Importance

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Abstract

A laryngoscope having a curved blade provided with means on the blade for removably holding an endotracheal tube and for guiding such tube into the pharynx, larynx and trachea of a patient after the blade has been inserted into the throat and has elevated the epiglottis. The blade has a slot extending along one margin for direct viewing into the pharynx during initial insertion of the blade. The blade also has a light source and a fiber optic viewing member near its outer end to permit remote indirect viewing of the epiglottis and larynx when direct viewing is no longer possible due to curvature of the pharynx and the blade. The fiber optic viewing member can either be removably attached to the blade or permanently attached thereto. Also, the blade can be of a material which can be flexed so that the blade is adjustable in shape to accommodate different pharangeal configurations of various patients. Generally, the blade is tubular to provide the guide feature therefor; however, the blade can have an open bottom margin and a guide wire extending along the bottom margin for receiving and guiding the endotracheal tube into place as the blade is inserted into the throat. Several embodiments of the electrical connection between the blade and the battery in the handle of the laryngoscope are disclosed.

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First Claim