VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPE AND VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPE INSERTION SECTION

Abstract

A video laryngoscope and elongate laryngoscope insertion section for a video laryngoscope, comprising a viewing port through which an imaging device within the insertion section can obtain images of a larynx, the insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and an opposite proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the insertion section comprises a proximal region where the insertion section extends through a subject's teeth in use, a distal region extending to the distal end and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the inferior surface of the insertion section comprises or consists of a curved region which extends from the proximal region through the intermediate region to the distal region, wherein the curved region of the inferior surface is continuously longitudinally curved along the length of the longitudinally curved region and wherein the longitudinal curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface varies in the intermediate region. Markings on an elongate laryngoscope insertion can be used to monitor depth of insertion and to indicate a path by which an endotracheal tube should be inserted.

Claims

1. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section comprising a viewing port through which an imaging device within the insertion section can obtain images of a larynx, the insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and an opposite proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the insertion section comprises a proximal region where the insertion section extends through a subject's teeth in use, a distal region extending to the distal end and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the inferior surface of the insertion section comprises or consists of a curved region which extends from the proximal region through the intermediate region to the distal region, wherein the curved region of the inferior surface is continuously longitudinally curved along the length of the longitudinally curved region and wherein the longitudinal curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface varies in the intermediate region.

2. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 1, wherein the curved region of the inferior surface has a minima of longitudinal radius of curvature in the intermediate region of the insertion section.

3. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal radius of curvature at the minima of longitudinal radius of curvature of the curved region in the intermediate region of the insertion section is less than at any point of the curved region in the proximal and distal regions.

4. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal radius of curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface varies continuously in the intermediate region.

5. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal radius of curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface in the intermediate region is not less than 75% of the minimum radius of curvature of the inferior surface in the proximal curved region.

6. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 2 wherein the longitudinal radius of curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface is constant in the proximal region.

7. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal radius of curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface is constant in the distal region.

8. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 7, wherein the longitudinal radius of curvature of the curved region in the proximal region is less than the longitudinal radius of curvature surface of the curved region in the distal region.

9. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 1, wherein the minimum longitudinal radius of curvature of the curved region in the intermediate region is greater than 80% of the minimum longitudinal radius of curvature of the curved region in the proximal region.

10. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 1, wherein the insertion section is an indirect view insertion section.

11. A video laryngoscope comprising an elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 1 and an imaging device within the insertion section.

12. A video laryngoscope according to claim 11, wherein the imaging device is located superiorly of a point which is midway between the most inferior and most superior surfaces of the insertion section.

13. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and a proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the superior surface is provided with a plurality of markings which are substantially equally longitudinally spaced.

14. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of markings are increments of length from the distal end of the insertion section along the superior surface.

15. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of markings are equally longitudinally spaced along the inferior surface of the insertion section.

16. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 13, wherein the insertion section comprises a depth monitor to monitor the depth to which the insertion section is inserted into a subject.

17. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 16, wherein the depth monitor comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced sensors for determining the extent to which the insertion section is located in the subject's mouth.

18. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section comprising a depth monitor to monitor the depth to which the insertion section is inserted into a subject.

19. A video laryngoscope comprising an elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 13, a display and a processor which controls the display, wherein the processor is configured to cause the display to display information concerning the current or a previous depth of insertion.

20. A method of carrying out endotracheal intubation on a subject, the method comprising introducing a video laryngoscope comprising an elongate insertion section according to claim 13 into the subject, and then adjusting the depth to which the insertion section is inserted into the subject with reference to the plurality of markings on the superior surface.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the depth of the insertion section is adjusted with reference to the plurality of markings after viewing the subject's trachea with the video laryngoscope and the method comprises the subsequent step of introducing an endotracheal tube into the subject's trachea.

22. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and a proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the inferior surface and/or the superior surface comprises one or more microscopically rough regions.

23. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 22, comprising a continuous body of clear plastic material which defines both a viewing port for an imaging device, having a smooth surface, and the or each microscopically rough region.

24. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and a proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the insertion section comprises an elongate member extending longitudinally along the insertion section and a lateral flange extending therefrom and having an inferior surface which forms at least some of the inferior surface of the laryngoscope insertion section, and an opposite superior surface, wherein the superior surface comprises a visual highlight.

25. A elongate laryngoscope insertion section according to claim 24, wherein the insertion section comprises a viewing port through which an imaging device within the insertion section can obtain images of a larynx and the visual highlight extends along the superior surface of the flange distally of the viewing port.

26. An elongate laryngoscope insertion section comprising a viewing port through which an imaging device within the insertion section can obtain images of a larynx, the insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and an opposite proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the insertion section comprises an elongate member extending longitudinally along the insertion section, the elongate member having a lateral wall and an elongate guide line extending longitudinally adjacent an optimal path for the insertion of an endotracheal tube into the trachea of a subject into which the insertion section has been introduced.

27. A video laryngoscope comprising an elongate insertion section according to claim 22.

28.-31. (canceled)

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which:

[0092] FIG. 1 is a side view of a video laryngoscope comprising an insertion section according to the present invention;

[0093] FIG. 2 is a corresponding side view showing a demountable insertion section, mounted on an insertion section retaining member;

[0094] FIG. 3A is a bottom view of a laryngoscope insertion section;

[0095] FIG. 3B is a side view of the laryngoscope insertion section;

[0096] FIG. 3C is a plan view, from the inferior direction, of the insertion section;

[0097] FIG. 3D is an opposite side view of the laryngoscope insertion section;

[0098] FIG. 3E is a perspective view from the distal end of the insertion section;

[0099] FIGS. 3F and 3G are perspective views of the insertion section;

[0100] FIG. 4 illustrates the cross section of the insertion section through A-A;

[0101] FIG. 5 illustrates the variation in radius of curvature of the inferior surface of an embodiment of the insertion section, with specified dimensions;

[0102] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are side, side and end views respectively of the insertion section shown in FIG. 5;

[0103] FIG. 7A is a side view of a known laryngoscope insertion section having a discrete bend in the inferior surface;

[0104] FIG. 7B is a side view of a known laryngoscope insertion having an inferior surface with a constant longitudinal curvature;

[0105] FIG. 7C is a side view of a standard laryngoscope with a Macintosh insertion section;

[0106] FIG. 7D is a side view of a laryngoscope with insertion section according to the present invention;

[0107] FIGS. 7E, 7F and 7G illustrated the laryngoscope of FIG. 7D with the insertion sections of FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C respectively, overlaid as dashed lines;

[0108] FIG. 8 illustrates incorrect endotracheal tube placement;

[0109] FIG. 9 illustrates correct placement of an endotracheal tube using the invention;

[0110] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show the laryngoscope blade having various markings;

[0111] FIG. 11 shows the inferior surface of the insertion section, with markings, uncurled; and

[0112] FIG. 12 is a lateral view of an insertion section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0113] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, a video laryngoscope 1 comprises a handle 2 and an elongate insertion section 4 which extends from the handle. The handle has a display 6 for showing video images obtained by a camera 8, using light obtained from an LED light source 10. The camera is located in the superior half of the insertion section. The insertion section has a distal end 12 and an opposite proximal end 14. The insertion section has an inferior surface 16 which faces towards a subject's tongue in use and an opposite superior surface 18. An elongate member 34 extends along the insertion section longitudinally from the proximal end and a flange 36 extends laterally from and distally of the elongate member and, along with the inferior surface of the elongate member defines the inferior surface of the insertion section.

[0114] With reference to FIG. 2, the handle has an elongate insertion section retaining member 22 extending therefrom, and the insertion section has an elongate channel 24 extending into the elongate member from the proximal end of the insertion section. The insertion section is formed from a transparent plastics material and includes a window 32, functioning as the viewing port, and having one or more prisms thereon to redirect light, to reduce light scattering and direct light from the required direction into the camera. The insertion section retaining member is formed from stainless steel and retains the camera 8 and light source 10, and the electrical wires (not shown) used to power the camera and light source and to receive images for display on the monitor. The elongate insertion section retaining member also functions as a strengthening element, resisting longitudinal bending and thereby providing mechanical support to the insertion section. Accordingly, the camera is in the insertion section but is not part of the insertion section. It is connected to the handle through the insertion section retaining member and collects images through the window.

[0115] However, in some embodiments, the handle is formed integrally with the insertion section. In some embodiments, the camera is part of the insertion section.

[0116] With reference to FIGS. 3A through 3G, the insertion section has a proximal region 26, where the insertion section extends between a subject's teeth in use, a distal region 28, which extends to the distal end, and an intermediate region 30 therebetween. A first flange 36, shown for example in FIGS. 3E and 4, extends laterally of the elongate member and distally of the viewing port and defines part of the inferior surface of the insertion section. A further flange 38 extends from a lateral wall 20 of the elongate member on the opposite lateral side from the first flange, near the superior surface of the elongate member, and provides additional mechanical support.

[0117] A bobble 40 is provided at the distal end of the insertion section, to help the tip of the insertion section glide across subject's tissues, and a clip 42, at the proximal end, retains the insertion section demountably by a laryngoscope handle in use.

[0118] FIG. 5 illustrates the shape of the inferior surface of the insertion section. It can be seen that the inferior surface of the insertion section is continuously longitudinally curved at least from where it passes between the subject's teeth during use, to the bobble at the distal tip. This continuously curved section 44 functions as the curved portion. However, the curvature is not constant and numerical values of the longitudinal radius of curvature along the length of the insertion section are shown for a specific example embodiment. In the proximal region, there is a constant radius of curvature (65.5 mm in this example). Progressing distally along the insertion section, the curvature then increases in the intermediate region (and so the radius of curvature, which decreases when the curvature increases, drops to about 60 mm), and the curvature decreases again (and so the radius of curvature increases to about 135 mm), towards the distal end, such that the longitudinal curvature of the curved portion in the distal region is less than in the proximal region.

[0119] Accordingly, the longitudinal curvature is constant in the proximal region. There is a further (relatively short) constant curvature region near the distal tip, and a variable longitudinal curvature section intermediate the two constantly curved sections.

[0120] It has been found that this curvature profile means that, when the insertion section is positioned correctly, with the tip of the insertion section in the vallecular, the curve of the insertion section sits lower in the mouth in use than would be the case with a traditional Macintosh insertion section, and involves less tissue manipulation as a result, but still follows the anatomy of the subject. When the blade is correctly used, with the optimum depth of insertion into the subject's mouth, less force is required by the user of the laryngoscope to elevate the epiglottis than to gain a view of the vocal chords, than would otherwise be the case.

[0121] The flange 20 does not extend to the proximal end of the insertion section but is spaced apart from the proximal end by about 20% of the length of the insertion section portion. This makes the spatulate portion of the insertion section slim. This coupled with the sweeping steep curve and the constant height which is less than the width at the narrowest section of the insertion portion result in a blade which addresses the issue of optimising a sufficient anterior view from the camera whilst also allowing sufficient room for the endotracheal tube to pass through the cords.

[0122] FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6A through 6C illustrate an example of an insertion section according to the present invention, with dimensions. The example which is shown is for use in subjects requiring Size 4 endotracheal tubes. The shape will vary for subjects of different sizes. This is an indirect view insertion section and it can be seen from FIG. 6B that the inferior surface of the insertion section curves by 99.2 between the proximal and distal ends. With reference to FIG. 6A the maximum distance between the inferior surface of the insertion section is 29.3 mm, which is 26.1% of the straight line distance between the proximal and distal ends of the inferior surface of the insertion section (112.3 mm, shown in FIG. 6C). These figures are indicative of a relatively highly curved insertion section, for obtaining an indirect view, suitable for use with difficult airways.

[0123] FIG. 7A is a view from a lateral direction of a known laryngoscope insertion section 80 (the dB5 disposable blade, available from Aircraft Medical Limited, Edinburgh, UK) which has a proximal region 82 with a constantly curved inferior surface 84, but a distal region 86 with a straight inferior surface 88 and a discrete bend 90 therebetween.

[0124] FIG. 7B is a view from a lateral direction of video laryngoscope with a known direct view laryngoscope insertion section 100 (shown in WO 2011/141751, Aircraft Medical) having an inferior surface 102 with a constant curvature 104.

[0125] FIG. 7C is a view from a lateral direction of a widely-available traditional Macintosh laryngoscope, with a direct view insertion section 110.

[0126] FIG. 7D is a view from a lateral direction of a laryngoscope insertion section according to the present invention.

[0127] FIG. 7E shows the insertion section of the present invention with the insertion section of FIG. 7A overlaid with a dashed line. It can be seen that the laryngoscope of the present invention is more curved, but the inferior surface does not have a discrete bend making the insertion section easier to insert.

[0128] FIG. 7F shows the insertion section of the present invention with the insertion section of FIG. 7B overlaid with a dashed line. It can be seen that the laryngoscope of the present invention is more longitudinally curved, and has a variably longitudinal curvature, and provided a better indirect view of the trachea, while retaining the benefit of having a continuously longitudinally curved inferior surface, making it easy to insert without subject trauma.

[0129] FIG. 7G shows the insertion section of the present invention with the traditional Macintosh insertion section of FIG. 7C overlaid with a dashed line. It can be seen that the laryngoscope of the present invention is more curved, providing a better angle to view the larynx indirectly during difficult airway intubations.

[0130] FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-section through a subject undergoing tracheal intubation with a laryngoscope having an insertion section according to the invention. As the insertion section extends around the palette 52, a good view of the trachea 56 can be obtained from the camera. However, in FIG. 8, the insertion section has not been inserted correctly. The distal end of the insertion section restricts access of the endotracheal tube to the trachea. In FIG. 9, the insertion section has been inserted correctly. Users who are not familiar with video laryngoscopy may inadvertently make the error shown in FIG. 8 as the best view of the larynx is obtained when the insertion section has been inserted too far into the subject.

[0131] The shape of the insertion section, particularly the constantly curved inferior surface, with some greater, but not excessive, curvature in the intermediate region, has provided an insertion section which can be readily rolled into a patient, without the user having to push the patient's anatomy around. Without the curvature in the proximal region it is necessary to provide an excessively curved bend, which typically manifests itself in the camera region.

[0132] With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B a longitudinal scale is provided on the superior surface of the insertion section, formed by a plurality of markings 70, which are equally longitudinally spaced. In this example, the markings are numbers, spaced apart by 1 cm, and each is a measure of the distance from the marking to the distal end of the insertion section, along the superior surface of the insertion section.

[0133] The markings enable a user to assess the depth of insertion of the insertion section, by reference to the position of the markings relative to the upper (maxillary) incisor teeth of the subject. This enables a user to determine the optimum depth of insertion, and the optimum technique for using a video laryngoscope with the insertion section.

[0134] The absolute value of depth of insertion may be recorded for a particular subject. The depth of insertion which is employed in a particular procedure may be stored, to provide a record of the procedure. The optimum depth of insertion may be looked up, for example, from a table of suitable depth of insertions for given sizes of the subject, or from measurements of the subject.

[0135] The markings can be used during intubation to avoid excessive insertion of the insertion section as shown in FIG. 8. The markings can also be used to make relative adjustments of depth of insertion, for example an optimum view can be obtained, and the user might then retract the insertion section by a predetermined distance, for example 1 cm, using the position of the markings relative to the subject's maxillary teeth, to judge the distance of movement.

[0136] With reference to FIGS. 10A, 10C and 11, a visual highlight 60 is provided on the superior surface of the flange 36. The visual highlight serves to indicate to a user that they should insert the endotracheal tube along a path which is very close to, or touching the superior surface of the flange. The visual highlight may comprise one or more of an arrow pointing in a distal direction, a picture of an endotracheal tube and text. The visual highlight may indicate a contact zone which an endotracheal tube should contact during insertion. The visual highlight may be moulded. The visual highlight may be printed. The visual highlight may be etched. The visual highlight may be an embedded image, for example during moulding (e.g. using a twin shot mould).

[0137] With reference to FIG. 12, the lateral wall of the insertion section has an elongate guide line 65 extending longitudinally adjacent an optimal path for the insertion of an endotracheal tube into the trachea of a subject into which the insertion section has been introduced. The guide line, which might for example be a ridge or image, assists a user in introducing a tube along the optimum line.

[0138] The optimum line for introduction of an endotracheal tube generally hugs the longitudinal curve of the superior surface of the flange adjacent the viewing port. The optimum line for introduction may be the most direct route for an endotracheal tube, typically taking into account the built in curvature of an endotracheal tube. The optimum line may require least flexion of the endotracheal tube.

[0139] In some embodiments, the insertion section includes one or more microscopically rough surface regions located on the inferior and superior surfaces of the insertion section. Microscopically rough surface sections can be obtained by corresponding texturing of a mould used to form the insertion section, or by grinding, for example.

[0140] The microscopically rough surface sections present a lower contact area to skin than would be the case if the surfaces were completely smooth, reducing friction. This has the effect of a reducing the risk of damage to the lips, which might otherwise be dragged onto and cut by a subject's teeth during use.

[0141] The microscopically rough areas scatter light and so give the insertion section a frosted appearance. However, the microscopically rough surface regions do not extend across the viewing port, where they would block the camera. In these embodiments, an insertion section with microscopically rough surface regions on the inferior and superior surface, but not on the viewing port, can be made predominantly, and in some embodiments entirely, from a single moulded transparent plastics piece.

[0142] Further variations and modifications fall within the scope of the invention herein disclosed.