Intubation instrument
US6655377B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/06
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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. A heating element may be placed in thermal communication with the viewing device thereby defogging the viewing device during use. A transparent protective sheathing may be positioned over the assembly to facilitate cleaning and prov…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.