Abstract: A releasable light carrier mounting frame includes an upper portion having a receptacle for receiving a light carrier. One or more clips are attached to the upper portion and engaged with an underlying surgical instrument to secure the light carrier to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A laryngoscope includes an arm and a handle. The arm is configurable between at least a first and a second position. A first blade sheath secures over the arm in the first position and a second blade sheath secures over the arm in the second position. A method of configuring a laryngoscope includes configuring a laryngoscope arm into a first position or a second position and securing a selected blade sheath to the arm.

Abstract: A Glottiscope for assisting with the insertion of an endotracheal tube or an Eschman like stylet into a patient is claimed. The Glottiscope comprises a blade which defines an internal passage for receiving an endotracheal tube or an Eschman like stylet, the blade having a proximal end and a distal end and means for viewing the patient's glottis, wherein the viewing means is disposed at the distal end and in use, below the point of emergence of an endotracheal tube or a stylet/guide (to rail road the endotracheal tube) in the internal passage to provide a view of the patient's glottis, the blade being adapted to direct the viewing means towards the centre of the patient's glottis.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope with a handle, an endoscope shaft connected to the handle, and imaging optics arranged in the endoscope shaft. An object can be located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the endoscope shaft. The endoscope may also include a swivellably housed deflecting element that sets the desired direction of view. The deflecting element can be positioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft facing away from the handle. An actuating element can be attached to the handle, which is mechanically connected to the deflecting element, and with which the swivel position of the deflecting element can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope with a handle, an endoscope shaft connected to the handle, and imaging optics arranged in the endoscope shaft. An object can be located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the endoscope shaft. The endoscope may also include a swivellably housed deflecting element that sets the desired direction of view. The deflecting element can be positioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft facing away from the handle. An actuating element can be attached to the handle, which is mechanically connected to the deflecting element, and with which the swivel position of the deflecting element can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view.

Abstract: An otoscanner including a conical laser-reflective optical element and a laser light source and the conical laser-reflecting optical element are configured so that the conical laser-reflecting optical element, when illuminated by the laser light source, projects a broken ring of laser light upon an interior surface of the ear when the ear probe is positioned in the ear and a diffractive laser optic lens and the laser light source and the diffractive laser optic lens are configured so that the diffractive laser optic lens, when illuminated by the laser light source, projects upon an interior surface of the ear a fan of laser light at a predetermined angle with respect to a front surface of the diffractive laser optic lens when the ear probe is positioned in the ear.

Abstract: A viewing system associated with a conventional otoscope enables a person to examine the interior of his or her own ear. The viewing system utilizes a box-like enclosure containing a first mirror that reflects an image of the ear forwardly of the user's face, and a remote mirror that reflects the image back to the user's face.

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: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for aligning first and second light signals on an optical path directed to a target, where the first light signal provides a visualization of the target, and a portion of the second light signal reflects from at least one subsurface of the target. The method also includes aligning a first focal point of the first light signal and a second focal point of the second light signal, where the first focal point is at least in a first proximate location of the second focal point, and adjusting a first position of the first and second focal points to be in at least a second proximate location of the target without adjusting the at least first proximate location of the first focal point relative to the second focal point. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope blade for use with a conventional laryngoscope handle and conventional means of illumination. The blade tapers from the handle end to the end that is inserted in the mouth, so that the blade roughly conforms to the shape of the tongue. In addition, the sides of the blade curve upward so as to cradle the tongue. This design allows the intubator to better control the tongue and more easily view the vocal chords during insertion of an endotracheal tube. Furthermore, the ambidextrous, symmetrical design is easier for left-handed doctors and technician to use.

Abstract: A laryngoscope comprising a handle, a blade holding element, a detachable blade, means for viewing the laryngeal inlet of a patient and means for adjusting the viewing field. The means for adjusting the viewing field may comprise a light refracting means. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the viewing means comprises at least two fixed cameras elements directed to at least two different viewing fields, the means for adjusting the viewing field may comprise means for switching from one camera to the other or, in embodiments in which the viewing means comprises a movable camera element, the means for adjusting the viewing field may comprise mechanical or electronic means for controlling the movement of the camera. A method for viewing the laryngeal inlet of a patient using a laryngoscope comprising the step of adjusting the viewing field is also covered.

Abstract: A laryngoscope may be a device to view the vocal chords of a patient and may include a channel wall to define a channel, an input port to the channel being connected to the channel wall to allow a user to view the vocal chords of the patient, and output port to the channel being connected on an opposing side of the channel wall to allow the user to view the vocal chords of the patient. The input port may include a first light reflecting device, and the output port may include a second light reflecting device. The input port may include a first inclined end, and the outlet port may include a second inclined end.

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 dental mirror includes a mirror assembly and a handle having an interior cavity. The handle further includes a non-circular aperture proximate one end, which communicates with the interior cavity. A push-arm extends through the aperture toward the mirror assembly and has a non-circular shape. The push-arm also has a wiper support, and a sponge is secured within the wiper support. The push-arm is selectively movable to carry the sponge over the mirror assembly, and the aperture prevents relative rotation of the push-arm.

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: 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: An ergonomic non-obstructive illuminated examination mirror for dentistry, medicine and surgery, without the need of fiber optics, includes a slim line elongated member having a wire connection passage, a weighted first proximal end with a battery chamber and a second distal end. A removable disposable non-fogging angled reflective mirror head is coupled to the second end of the elongated member. Light to the mirror is provided by a low heat emitting light source attached to the second end of the rod directed toward the angled reflective head. The power source is connected to the low heat light source by one or more conductive wires within the wire passage and a switch, thereby forming a circuit with the power source and the light source, which is activated by a switch connected to the conductive wire connection.

Abstract: An anoscope for surgery and/or inspection comprising: a tubular body (2) having a distal blind end and a proximal open end; an inner light reflecting surface (7) located at said distal blind end; at least one slot (3) formed in said tubular body; a light source (6) placed in light reflection relationship with said inner reflecting surface (7), and a maneuvering handle (5) arranged to act on said proximal end of said tubular body (2).

Abstract: A dental mirror having a planar surface encircled by a beveled perimeter. The mirror rotatively mounted upon a spherical support ball, whereby the dentist can continually maintain the correct angle of incidence to capture and reflect light beams from a light source. The planar surface continually being capable of pivoting in relationship to the pressure by the dentist to provide the smallest angle of incidence of reflecting light beams, which is vital to securing the greatest amount of illumination to the surgical area and also in avoiding unwanted distortion of any images in the work area.

Abstract: A convertible laryngoscope includes a deployable integral mirror to allow the doctor to clearly view the larynx and more easily insert an endotracheal tube. In many patients, due to injury, deformation, or an existing medical condition, the introduction of the endotracheal tube can be a prolonged and difficult affair, the doctor being forced to work blind when they cannot gain an unobstructed view of the larynx and the path that the cannula or tube needs to travel during intubation. The present invention addresses this problem by providing the above mentioned mirror, which is disposed in a first position proximate the laryngoscope blade during the initial introduction of the blade into the patient's mouth. Once the base of the tongue is reached and depressed, the user may deploy the mirror into a second position extending towards the soft palate that allows a reflected view towards the larynx and epiglottis.

Abstract: A miniature video camera (18) mounted on a pair of goggles (12) that substantially captures the monocular perspective of the operator's right eye during the medical procedure of direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. The camera is connected to a pentaprism (14) that the operator aligns with the area of interest by slight changes in head position and reference to alignment bands (46) alongside the prism body. The image is reflected through the pentaprism to the camera and then displayed on a nearby video monitor (38). Auxiliary light sources or specialized equipment are not required. Persons other than the laryngoscopist can see the procedure as it is being performed. The pentaprism, camera, and camera mount do not significantly interfere with the operator's vision or performance of direct laryngoscopy or other procedures.

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.