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: 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 comprising a handle, a blade coupled to the handle, wherein the blade is movable between an operational position and a non-operational position. The laryngoscope also comprises a timer, wherein the timer is in communication with the handle or the blade of the laryngoscope, the timer being operative to measure a time period in which the blade is in the operational position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laryngoscope (1) comprising time indicating means (20). This medical device comprising a handle (2) having a distal portion and a proximal portion; a blade (3) adapted to be inserted into the respiratory tract of the patient; said blade comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion and said distal portion being in communication with said proximal portion of the handle (2); time indicating means (20) adapted to indicate that medical procedure of endotracheal intubation has been terminated or is to be terminated soon. The laryngoscope may also include sensing means (42). The present invention also discloses a method for endotracheal intubation of a patient by means of the aforesaid laryngoscope (1).

Abstract: A tongue stabilizer includes a tongue-engaging plate that is held on a laryngoscope blade by pressure sensitive adhesive, with a foam strip in-between to compensate for any irregularities between the tongue-engaging plate and the laryngoscope blade. The tongue-engaging plate is cup shape to cradle the tongue to prevent the tongue from interfering with the visibility and process of intubation. A protective strip can be used to cover the adhesive.

Abstract: A prism module for a laryngoscope is disclosed. Said prism module mainly comprises a substantially cylinder-shaped first main part extending along a first axis; and a first refractive surface and a second refractive surface located at two ends of the first main part, respectively. Said first main part extends along a first axis and defines a first angle and a second angle with the first refractive surface and the second refractive surface respectively, wherein the first angle and the second angle are both less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical access device that allows access to a pathology being treated while significantly reducing the risk of damaging anatomical structures proximate the pathology. The access device includes a base portion having a central bore extending therethrough, and retractor blades pivotably mounted to the base portion. An insertion handle is coupled to the base portion to thread the retractor blades into the patient. The insertion handle is removed from the base portion, and a core hollow screw is threaded into the base portion to separate the retractor blades to gain access to the pathology through the hollow screw.

Abstract: A laryngoscope for use with a disposable blade cover is provided. The laryngoscope comprises a handle and a blade. The laryngoscope further comprises an actuator system for selectively securing the disposable blade cover about at least a portion of the blade.

Abstract: A double vision endotracheal tube installation system is disclosed, said system comprising: a laryngoscope, comprising a handgrip and a blade, wherein the blade comprises a first image-capturing unit for capturing a first image; a hollow endotracheal tube; a tracheoscope, comprising a second image-capturing unit for capturing a second image, said second image-capturing unit being wrapped in the endotracheal tube; and at least one display for displaying said first image and second image.

Abstract: This invention provides a laryngoscope blade, wherein the blade comprises a tube having an opening along one side. This invention further provides a laryngoscope blade comprising at its front portion a first surface for lifting the epiglottis of a patient and a second surface for fixing the portion of the posterior part of the vocal cords of the patient.

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: One aspect of the present invention provides a laryngoscope comprising a blade; a doployable mirror, and an operating mechanism, the operating mechanism being arranged to deploy the mirror. The mirror is pivotable with respect to the blade and the arrangement is such that an initial operation of the operating mechanism causes the mirror to be deployed while further operation of the operating mechanism causes the mirror to be pivoted with respect to the blade. In the preferred embodiment, the blade has a pivotable tip which is also operable by the operating mechanism. The deployment of the mirror, the pivoting of the mirror 30 and the pivoting of the tip 18 can all be performed by operation of a single operating mechanism, preferably in the form of a simple lever. The laryngoscope may therefore readily be operated using only one hand and without the need for any dextrous finger movements.

Abstract: A laryngoscopes blade of the disposable variety for use with a Fiber Optic Green System Handle having a blade portion made from stainless steel and a heel portion made from thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminated airway product that will allow visualization of the airway of a patient during intubation. The illuminated airway product includes a light source such as an LED disposed at its distal end. The LED shines axially, radially, or in both directions from the airway intubation device. The airway product includes an on-board voltage source. Hence, no additional or external voltage sources or components are necessary to light the device. The airway device may further include one or more lumens or tubes for delivering air, suctioning debris or fluids, delivering medicine, radio-opaqueness, etc. An inflatable cuff may be associated with the endotracheal tube such that collateral flow of air is prevented. An inflation lumen or tube is fluidly coupled to the inflatable cuff. The shape of the endotracheal tube may be adjusted either by use of a stylet or suction trocar made out of a malleable material such as aluminum or by inclusion of a malleable wire within the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical devices used in the procedures of orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation procedures are commonly employed to secure a controlled airway and to deliver inhalant oxygen, anesthetic gases, and other therapeutic agents into the trachea and lungs of human and veterinary patients. Such intubation procedures carry a significant risk of dental injury resulting from contact between the laryngoscope blade used for visualization during intubation. The present invention provides an apparatus to reduce dental injury including a modified laryngoscope blade and a disposable insert which is designed to be received and retained in a single step by the modified laryngoscope blade. The disposable insert may be quickly secured by the user, and reduces both direct pressure and shear forces on the maxillary incisor teeth when the laryngoscope blade is placed in a patient's mouth during intubation.

Abstract: A combination laryngoscope and video display for providing images of the area ahead of the laryngoscope to facilitate insertion without damaging the surrounding tissue; the laryngoscope having a detachable blade and a rigid, detachable light and image guide attachment device for providing illuminating light ahead of the blade and for detecting the reflected light.

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: Disclosed herein is a novel surgical instrument, and method of using same, designed for performing tracheotomy. According to specific embodiments, the subject surgical instrument comprises a novel foot plate that is anatomically curved to follow the contours of the inner wall of the trachea.

Abstract: A combination laryngoscope and video display for providing images of the area ahead of the laryngoscope to facilitate insertion without damaging the surrounding tissue; the laryngoscope having a detachable blade and a rigid, detachable light and image guide attachment device for providing illuminating light ahead of the blade and for detecting the reflected light.

Abstract: This invention refers to an optical-light emitting laryngoscope, consisting of a body (1) that contains two independent ducts (3, 4), one of which is free while the other contains optical elements (12), with a straight section followed by a section that is anatomically curved, the end of which is finished by three guide walls (16) for the oral-tracheal tube that has been inserted, while it is possible to observe the movements of the same in a real image through a magnification lens (6) and the optical elements (12), the optical duct being protected by a transparent shell (30), achieving correct positioning of the oral-tracheal tube (15), this invention being designed for oral-tracheal intubation, in operating theaters, emergency wards and out-patient facilities, etc. The body of the laryngoscope (31) may contain a single duct (4) which contains the optical elements (12).

Abstract: A laryngoscope and viewing system configured to provide imaging of a patient's airway passage during intubation is described. In one embodiment, the described device includes a handle; a blade attached to the handle, a flange attached to one side of the blade; a transmission cable connected to the opposite side of the blade; and a camera connected to the transmission cable, wherein the camera is offset from the blade in at least one of the X plane and the Y plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminated airway product that will allow visualization of the airway of a patient during intubation. The illuminated airway product includes a light source such as an LED disposed at its distal end. The LED shines axially, radially, or in both directions from the airway intubation device. The airway product includes an on-board voltage source. Hence, no additional or external voltage sources or components are necessary to light the device. The airway device may further include one or more lumens or tubes for delivering air, suctioning debris or fluids, delivering medicine, radio-opaqueness, etc. An inflatable cuff may be associated with the endotracheal tube such that collateral flow of air is prevented. An inflation lumen or tube is fluidly coupled to the inflatable cuff. The shape of the endotracheal tube may be adjusted either by use of a stylet or suction trocar made out of a malleable material such as aluminum or by inclusion of a malleable wire within the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spreadable medical instrument, comprising a handle part and at least two spatula elements which are connected to said handle part and, via at least one adjusting mechanism, can be adjusted parallel or at an angle to one another between an initial position, in which the spatula elements rest against one another, and at least one working position. In the working position, the individual spatula elements are spaced at intervals so that they form lateral gaps at least in the distal area, and when the spatula elements are in a working position, these lateral gaps between the spatula elements can be covered almost entirely by swiveling flap elements.

Abstract: A vaginal suppository delivery device includes a pincer body having upper and lower clamp members that cooperate to confine a passage, a sleeve member, and a push rod. The clamp members have connecting and clamp end sections. The sleeve member is movable toward the connecting and clamp end sections of the clamp members so as to permit the clamp end sections to move away from and toward each other, thereby permitting a suppository to be disposed and clamped in a drug receiving groove in the passage. The push rod has an operating end that is operable so as to enable a drug pushing end to push the suppository to move out of the passage after the pincer body has been inserted into a vaginal cavity, thereby delivering the suppository into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A fastening element is provided for securing a rod-shaped element to a shaft of a medical instrument. The fastening element comprises a bracket for engaging at least partially the circumference of the rod-shaped element, where the bracket can be inserted into a side opening of the shaft portion. The fastening element further comprises a tensioning mechanism, which when actuated draws the bracket in the direction out of the opening, thereby clamping the rod-shaped element to the shaft portion. The clamping force of the tensioning mechanism for clamping the rod-shaped element is continuously adjustable when actuating the tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: A laryngoscope, especially for introducing a tube into the trachea, comprises a laryngoscope spatula of substantially straight shape and a handle. The laryngoscope spatula is configured, at least in part, as a tubular hollow body, with a longitudinal opening, extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the laryngoscope spatula, formed laterally in the laryngoscope spatula.

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 tongue depressor and throat viewing assembly which includes a disposable flat blade for depressing the tongue of a subject in order to expose his larynx for inspection so that its condition can be diagnosed. Attachable to the trailing end of the blade is a light source and throat viewer unit which projects a light beam to illuminate the exposed larynx and to obtain a digital image thereof which is conveyed to an external computer monitor station. At this station, the image is exhibited on a screen, and is stored in a database for future use.

Abstract: A laryngeal airway device for scaling against the laryngeal opening includes an air tube with proximal and distal ends and a sealing member attached to the distal end. The sealing member includes a coupler for coupling the device to an introducer. Complementing the laryngeal airway device is an introducer that includes a track for receiving the coupler of the laryngeal airway device and guiding the sealing member to a sealing position with respect to the laryngeal inlet. The introducer may include an epiglottic engager on a distal end to engage the epiglottis and retain it while the sealing member is being tracked to engagement with the laryngeal inlet.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for a laryngoscope includes a housing which supports an axially movable miniature lamp assembly in the instrument handle and includes at least one sealing member which provides a fluid tight seal for the electrical contacts of the lamp assembly and the power supply of the laryngoscope regardless of the axial position of the lamp assembly.

Abstract: A laryngoscope having a flexible blade which is hinged and having in the handle articulation control for the hinged portion of the blade as well as an actuator for a pair of balloons on the blade connected with double-lumen tubes.

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: Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a pulse meter comprising a pen body installed with a counting microprocessor, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a counter are installed on the proper position of the pen body. The counting microprocessor is connected with the LCD and the counting key. One hand may press a tested person or a patient for sensing the beat of the pulse thereof, and the other hand serves to press a counting key to count the times of the pulse, and thus the frequency of the pulse can be input into the counting microprocessor. Next, the counting microprocessor can derive the pulse number per minute and then display the result in the LCD. Since only a short period of pulse beat is necessary to be input the counting microprocessor. Thus the pulse frequency can be derived in a very short time and much time is saved.

Abstract: An anesthetic laryngoscope for manual oxygen jet-ventilation, including a handle with a handle housing having a lower end, a first oxygen supply tube, and a battery container mounted in the handle housing. A blade having an observation light and a second oxygen supply tube mounted thereon is mounted on the lower end of the handle means. The first oxygen supply tube is connected to the second oxygen supply tube, and a manual oxygen on/off valve is provided on one of the first and second oxygen supply tubes. Preferably, the manual oxygen on/off valve is a manually controlled two-position, two-way valve to enable generation of a pulsing supply of oxygen through an ejector nozzle at the end of the second oxygen supply tube.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope blade, where the lingual side of the blade, being the side that is presented against a patient's tongue during examination, defines a concave area which defines a cavity which allows the patient's tongue to be cradled during the examination, and where the curved descending sides of the blade proiaote and urge the tongue into the cavity area, and prevent the tongue from flattening out sufficiently so as to curve over onto the top side of the blade, where the view of the patient's airway would be obstructed.

Abstract: A suction tube for use with a laryngoscope comprises a suction tube configured in the general profile of a laryngoscope, having an elongated clip which may be snapped on to the handle of a laryngoscope and easily removed after use. The device enables the user to work with the laryngoscope, the suction tube, and an airway tube all at the same time to accomplish oral intubation efficiently and without distractions.

Abstract: A universal modular glottiscope system includes a set of differently dimensioned elongate tubular elements for insertion into a patient's larynx for laryngoscopic procedures or intubation. Each tubular element has a substantially triangular cross-section distally defined by a substantially planar base and two curved sides which intersect at an apex line and may have varying curvature between the apex line and the base. A distal end opening is defined by an intersection of the cross-section with an imaginary plane at a selected angle to the longitudinal direction of the tubular element. At the proximal end of each tubular element, which is D-shaped in configuration and wider than the distal end, is provided a pair of opposed end slots intermediate the apex line and the base. The planar base is detachable. Above the slots, adjacent the proximal end of each tubular element, is a standardized handle-attachment fitting.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an endoscope system which includes an endoscope, specifically a laryngoscope, having a handle, a blade connected with the handle and means including an optical eyepiece through which an area immediately in front of the distal end of the blade may be viewed along the optical axis of the eyepiece. The system also utilizes an arrangement including a camera and monitor for displaying the area immediately in front of the blade when the camera is mounted to the eyepiece. A coupling member connectable to the camera is provided for mounting the camera to the eyepiece and locking means forming part of the coupling member and part of the eyepiece is provided for preventing the coupling member and therefore the camera from rotating in a plane normal to the optical axis of the eyepiece and for preventing the coupling member and therefore the camera from rocking in a plane parallel with the optical axis.

Abstract: A laryngoscope, for use in intubating a patient's trachea, especially in emergency situations. The laryngoscope has a camera mounted in the vicinity of a distal end of its blade to observe the patient's trachea opening and other oral internal structures in a visual field. The camera is connected, typically via a fiberoptic cable, to a lightweight portable television screen, preferably mounted on the laryngoscope handle, for displaying the visual field to the a Professional Intubator so as to enable him or her to observe continuously the trachea opening and other oral internal structures as he or she manipulates the intubating instrument. The laryngoscope with the camera and screen thereon preferably is held in one of the Professional Intubator's hands to lift and move aside the patient's tongue steadily and constantly. The other hand of the Professional Intubator then is free to manipulate the intubating instrument.

Abstract: The invention is a laryngoscope having an image sensor assembly mounted thereto for providing video imaging of a patient's airway passage. The laryngoscope includes a distal end having a tip adapted for contact with tissue of an airway passage and an image sensor assembly mounted to a convex surface of the laryngoscope body so that an image sensor of the assembly is angled away from a tissue contacted by the tip when the laryngoscope is in use. In one embodiment, the image sensor assembly is slidably mounted on a track formed on a curved section of a laryngoscope body so that sliding of the image sensor assembly along the track adjusts the distance of the assembly from a target, and further adjusting the orientation angle of the image sensor assembly.

Abstract: A disposable laryngoscope blade connects to a handle especially to facilitate endotracheal intubation of a patient. The blade includes a base portion that attaches to the handle, and an elongated blade portion extends from a proximal end to terminate in a distal tip. The blade portion is arcuate and flattened so as to have a flat upper wall and a flat lower wall joined at lateral edges, and the lateral edges converge toward the distal tip. The blade includes a passageway therethrough so that a vacuum source may attach to a nipple near the proximal end and an inlet port is formed near the distal tip so that fluids may pass through the blade portion. The handle carries a battery power source and electrical contacts. The base portion of the blade also has contacts so that, when the blade is mounted a circuit is completed to power a light source disposed on the blade portion.

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: An endoscopic instrument for controlled introduction of tubular members in the body includes a blade assembly having a blade for being introduced in the body to retract or manipulate anatomical tissue for introduction of a tubular member at a site in the body, a tubular member assembly having a tubular member with a distal end for being introduced at the site in the body and a remote viewing assembly having a distal end for being positioned in the body to permit introduction of the tubular member at the site in the body to be confirmed visually at a location remote from the site in the body. The distal end of the tubular member and the distal end of the remote viewing device are movable along the blade to introduce the tubular member distal end at the site in the body.

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: An improved laryngoscope blade is described wherein the blade includes an anesthetic-containing reservoir. In a first preferred embodiment for providing an anesthetic spray at the distal end of the blade, the blade includes a conduit for providing fluid communication between the reservoir and the distal end of the blade and a fluid delivery means for expelling the anesthetic from the reservoir and for propelling it through the conduit. In a second preferred embodiment for providing an anesthetic gel to the upper surface of the blade, the blade includes a fluid conduit manifold for providing fluid communication between the reservoir and the upper surface of the blade. In an alternative preferred embodiment for providing an anesthetic gel to the tipper surface of the blade, the blade includes a porous layer located on the upper surface of the blade, the porous layer being adapted to contain an anesthetic gel.

Abstract: A laryngoscope handle includes a switch assembly for creating an electrical circuit between a lamp and a battery when a laryngoscope blade attached to the handle is moved into a working position.

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).