Abstract: Laryngoscope apparatus including a curved laryngoscope blade and an optical system for affording a field of view along a deflected line of sight for reducing patient manipulation and/or the degree of force required to achieve a good glottic view.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing removable, pluggable and disposable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various rigid, flexible or expandable single use medical or industrial devices with an access channel, can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and/or image capture devices, and airtight means for suction and delivery within the device. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for 2D and 3D imaging, or for certain diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laryngoscope comprising a handle and an insertion section which extends from the handle, wherein the insertion section comprises a tube guide for retaining and guiding an endotracheal tube during intubation, wherein the handle comprises at least one external tube engaging formation, such as a tube guiding member or tube retaining member. There is also disclosed a laryngoscope having a handle and insertion section which adapted to detachably retain and guide an endotracheal tube along a lateral side of the insertion section and handle such that a retained endotracheal tube is continuously curved, and preferably under flexural tension, from the most proximal location where the handle contacts the retained endotracheal tube to the most distal location where the insertion section contacts the superior side of a retained endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A co-axial oral intubation device includes a generally J-shaped blade (flat or curved) with handle portion to deliver a flexible airway instrument, such as a fiber optic bronchoscope, when coupled to the blade into the trachea of a patient for subsequent co-axial intubation with the flexible airway instrument. The blade is long enough that the handle portion remains outside the patient for manipulation, after insertion into the patient's airway. An enclosed guide is coupled to the back side of the blade, conforming to the blade, for guiding and holding the flexible airway instrument. An oral intubation system includes the co-axial oral intubation device, together with a flexible airway instrument.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate improving visualization associated with intubation. A dynamical articulating laryngoscope can include a handle assembly and a blade assembly. The blade assembly can further include a main blade assembly, a proximal blade assembly, and a distal blade assembly. A medium control articulation point can couple the main blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly, and a fine control articulation point can couple the distal blade assembly and the proximal blade assembly. Further, the proximal blade assembly can pivot relative to the main blade assembly around the medium control articulation point and/or the distal blade assembly can pivot relative to the proximal blade assembly around the fine control articulation point. Pivoting about the medium control articulation point and/or the fine control articulation point can be effectuated by one or more blade control components.

Abstract: An embodiment encompassing reusable video laryngoscopes that are insertable into transparent or non-transparent disposable sheaths having clear optically clear viewing windows that receive contact with camera lens. The reusable video laryngoscopes are configured to be detachably secured by locking tabs located in the transparent or non-transparent disposable sheaths with complementary shaped posts and ledges of the video laryngoscopes. The video laryngoscopes that are secured into the transparent or non-transparent disposable sheaths may be inserted into the patient's mouth to provide clear camera viewing through the optically clear window ports of the transparent or non-transparent disposable sheaths to allow endotracheal procedures to be undertaken. The transparent or non-transparent disposable sheaths are sterilizable and may be used just once for a given patient. The video laryngoscopes in the form of a baton are detachably removeable from the disposable sheath exposed to a patient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for laryngeal examination of a subject (1) during exercise on apparatus such as a treadmill (2), for example to detect laryngeal dysfunction such as vocal cord dysfunction or exercise-induced laryngomalacia. The apparatus comprises a support unit (11) attached to the head (10) of the subject, and a laryngoscope (15) attached to the support unit. The subject exercises whilst the support unit and laryngoscope are attached to the subject. A fibre optic (18) of the laryngoscope is used for transnasal laryngoscopy during exercise and images are stored in a recording device (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a luminous optical laryngoscope having a heating device built into the end that is inserted into the patient or the distal end thereof in order to prevent the formation of condensation and to facilitate viewing inside the patient through the laryngoscope.

Abstract: A laryngoscope blade which improves the transmission of light from the laryngoscope to enhance the amount of light reflected from an area of interest in a patient. The laryngoscope blade has a channel which extends at least partially though the blade and receives a light source. The channel has a substantially transparent end face which is situated towards the blade end and has an optical clement adapted to reduce the ambient light signal from the light source in the channel.

Abstract: A multipurpose surgical platform and intubation apparatus for ENT or Surgery with a lifting bar handle, video scope passage and multiple operating channels is described. The surgical platform may have a number of configurations and methods of assembly having an operating stage to allow delivery of the relevant scopes and tools reliably and with an angulation that reduces the mechanical force required to obtain the access needed for diagnosis and therapy. Laser surgery, smoke evacuation and jet ventilation are design features provided by the single-use surgical platform and intubation apparatus.

Abstract: An adapter for removably coupling a camera to a laryngoscope and a laryngoscope and system using same is disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes an adapter for removably coupling a camera to a laryngoscope, the laryngoscope having a laryngoscope blade with a first end and a second end. The adapter includes an adapter body having a first attachment member for attaching the adapter body to a laryngoscope and a second attachment member for attaching a camera to the adapter body and for holding the camera in a predetermined orientation with respect to the laryngoscope.

Abstract: A device, a system, and a method for intubation are disclosed. The intubation device includes a handle disposed at a proximal end of the intubation device, a guiding tip having a camera disposed at a distal end of the intubation device, an inter-trachea tube connecting the handle and the guiding tip. The camera is configured to guide insertion of an intra-trachea tube into a patient, wherein the guiding tip is configured to be inserted inside the intra-trachea tube while the handle remains outside the intra-trachea tube.

Abstract: An emergency ventilation apparatus, system, and method for providing ventilation to patients in emergency situations, the system comprising an angled laryngoscope handle and a ventilation-aid securement device. The handle is configured to hold a laryngoscope blade between approximately twenty and forty degrees relative to a lower portion of the handle for more effective intubation of patients. The securement device fits atop a portion of a ventilating mask and is adjustably secured to the patient fitted with the mask by an adjustable strap or similar device. The securement device fits flexibly over the mask providing a seal between the mask and the patient's face. A version of the securement device includes a thumbscrew for engaging with the mask to secure it. Another version of the securement device is further capable of securing an endotracheal tube to a patient using a thumbscrew to advance a retaining arm for engaging the tube.

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: An apparatus facilitates indirect visualization of vocal cords during intubation.

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 laryngoscope including a control circuit that is detachably connectable to a handle, where the control circuit functions and is compatible with a wide variety of displays. The laryngoscope may optionally be used in either the video mode where the user views a display presenting image data of the area ahead of the blade, or the user may use the laryngoscope in the direct visualization where the user uses the laryngoscope in a traditional manner directly viewing the area ahead of the blade during the intubation procedure. When used in the video mode, an LED is positioned adjacent to a window enclosing the digital image sensor to defog the window.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a laryngoscope comprising a handgrip, a blade, and an image-capturing unit for capturing an image. The blade is connected to the handgrip, and the image-capturing unit is movably secured on the blade; in use, users may adjust the view of the laryngoscope by moving the image-capturing unit.

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: The present invention teaches an accessory to a laryngoscope, which may be retrofitted thereto or integrated on a new laryngoscope as original equipment, having at least one fastener allowing attachment to the barrel of a standard laryngoscope, a rail secured to the barrel of the laryngoscope by the fastener, and a lens slide seated on the rail and traveling on thereon parallel to the barrel. On the lens slide, a lens frame mounts a progressive magnification lens, that is, a single optical element lens having multiple magnification powers when viewed through different portions (such as a bi-focal lens). A lens pivot mounted on the lens slide holds the lens frame, so that the lens may be adjusted in angle (and thus distance in the direction perpendicular to the rail).

Abstract: The configuration and arrangement of the instrument greatly facilitate safe placement of the instrument and an associated endotracheal tube. The instrument includes a handle with an arm extending therefrom. The arm includes a base portion and a distal lifter portion preferably having an angle between 5° and 85°, inclusive, and the lifter is sized and shaped to engage or lift the patient's epiglottis, thereby to expose the glottis. In a preferred embodiment, the base portion and lifter portion are substantially the same length, and a viewing device, which is preferably a CCD or CMOS camera positioned near the transition portion between the base and lifter portions, is aligned to provide a perspective view toward the distal end of the lifter. Lights, which are preferably LED units, are positioned toward the distal end of the lifter to facilitate viewing.

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 two piece endotracheal intubation device is provided having a multidirectional eyepiece, a suction port and a fiber optic assembly that enables a practitioner to apply suction to a patient's airway while at the same time visualizing the airway from any position relative to the patient for insertion of the endotracheal tube.

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 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: A cap of an endoscope has an end part. On an inner periphery of the end part, a reference mark showing an ideal focus position and six marks are formed with regular intervals. When a circular end surface of the cap is pressed against a mucous membrane, the mucous membrane swells to the reference mark. Therefore, the mucous membrane can be kept at the ideal focus position for an object optical system.

Abstract: A light guide mount for use with a Shucman™ type ISO 7376/1 compatible laryngoscope blade, the light guide mount including a housing with a throughbore, and an L-shaped fiber optic light pipe with a short leg securely fastened into the housing and a long leg for extending along the blade, the throughbore accommodating a floating contact pin, a portion of the short leg, and a miniature bulb interdisposed between the contact pin and the short leg. A removable light guide mount for use with a laryngoscope blade, the light guide mount being removably slidingly insertable into a suitably shaped and dimensioned slot formed in a base portion of the blade, and secured therein by an inter-engagement means, and preferably a snap-fit inter-engagement means.

Abstract: A two piece endotracheal intubation device is provided having a multidirectional eyepiece, a suction port and a fiber optic assembly that enables a practitioner to apply suction to a patient's airway while at the same time visualizing the airway from any position relative to the patient for insertion of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A laryngoscope includes a handle, a spatula arranged substantially transverse to the handle, and a coupling detachably fixing the spatula to the handle. An illumination light waveguide guides an illumination light signal and an image waveguide guides an image signal, both waveguides being attached to the spatula. The illumination light waveguide includes a proximal end having an illumination light entry opening, and the image waveguide includes a proximal end having an image exit opening, wherein the illumination light entry opening and the image exit opening are arranged in the area of the coupling. The handle includes, in the area of the coupling, an illumination light exit opening and an image entry opening which allow for the illumination light signal to couple into the illumination light waveguide from the handle, and for the image signal to couple out of the image waveguide. A centering element automatically aligns the image entry opening and the image exit opening precisely to each other.

Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in intubating a patient's trachea, in routine and emergency situations. The laryngoscope has a camera mounted in the vicinity of a distal end of its probe to observe the patient's trachea opening and transmit a signal to a display on the handle. The distal end of the probe also includes ovoid, generally C-shaped gripping means, a pair of elongated grasping lips on the gripping means, and an internal clamping assembly for controlling the gripping means.

Abstract: The Digital Laryngoscope is a Layngoscope design that incorporates the latest optical and digital technology for a reliable and consistent method of visualization and exposure of anatomical structures required for Endotracheal intubation.

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: 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: An intubating laryngoscope providing ready interchangeability of blades and a magnifiable video display for use in efficiently positioning an endotracheal tube through the vocal cords into the trachea and teaching the procedure.

Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in intubating a patient's trachea, in routine and emergency situations. The laryngoscope has a camera mounted in the vicinity of a distal end of its probe to observe the patient's trachea opening and transmit a signal to a display on the handle.

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 laryngoscope equipped with a fiberoptic scope for enabling simultaneous remote observation of the airway and associated structures during insertion of the laryngoscope blade. The laryngoscope includes a blade member configured for attachment to a handle, a conduit positioned adjacent the blade member for housing a fiberoptic scope. The fiberoptic scope includes fibers for illuminating an area adjacent a distal end of the blade and viewing fibers for transmitting a visual image of the illuminated area to a remote viewing system. A clear cap is provided for the end of the conduit to protect the fiberoptic scope from patient secretions.

Abstract: A medical instrument has a tube-like element, a handle bent off from said tube-like element, an endoscope having a shaft, a camera module connected to said endoscope, a light pipe and a guide provided on said tube-like element for receiving said shaft of said endoscope. The endoscope is provided with at least two coupling elements extending in a direction of said bent-off handle and into an inside of said handle, one of said at least two coupling elements is coupled to said light pipe, another of said at least two coupling elements is coupled to said camera module, and said camera module is disposed inside of said handle.

Abstract: A steerable direct myocardial revascularization catheter comprises a catheter body, a tip section and a control handle. The catheter body has an outer wall, proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tip section comprises flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The control handle comprises a first member fixedly attached to the proximal end of the catheter body, a second member being movable relative to the first member, and a first guide tube extending through the control handle from the proximal end to the distal end of the control handle. The first guide tube is fixedly attached to one of the first or second members. The catheter also comprises an optic fiber having a distal end and a proximal end.

Abstract: A laryngoscope (10) with handgrip (14) and blade portion (16) has an optical system (44) secured to the blade portion with a prism lens (50) at the forward end and an eyepiece lens (48) which shifts the view toward the blade portion tip (46). A light pipe (60) directs a light beam toward the larynx to improve viewing thereof.

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: 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: 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: An endotracheal tube insertion system includes a formable shaft having sufficient stiffness to hold a formed shape and having a plurality of longitudinally extending passageways defined therethrough. The instrument further includes a housing connected to the first end of the formable shaft. An image guide cable is disposed in a first longitudinally extending passageway and is optically connected to an eyepiece which is affixed to the first end of the housing. A light source is attached to the second end of the formable shaft proximate the second end of the image guide cable. A baffle member is attached to the second end of the formable shaft proximate to a second longitudinally extending passageway and has an opening directed toward the first longitudinally extending passageway. A fluid port is in fluid communication with the second passageway. A suction port is also provided in fluid communication with a third longitudinally extending passageway.

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.