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: An element for a phonomicrosurgical modular glottiscope system comprises a proximal end; a distal end; a pair of opposing curved sides intersecting at an apex line; a substantially planar base, and internal channels disposed within the base. The base plate is removably attached to the pair of curved sides, and the base and curved sides define a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The internal channels include a first internal channel that provides illumination to the distal end and a second internal channel that provides aspiration to the distal end. In operation, the distal end of the element is inserted into a body cavity and the lumen provides visualization of the distal end and access to the distal end for tools inserted into the lumen from the proximal end. A method of manufacturing the element is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A sensing means attachable to a blade (41) of a laryngoscope (40) comprising a transducer (10) and an indicator means (11). The transducer comprises at least a layer of a polymeric material (12) that undergoes a change in resistivity in response to incident pressure thereon. The change in resistivity is useable by the indicator means (11) to provide an output at least indicative of the incident pressure. A laryngoscope (40) having a LED-type light source (46) is also described. A laryngoscope having a transducer mounted to or incorporated on the handle is also described.

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: 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: The invention relates to a spreading laryngoscope with two spatulas able to be moved apart, wherein on at least on of the two spatulas on each longitudinal side there is formed in each case one projecting tab which, proceeding from the longitudinal side of the one spatula, extends to the other spatula and is rigidly connoted to the spatula.

Abstract: A coated laryngoscope blade is provided wherein the coating is permanently affixed to a blade body and provides a resilient cushion to reduce the possibility of damage to a patient's teeth and/or soft tissue in the mouth and throat area. The coating may be applied by a method not requiring an expensive mold or tooling and is adapted for application to any size or shape of currently existing laryngoscope blade without the necessity of making tooling.

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 coated laryngoscope blade is provided wherein the coating is permanently affixed to a blade body and provides a resilient cushion to reduce the possibility of damage to a patient's teeth and/or soft tissue in the mouth and throat area. The coating may be applied by a method not requiring an expensive mold or tooling and is adapted for application to any size or shape of currently existing laryngoscope blade without the necessity of making tooling.

Abstract: A laryngoscope has a blade mounted on a bracket and handle for manipulation by the doctor. The blade is generally concave with an inner surface for engaging and compressing the tongue of the patient onto the lower jaw of the patient, a tip portion remote from the bracket for engaging the hyoid bone of the patient to effect moving of the epiglottis and an outer surface over which the doctor obtains a direct line of sight through the mouth past the moved epiglottis to the opening through the larynx to the trachea. The blade is substantially rigid with an apex at a position thereon which in use is located adjacent the tongue of the patient. A portion of the blade from the apex to the tip portion is substantially straight and has a length which is adjustable by a manually operable slide.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope of the type having a handle for grasping and a blade being rigid and extending from the handle for inserting into the mouth of a patient during use. The improvement includes the blade being so shaped for contacting, supporting, and displacement of the bottom of the mouth of the patient and not bearing on the lower teeth of the patient so as to avoid damage to the lower teeth of the patient during use and so as to allow the lower jaw of the patient to be opened during use and being so shaped for contacting the front of the lower jaw of the patient so as to allow the lower jaw of the patient to be thrust forwardly during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spreadable medical instrument, comprising a handle part (2) and at least two spatula elements (3a, 3b) which are connected to said handle part (2) and, via at least one adjusting mechanism (4), can be adjusted parallel or at an angle to one another between an initial position, in which the spatula elements (3a, 3b) rest against one another, and at least one working position. In the working position, the individual spatula elements (3a, 3b) are spaced at intervals so that they form lateral gaps (5) at least in the distal area, and when the spatula elements are in a working position, these lateral gaps (5) between the spatula elements (3a, 3b) can be covered almost entirely by swiveling flap elements (6).

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 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 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: The present invention relates to a laryngoscope blade used to assist practitioners in endotracheal intubation. The blade comprises a longitudinally extending member that has a first end and a second end. The member has a planar lingual surface, a palatal surface and a pair of opposed longitudinal edges. A pair of rails extend outwardly from the planar lingual surface of the member. An element extends outwardly from the palatal surface proximal to one of the longitudinal edges of the pair of edges. A portion of the element overlies and is spaced apart from the palatal surface. A coupler is attached to the first end of the member for attachment to a handle.

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: 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: Hemorrhoidectomy apparatus comprising an anoscope comprising a generally cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, said body comprising an open proximal portion and an open distal portion, said proximal portion comprising a generally cylindrical ring from which distally extend a plurality of strips annularly spaced from each other about the longitudinal axis of said body.

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: 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: An improved laryngoscope blade of the type having a laryngoscope handle attachment fitting and a blade assembly including an illumination source having a light output and a straight blade member with curved end extending from the handle attachment fitting and defining a visualization channel into which the light output of the illumination source is directed. The improvement includes providing left and right frustrum shaped, mirror image wing sections on the straight blade member with curved end for controlling and depressing the tongue out of the line of sight when inserting a 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 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: An apparatus and method for separating a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue. A supporting part extends into the interior of the balloon during inflation to provide support for the balloon. The supporting part is retracted to a position outside the interior of the balloon after inflating the balloon. An endoscope is then inserted into the interior of the balloon. The endoscope is moved within the interior of the balloon to change the field of view of the endoscope.

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 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: A cover for a laryngoscope which includes a generally elongated cylindrical handle, a branch member and an insertion member. The cover generally comprises an end sheath, a Y-branch portion connected to the end sheath and two cylindrical sleeves connected to the Y-branch portion. The tapered sheath covers the insertion member and has a closed end. The Y-branch portion covers an area adjacent the joint between the handle and the branch member and preferably comprises an expandable structure. Each of the cylindrical sleeve covers the handle and the branch member, respectively. As a result, the laryngoscope itself is shielded from the contact with the interior of the mouth and the larynx. Once the cover is used, the cover may be discarded. Accordingly, cleaning and sterilization of the laryngoscope are substantially facilitated and hygienic operation of the laryngoscope is improved.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope and its method of use are disclosed herein. The laryngoscope includes a handle and a blade which defines a slot along its length. A tube separation mouth, which is widened in comparison to the slot and which leads into the slot, is provided integral with an uppermost portion of the blade for use during separation of an intubated endotracheal tube from the blade.In a method of separating the blade from an intubated tube, the tube is moved into the separation mouth and thereafter into the slot. The tube is then passed down the slot to be released therefrom as the blade is withdrawn from the throat of the patient.

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

Abstract: 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: 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: 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 mandibular retractor which is inserted intraorally has a retractor blade shaped to retract the cutaneous region laterally away from the mandible. The retracting blade also has an aperture which allows surgical instruments to be inserted through an incision in the cutaneous region, through the aperture, and to the mandible. The retractor allows a surgeon to retract with one hand and view the surgical site by looking down in to the mouth. The surgeon's other hand is free to operate surgical instruments such as a drill or screwdriver.

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: An improvement for laryngoscope blades is disclosed, for expanding the field of view beyond that directly visible to a person performing intubation. A small endoscope is provided, slidably attached to the blade, and includes an eyepiece near the laryngoscope handle and a front lens near the blade tip. The endoscope is adapted to expose for remote viewing through the eyepiece an additional field of view generally above and beyond the blade tip. The endoscope is slidably attached to the blade so that the endoscope can be advanced and retracted when and as required to assist intubation. The blade includes an upper protrusion extending outwardly from the blade spoon, and a ridge depending downwardly from the protrusion for shielding the front lens of the endoscope from tissue surrounding the lens.