned at a select angle with relation to the posterior surface of the main blade portion. The blade base coupled to the proximal end of the blade.

Abstract: A metal laryngoscope blade with a resiliently elastically deformable metal blade hook-on fitting for removable double snap engagement into an operative intubation position on a laryngoscope handle with a correspondingly sized handle hook-on fitting.

Abstract: Laryngoscope handles including a handle shell having a pair of opposite semi-cylindrical metal or plastic handgrip support members permanently joined together to form a tubular handgrip support and a non-metal sleeve-like handgrip encircling the handgrip support. Rechargeable illumination units for use with laryngoscopes and including a light transmissive end cap diffusely glowing on interior illumination by a least one user indication light source for providing at least one visual user indication regarding the operability of an illumination unit.

Abstract: A laryngoscope and flexible viewing device having means to carry an endotracheal tube into a patient and method of using the device are provided. The device allows a single user to view the interior of a patient's anatomy and change the view to better determine the path for intubation. The device can be used by a single individual to simultaneously open the pathway to a patient's trachea and then deliver an intubation device, such as an endotracheal tube, without the assistance of another person. The device provides several options for the practitioner to both visualize the patient's larynx and deliver an endotracheal tube into the trachea, especially in patients considered to have difficult anatomy to intubate. The viewing device in a preferred embodiment is a fiberoptic scope and the device includes a pivoting means to allow the viewing means to provide a more panoramic view of the patient's throat area.

Abstract: Intubation laryngoscope having reusable and disposable blades, an illumination system, and an advantageous fastening appliance for connecting the blades to the laryngoscope handle.

Abstract: A dual bladed laryngoscope for quickly and easily intubating a patient. The invention has two blades pivotally hinged on one side while the opposing side is open allowing the laryngoscope to be easily removed after intubating a patient. The proximal end of the upper blade has a grip portion which can be moved closer to or farther away from the handle attached to the proximal end of the lower blade to open or close the distal ends of the lower and upper blades. The lower blade of the invention has a distal end adapted as an esophageal obturator for obstructing the esophagus. An arytenoid bumper to prevent the laryngoscope from penetrating too far into the esophagus is preferably secured to the distal end of the lower blade. The arytenoid bumper may have a ramp or wedge shape adapted to deflect an intubation tube through a patient's larynx and into the trachea.

Abstract: A laryngoscope system has a blade with a distal end, and intermediate extent, and a generally C-shaped recess adjacent to a proximal end. A handle has a lower end, a central extent, and an upper end. The lower end has a space between two parallel shoulders to receive the blade and a pin spanning the space to rotatably support the recess of the blade. A suction subassembly extends between the blade and the handle. An optical subassembly extends between the blade and the handle. The blade and optical subassembly move between an operative position and inoperative position.

Abstract: A chargeable battery for medical diagnostic instruments includes a battery having an outer sheathing (2) in which an Li-ion cell (11) and a protective circuit are accommodated along with a charge/discharge module (12, 13).

Abstract: A dual bladed laryngoscope for quickly and easily intubating a patient. The invention has two blades pivotally hinged on one side while the opposing side is open allowing the laryngoscope to be easily removed after intubating a patient. The proximal end of the upper blade has a grip portion which can be moved closer to or farther away from the handle attached to the proximal end of the lower blade to open or close the distal ends of the lower and upper blades. The lower blade of the invention has a distal end adapted as an esophageal obturator for obstructing the esophagus. An arytenoid bumper to prevent the laryngoscope from penetrating too far into the esophagus is preferably secured to the distal end of the lower blade. The arytenoid bumper may have a ramp or wedge shape adapted to deflect an intubation tube through a patient's larynx and into the trachea.

Abstract: The tab on the blade of a laryngoscope presents a flexible hook and an elastically-flexible wall for being inclined towards the hook when it engages a stationary abutment situated on the handle of the laryngoscope while the hook is engaged on a bar present in a cavity of the laryngoscope.

Abstract: A handgrip for a laryngoscope, including a housing made of plastic having an upper end face at which an attachment device for fixing a spatula containing a light guide, and an upper opening are provided, and a closure device closing an open, lower end of said housing, the closure device being movable from an OFF position to an ON position, said upper opening being closed by a transparent material.

Abstract: A laryngoscope comprises a blade having a surface (17) for engaging the tongue of a patient by means of an operating handle (13) manipulated by an operator in which the operating blade (13) lies out of the plane normal to the tongue-contacting surface (17) of the blade. The laryngoscope substantially avoids the likelihood of a load acting on the patient's upper teeth.

Abstract: In a manual control part of the present invention, a transverse section of a grip is formed in such a manner that two arches with centers inside the grip and with different radii of curvature are connected with each other. The radius of curvature of one arch the finger pads of an operator touch is larger than that of the other arch the palm of the operator touches. In addition, a part of the grip formed by the arch the finger pads touch is thinner than a part formed by the arch the palm touches.

Abstract: A device for facilitating intubation including an elongate tube inserted in a conventional endotracheal tube. An imaging device (e.g., a nasopharyngoscope) is inserted through the device, and the device is then inserted through an endotracheal tube. The device includes a control wire and handgrip to curve the distal end of the device into an L-shaped configuration, which is produced via a series of interlinked, truncated ring-like elements disposed along the distal portion of the tube. The amount of force applied to the handgrip controls the degree of bend in the distal end of the device. The L-shaped configuration facilitates the proper visualization of the vocal cords by the imaging device.

Abstract: A lifting cap for a laryngoscope which facilitates oral endotracheal intubation. The lifting cap includes an abutment member, such as a plate, and fastener, such as a threaded shaft, which is adapted to attach the plate to the distal end of the handle of a laryngoscope. The plate extends radially outwardly from the handle a substantial distance to an outer peripheral edge. The lifting cap enables a user of the laryngoscope to abut their hand against the plate to provide a lifting force to the handle of the laryngoscope and to reduce the gripping pressure that would otherwise be required to be applied to the handle of the laryngoscope, while promoting proper lifting direction of the laryngoscope.

Abstract: A laryngoscope includes a body portion having a receiving portion for receiving an elongate blade adapted to be inserted into a patient's month. The laryngoscope also includes a handle that is pivotally connected to the receiving portion and spaced apart from the receiving portion in the direction of the pivoting axis. The handle is pivotable about the axis between a folded position where the handle extends substantially parallel to the blade, and a working condition where the handle extends substantially transverse to the blade.

Abstract: In a laryngoscope, a blade for displacing a person's tongue in order to facilitate insertion of an endotracheal tube into the person's trachea includes a distal portion for insertion through the person's mouth and into the person's oropharynx and an elongated portion extending from the distal portion; the elongated portion is substantially wider than the distal portion and includes an inner side that is disposed for contacting and displacing the person's tongue when the distal portion is inserted into the person's oropharynx; and the inner side of the elongated portion is laterally contoured for restraining the person's tongue in a relatively centered position while the tongue is being displaced. The blade and the handle of the laryngoscope are injection molded in the same mold and may be of the same plastic material. Preferably the blade is transparent for transmitting light from a light source in the handle.

Abstract: This laryngoscope has a blade whose height is tapered shorter at the end that is connected to the handle and whose other end has two pivotally connected tips. The tips are manually operated on by a mechanism that is controlled by the operator's thumb. When the blade is in place and the tips are activated, one tip displaces the epiglottis anteriorly and the other tip displaces the posterior wall of laryngopharynx posteriorly thereby exposing the aditus of larynx for intubation. In addition, the width of the blade tips flare out beyond the width of the blade.

Abstract: What is described here is an instrument having a shaft element carrying an engaging element disposed on the distal end thereof, which is operated via a proximally disposed actuator element which is integrated into a handle for being mobile in such a way that the angle enclosed by the axis of said handle and by the axis of said shaft element may be varied. The invention is characterized by the provision that the handle is connected to the shaft element via a universal joint.

Abstract: The invention is a self-retaining disposable laryngoscope having dual light conductive blades that open and lock apart laterally and/or radially. The invention has two curved blades: a tongue blade and a palate blade. These two blades may be separated and locked apart by a ratchet mechanism in the instrument's handle while they remain parallel. This provides a bite block, pushes down the tongue, and makes the invention self-retaining in the airway. The palate blade may be rotated about an axis in the handle of the instrument and locked in position by a ratchet mechanism to spread the distal ends of the blades. This lifts the palate and epiglottis and opens the airway.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a penlight laryngoscope which is particularly useful by veterinarians in the examination of many animals. It finds use in long nosed animals as well as smaller animals such as squirrels, rabbits and other small species. The penlight is removable from the instrument permitting autoclave sterilization. The instrument includes a barrel portion for receiving the light source, a middle blade portion which has a concave surface and a flat terminal end portion. The concave portion provides a reflective surface to illuminate the area under examination and also adds strength to the blade. The flat terminal end has tapered sides which permit the pushing aside of the cheeks of small animals for examining their molars. The penlight laryngoscope also finds use in the examination of humans.

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: An improved laryngoscope and its method of use are disclosed herein. The laryngoscope includes a handle and a blade separate from the handle. The blade is engagable with the handle for selective movement between an inoperative position and an operative position. A locking mechanism is provided integrally with the laryngoscope which is selectively movable between an unlocked position, in which the blade remains movable between its inoperative and operative positions, and a locked position, in which, upon movement of the locking mechanism to the locked position while the blade is in its operative position, thereafter fixes the blade in the operative position until such time that the locking mechanism is moved to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A pivoting laryngoscope has a power-driven spatula for performing intubation in patients. The laryngoscope includes a handle for gripping the laryngoscope, and a curved spatula blade having one end connected to the handle. The spatula blade is subdivided into a plurality of adjacent, sequentially arranged sections. At least two of the sections are pivotally connected together at a fulcrum. A motorization assembly is located within the handle and is activatable for generating movement. A motion transmission assembly operatively connects the motorization assembly to at least one of the sections for transmitting the movement of the motorization assembly to the section, whereby the section is moved relative to the fulcrum and within a predetermined arc, thereby changing a curvature of the curved spatula blade.

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 handgrip for an electro-optical diagnostic-device set comprises a tubularly-shaped battery housing (10) for receiving variously-shaped energy sources (31, 33, 36, 38) therein to energize a lamp of an instrument head at a second end of the tubularly-shaped battery housing. There is a set of releasable end covers 40 for an opposite, first, end of the tubularly-shaped battery housing, with each of the end covers having a substantially identical cover attaching element (42) as that of the other end covers for mating with an opposite housing attaching element of the housing, but with each end cover being shaped differently from the other end covers, so as to accommodate an energy source different from energy sources accommodated by the other end covers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a teeth protector for a laryngoscope blade which protector comprises at least one cushioning device of deformable material deformed around at least one selected surface of the laryngoscope blade and adapted to retain a deformed shape and having a self-adhering surface character adapted to adhere to when pressed upon the selected surfaces which surfaces correspond to surfaces which would contact a patient's teeth if the at least one cushioning device were not used. The teeth protector is adaptable for use with virtually all laryngoscope blade styles. A cushioning device comprising beeswax is particularly useful in the teeth protector.