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: A two-piece video laryngoscope includes a disposable handle/blade unit having a handgrip portion with a cavity at the proximal end, a curved distal end portion extending from the handgrip portion terminating in a terminal face containing a LED and a lens and digital image sensor connected with a first connector in the cavity, and a tube receptacle channel extending distally along the dorsal surface of and a vacuum/oxygen passageway extending through the curved distal end portion; and a power/video module releasably engaged in the cavity having a flat panel display pivotally mounted at the proximal end thereof and containing a rechargeable battery and electrical and video circuitry connected with a second connector. An endotracheal tube is received and releasably retained in the tube receptacle channel in a preloaded condition. When assembled, the connectors are engaged to complete the electrical and video circuits and allow viewing of insertion and intubation.

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: “An endotracheal intubation device includes an inflatable cuff connected to an inflation tube, visualization means, where the visualization means include means to enlighten and an image guide, where the means to enlighten, the image guide, and the inflation tube are associated to a first three ways connector adapted to connect the endotracheal intubation device to a control panel; a packaging is also provided containing the endotracheal intubation device wherein the first three ways connector is placed across the packaging so as to allow checking the endotracheal intubation device without impairing its sterility with an endotracheal intubation device tester; an intubation method is further provided using the packaging, the control panel and the endotracheal intubation device tester.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope. In one embodiment a laryngoscope blade includes a main blade portion and blade tip and a blade base. The main blade portion has a posterior surface, a distal end and proximal end. The blade tip extends from the distal end of the main blade portion. The blade tip also has a width that is flared wider in a first direction than a width of the main blade portion. The blade tip is further positioned at a select angle with relation to the posterior surface of the main blade portion. The blade base coupled to the proximal end of the blade.

Abstract: A laryngoscope blade for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation includes a laryngoscope blade portion connectable to a laryngoscope handle to lift the patient's tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube, the blade portion includes a proximal portion and a distal portion; a white light source carried by the blade portion; a black light source carried by the blade portion to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient's vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation, the black light source located closer to the distal portion and the white light located to the proximal portion, and the black light source emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 300 to 450 nm.

Abstract: An intubation laryngoscope having reusable and disposable blades adapted for both right and left-handed operation, an illumination system mounted on the laryngoscope handle, and an improved fastening appliance for detachable connection of the blades to the laryngoscope handle.

Abstract: Metal laryngoscope blade including a resiliently elastically deformable metal blade hook-on fitting for removable double snap engagement into an operative intubation position on a metal laryngoscope handle with a correspondingly sized handle hook-on fitting, a metal spatula attached to the blade hook-on fitting and including a leading tip for transversely extending from the laryngoscope handle in the operative intubation position for insertion into a subject's mouth, and an illumination assembly including an electrical light source disposed toward the leading tip for providing illumination thereat for assisting intubation.

Abstract: Intubation laryngoscope comprises blade (201) including upper elongated part (206) and lower longitudinal part (211) disposed below upper elongated part (206) between its left (207) and right (209) edges. Lower longitudinal part (211) along with a right portion of upper elongated part (206) form right passageway (213), and lower longitudinal part (211) along with a left portion of upper elongated part (206) form left passageway (214). This allows both the right-handed operation using right-passageway (213) for the advancement of endotracheal tube, while left passageway (214) can be used for arrangement of an oxygenation tube, suction tube or endoscope probe, and the left-handed operation using left passageway (214) for the advancement of endotracheal tube, while right passageway (213) can be used for the arrangement of mentioned auxiliary means.

Abstract: A laryngoscope blade for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation includes a laryngoscope blade portion connectable to a laryngoscope handle to lift the patient's tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube; and a black light source carried by the blade portion to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient's vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation.

Abstract: A laryngoscope for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation includes a handle and a laryngoscope blade connected to the upper end of the handle to lift the patient's tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube. The handle is bent or curved along its length with the lower end portion bent or curved inwardly towards the blade, and finger gripping indents are formed on the inner surface of the handle, along with a blade stop adjacent the handle to restrict contact between the blade and handle. A black light source may be carried by the blade.

Abstract: A laryngoscope includes a blade assembly with a base that is coupled to a handle. Attached to the blade assembly are two hollow guide tubes that generally follow along the longitudinal axis of the blade assembly. The two tubes are oriented at different angles of attack for directing aspirating and/or oxygenating tubes into different regions of the patient's oral cavity. The handle has an ergonomic shape to conform to the user's hand, thereby facilitating the user's application of a downward force necessary to effect laryngeal suspension. A tube extension/retraction mechanism effects user-controlled powered movement of an aspiration/oxygenation tube into or out of the patient's oral cavity. A bayonette connection is provided for connecting the blade assembly to the handle.

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: This invention is to provide an endotracheal tube stylet insertable into an endotracheal tube, the endotracheal tube stylet comprising: a first coupling member; a second coupling member coupled to the first coupling member; an operable member connected to the first or the second coupling member, the operable member being capable of changing the relative positions of the first and the second coupling members; and a turnable member connected to the first or the second coupling member, wherein the turnable member may be redirected by the change of the relative positions of the first and the second coupling members so as to change the shape of the endotracheal tube.

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 blade comprising a blade portion, a base portion and an optic light pipe, the blade portion including a proximal end and a distal end provided with an optic window, the base portion including two base halves mounted to each other and to the proximal end of the blade portion, one of the base halves providing a resilient cantilever latch pin and the other of the base halves providing a rigid hook, the light pipe including a proximal end mounted between the two base halves and a distal end extending through the optic window.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-retaining laryngoscope composed of a palate brace or blade, a slider, and a tongue blade. The angulated tongue blade puts less force on the blade, reduces trauma, and is not conducive for mechanical failure. The slider interacts with the tongue blade by widening the opening of the mouth, and acts as a bite block. The fenestrated palate blade provides an unobstructed view of the vocal cords during intubation, and allows removal of the laryngoscope over the endotracheal tube without displacing it. The result is a laryngoscope that requires only one hand to use properly, and has superior retraction due to its shape.

Abstract: A dilating laryngoscope which allows for dilation of a human airway (e.g., the laryngopharynx) is provided. The dilating laryngoscope includes a speculum having a pair of handles interconnected with a pair of arms and joined at a hinge. A pair of flanges are provided at the ends of the arms. An annular balloon is provided about the pair of arms, proximal to the pair of flanges. The annular balloon is connected to an air source, such as a handheld inflator connected the annular balloon by an air tube, so that the annular balloon can be inflated as desired to dilate an airway. The speculum can be manipulated by moving the handles, so that the balloon can be positioned at a desired location in the airway, and removed therefrom.

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: An intubation laryngoscope having reusable and disposable blades adapted for both right and left-handed operation, an illumination system mounted on the laryngoscope handle, and an improved fastening appliance for detachable connection of the blades to the laryngoscope handle.

Abstract: A laryngoscope blade is provided. The blade includes a base, a relatively straight main blade portion and a distal tip. The relatively straight main blade portion has a length that extends from the base. The distal tip has a length that extends from the main blade portion. The distal tip further has a width that extends out beyond the width of the main blade in a select direction. The distal tip further yet has a bend at a select location about its length.

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: An improved laryngoscope of the type having a stationary handle, a stationary blade affixed to the stationary handle, a tip pivotally attached to the stationary blade, a movable handle pivotally attached to the stationary blade, and an arm pivoting the tip downwardly when the movable handle is moved towards the stationary handle depressing the epiglottis. The improvement includes a movable blade pivotally attached to the stationary blade and affixed to the movable handle so as to allow the movable blade to pivot away from the stationary blade when the movable handle is moved towards the stationary handle and spread the posterior tissue defining the superior opening of the larynx away from the epiglottis simultaneously as the tip depresses the epiglottis and both thereby opening up the trachea exposing the larynx, and a lock locking the movable blade in a desired positioned by locking the movable handle affixed thereto.

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: 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: 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: A tie layer insert is disclosed to aid in bond formation between an expandable balloon and a distal portion of a catheter shaft. The tie layer insert can be a single layer applied directly to the structural surfaces, or alternatively, the tie layer may be incorporated into a preformed polymeric insert. In the latter embodiment, the polymeric insert may include several layers of polymeric material. During the manufacturing process, the preformed polymeric insert is positioned between the distal portion of the expandable balloon and the catheter shaft. The entire distal region is then processed to form a sealably bonded expandable balloon to the distal end of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: Patients having diminished circulation in the cerebral vasculature as a result of cardiac arrest or from other causes are treated by flowing an oxygenated medium through an arterial access site into the cerebral vasculature and collecting the medium through an access site in the venous site of the cerebral vasculature. In addition to oxygenation, the recirculating blood may also be cooled to hypothermically treat and preserve brain tissue. Isolation and cooling of cerebral vasculature in patients undergoing aortic and other procedures is achieved by internally occluding at least the right common carotid artery above the aortic arch. Blood or other oxygenated medium is perfused through the occluded common carotid artery(ies) and into the arterial cerebral vasculature. Usually, oxygen depleted blood or other medium leaving the cerebral vasculature is collected, oxygenated, and cooled in an extracorporeal circuit so that it may be returned to the patient.

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: 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 Charged Coupled Device (“CCD”) or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (“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: 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: 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: 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: An endoscope for endotracheal intubation includes an elongated insertion section having a handle operation section, a bending operation mechanism and a bending mechanism for bending the insertion section, the bending mechanism including a long elastic member having one end positioned near the distal end portion of the insertion section and the other end fixedly coupled to the bending operation mechanism, a push-pull member having one end positioned near the distal end portion of the insertion section and the other end connected to the bending mechanism, a hollow member for coupling together distal end portions of the elastic member and the push-pull member so as to cause the portions to oppose each other along a bending direction, wherein the distal end portions of the elastic member and the push-pull member, which are coupled together with the hollow member, are provided integrally so as to provide a free end.

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: 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: An apparatus and a method to treat a disease process in the vicinity of a luminal structure. Comprises a balloon catheter having a balloon and a tube segment of radioactive material located either inside the balloon or outside the balloon.

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

Abstract: 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: A balloon catheter device for treating an obstructing material within a vascular conduit or other body passageway. The device comprises an elongate catheter body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A high compliance balloon and a spaced apart angioplasty balloon are coaxially disposed along the distal end. The catheter device includes a plurality of longitudinal lumens which extend along the catheter body from the proximal end. At least one of the lumens has a cross section which is non circular and is configured, in conjunction with the other lumens to provide a maximum total lumen cross sectional area within a minimum diameter catheter body.

Abstract: A viewing system for use with a breathing tube such as an endotracheal intubation tube or a tracheostomy tube and a viewing assembly having a viewing conduit for indirectly viewing the tracheal area of a patient into which the breathing tube is being inserted and for guiding the tube into place within the patient's trachea is disclosed. The viewing system also incorporates an adapter handle which allows the viewing assembly to be used with breathing tubes of varied lengths.

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

Abstract: A nasal intubation apparatus comprises a curved rigid body having a distal end and a proximal end joined by a curved section which approximates the curvature of the transition of the normal human nasopharynx to the oropharynx. The body has provided in it fiberoptic viewing and illumination channels. A working channel is provided to permit use of a flexible guide member to act as a guide for positioning of an endotracheal tube fitted over the intubation apparatus body. A controllable tip section at the distal end of the body is provided.

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

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