Abstract: An intubating laryngoscope providing a standard handle, ready interchangeability of standard blades, a camera, and a magnifiable video display for easier and safer use in efficiently positioning an endotracheal tube through the vocal cords of a patient into the trachea, and for recordation in order to teach the procedure and for legal purposes.

Abstract: A laryngeal blade assembly for a laryngoscope includes a light pipe assembly releasably attachable to a blade, the light being disposed along a major dimension of the blade. The light pipe assembly includes a support which fixedly retains the light pipe, the support further including a bore sized for receiving a non-axially disposed engagement member of the blade. The bore includes a first receiving cavity which is sized to receive the engagement member and a contiguous second receiving cavity having a slotted portion sized to receive only an undercut portion of the engagement member. The support can be axially shifted between the first and the second contiguous cavities to effect attachment and release of the light pipe assembly in a toolless fashion.

Abstract: An endotracheal inspection and intubation device comprising a handle and a blade, the blade comprising a rigid rear portion and a front portion with an intermediate flexible portion. The rear portion and the intermediate portion have a generally L-like cross-sectional shape with the front portion being essentially flat. The blade holds a flexible deflection member with a front end fixed to the front portion of the blade. The deflection member is slidably retained by guide means at least to the intermediate portion with a suitable activator for engaging with a rear end of the deflection member for causing axial displacement thereof, entailing deflection of the blade.

Abstract: An otoscope having (a) a gripping body; (b) a hollow ear speculum, having an outer end adapted to be placed in the ear canal of a patient, said ear speculum being connected to a top end of the gripping body; (c) a viewing port connected to the top end of said gripping body to provide a line of sight through the ear speculum; (d) a light source which is directed through said ear speculum; and (e) a dispenser which is integral with said otoscope for ejecting medicament through the ear speculum.

Abstract: A fibre-optic laryngoscope spatula (1) having a light-exiting first end and an opposite second end and comprising a base part (1) and an exchangeable light-guide part (8) having a first spring-loaded coupling member (14). The base part (1) and the light-guide part (8) are designed to fit precisely together in such a way that the light-guide part (1) can be pushed into the base part (1) from the second end as far as an end position and can be pushed out of the base part (1) from the end position in the opposite direction. When in the end position, the light-guide part (8) and the base part (1) are connected to one another by means of a snap connection and have interengaging surface parts which do not allow relative movement between the base part and light-guide part in any other than the push-out direction. Furthermore, when in the end position, at least one snap connection force has to be overcome in order to allow relative movement between the base part (1) and light-guide part (8) in the push-out direction.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a system for imaging the human airway having highly advantageous optical and physical characteristics. In a specific embodiment, the human airway can be imaged during the intubation procedure. The excellent characteristics of the imaging system of the subject invention result, in part, from the use of plastic optic fibers. Plastic fibers are more robust than the glass optical fibers used in currently available imaging systems, and are therefore capable of being bent and/or twisted with less concern of breakage. In addition, the lower costs of plastic fibers enables scopes of the subject invention, in a specific embodiment, to be manufactured for single patient use thereby eliminating the requirement for cleaning, special care, the maintenance of expensive inventory, and most importantly eliminating the opportunity for cross contamination between patients.

Abstract: The present invention is a laryngoscope comprising a handle member having an upper portion and an internal cavity portion. The laryngoscope further comprises a blade member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the blade member is removably connected to the upper portion of the handle member. The laryngoscope further comprises a fiber optic cable having first and second ends extending from the first end portion of the blade member to substantially the second end portion of the blade member. The laryngoscope further comprises a light source removably disposed within the internal cavity of the handle member. The light source comprises a light emitting portion in communication with the first end of the fiber optic cable through the upper portion of the handle member to thereby transmit light through the fiber optic cable.

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: Instrumentation comprising an automatic positioning and retracting laryngoscope, detachable periscope, and method of endotracheal intubation are disclosed. The device comprises an anterior blade which contacts the tongue and a posterior blade which contacts the hard palate. The blades are moveable apart in a prescribed manner according to the shape of an arm. Manually opening the device causes the airway soft tissue retraction and epiglottic lifting required for visualization of the trachea. The blades remain open via a releasable racheting device. An illuminating periscope can be snapped onto the device allowing indirect tracheal visualization. The entire assembly is sized to fit beneath an airway mask to allow ventilation during the entire intubation process.

Abstract: A laryngoscope constructed of materials including metal components having very low magnetic susceptibilities is described. The battery powering the laryngoscope lamp is a lithium battery also constructed of materials having low magnetic susceptibilities. The battery further includes a unique terminal configuration that prevents the inadvertent use of other batteries, including non-magnetic batteries, in the laryngoscope. A unique lamp retaining mechanism provides for quick and easy replacement of the lamp.

Abstract: A laryngeal blade assembly includes a light pipe assembly attached to a blade having a light pipe disposed along a major dimension of the blade. The light pipe assembly is releasably attached to the blade in a non-axial direction in relation to the major dimension, wherein said light pipe assembly can be released from the blade without the aid of tools. The light pipe assembly includes a supporting block for fixedly retaining the light pipe. The supporting block has a bore disposed in a non-axial direction to the major dimension of the blade. A non-axial member fixedly attached to the blade and sized for engaging the bore includes an undercut portion. An annular engagement member is fitted within said undercut portion for engaging the bore to allow the release of the light pipe assembly when a predetermined holding force is exceeded.

Abstract: A portable endoscope system having an illuminating light guide for transmitting light for illuminating an object, and an illuminating light supply unit for supplying illuminating light to the illuminating light guide. The entrance end portion of the illuminating light guide is disposed in an endoscope control part. The portable endoscope system includes a device for detachably connecting the illuminating light supply unit and the control part, and a connecting device for sealing a joint between the illuminating light supply unit and the control part. The connecting device seals the joint in a watertight manner so that water will not enter the portable endoscope system when the illuminating light supply unit is attached to the control part.

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: A portable endoscope having a control part containing an entrance end portion of a light guide for transmitting light for illuminating an object, and an illuminating light supply unit containing a light source lamp for supplying illuminating light to the light guide. A connecting mechanism detachably connects the control part and the light supply unit. A switch for turning on/off the light source lamp is provided in the connecting mechanism. When the light supply unit is connected to the control part in a predetermined state, the switch is turned on; when the former is detached from the latter, the switch is turned off. An electric resistor may be provided for gradually reducing the electric resistance between the lamp and a power supply therefor from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state as the switch is moved from an OFF position toward an ON position.

Abstract: A light coupling assembly for use in providing light for illuminating an area of a patient's anatomy during the use of a medical instrument such as, for example, a laryngoscope is disclosed herein. The light coupling assembly includes a first light conveyance member having an input end for receiving light and an output end cooperating with the instrument in a way which illuminates the area with the light. A second light conveyance member includes an input end and an output end. The input end of the second member is positioned in optical communication with a source of light which also generates heat. A coupling arrangement is connected with the first and second members for positioning the input end of the first member in thermally isolated optical communication with the output end of the second member such that light from the first member is initially coupled to the second member in a way which prevents heat produced by the light source from damaging the first member.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope blade for use with a conventional laryngoscope handle and conventional means for illumination. The improvements to the blade include a small reverse curve at the tip of the blade to better visualize the depth of insertion of the blade, include a greater width of the portion of the blade proximal to the handle to provide improved means for controlling the tongue, and include a more gradual curvature of the blade to better conform to the shape of the airway opening when the patient is properly positioned for laryngoscopy. The blade may also include a vertical wall which may be thickened to serve as a bite block, and raised areas to define grooves on the surface of the blade for insertion of an endotracheal tube and/or a suction catheter.

Abstract: The pneumatic otoscope includes a speculum which has an elongated preferably generally cylindrical body with a rear end to which a vewing lens is fixed to seal that end. The opposite front end of the speculum is open. The sidewall of the speculum body is closed and defines a generally central space extending from the rear end to the front end of the body. The speculum body also has at least one opening extending peripherally through the sidewall. To the front end of the speculum body is secured a forwardly projecting extension having a closed sidewall defining a passageway extending from the rear end of the extension to the open front end thereof and in communication with the space in the speculum body. The extension tapers from its rear end to its narrow diameter front end which is adapted to be inserted into an ear canal to a point adjacent an eardrum.

Abstract: A retractor 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 laryngoscope is disclosed that has a handle including a mechanism adapted to engage and advance a flexible fiberoptic tube of a bronchoscope. The mechanism is operated by the hand that grasps the handle. The laryngoscope has a blade extending from the handle which defines a surface extending from the handle to the distal end of the blade. The mechanism includes a guide which overlies the surface to define a channel through which the fiberoptic tube is advanced to the distal end of the blade. The mechanism is positioned to advance the flexible fiberoptic tube through the channel. The mechanism also displaces the guide from the surface allowing the laryngoscope to be removed from the flexible fiberoptic tube.

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 portable endoscope system has an illuminating light guide for transmitting light for illuminating an object. The light guide has an entrance end portion disposed in an endoscope control part. A light source lamp is contained in an illuminating light supply unit for supplying illuminating light to the light guide. A filament serving as a light emission source in the lamp is disposed such that the longitudinal direction of the filament is approximately perpendicular to an entrance end surface of the light guide. A spheroidal reflecting mirror converges illuminating light emitted from the lamp onto the entrance end surface of the light guide. A bore is provided in a side of the mirror for receiving a head portion of the lamp. A reflecting surface is provided on an inner surface of a rear end portion of the mirror.

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 wherein the blade includes a tip portion at its distal end which is positioned in a specific location relative to the rest of the blade when the blade and handle are positioned in their normal, operative downwardly directed position. In a method of using the laryngoscope as disclosed herein, the downwardly directed tip portion of the blade remains adjacent an endotracheal tube which follows a given path upon emerging at the distal end of the blade.

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: Disclosed is a fiber-illuminated stylet or probe useful for among other things in assisting in the performance of intubations. The styler has a handle having a light source from which extends an encased, malleable fiber-optic cable capable of transmitting light to the local area to be seen (e.g. in the vicinity of the epiglottis).

Abstract: Improved plastic laryngoscope blade providing increased resistance to torsional deformation and for being coupled to a laryngoscope handle, the blade includes a plastic body including a generally curved spatula portion, a web portion extending outwardly from an edge portion of the spatula portion, and a flange portion extending inwardly from an outer portion of the web portion and residing at least partially over a portion of the spatula portion, and a coupling provided on an end of the spatula portion for coupling the blade to the handle.

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: 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 of a fluid submersible laryngoscope including a hollow handle to contain power supply means and a blade to be inserted into a patient's mouth includes a terminal pin carried on an end portion of the handle by a tubular elastomeric body and an insulation disc located between the power supply means and the end of the elastomeric body. The elastomeric body acts as a fluid sealing means to block access of external fluid into the hollow handle whether or not the blade is attached to the handle. The insulation disc defines a bore through which the terminal pin at least partially extends such that attachment of the blade to the handle will cause the terminal pin to move through the bore and contact the power supply means.

Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in difficult intubation due to malformation of the jaws, tongue, pharynx, larynx or neck as a result of trauma, edema, inflammation or congenital anomalies. An elongate hollow body terminates in a pair of opposed blades perpendicular to the said hollow body being pivotal on two axes. The endotracheal tube used for the intubation rides within the hollow tube on the introducing means disposed in the cavity of the said hollow body. Light conducting means illuminate the larynx and optical means are provided for inspecting the larynx during the intubation procedure.

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.