Laryngoscope blade

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laryngoscope blade characterised in that it comprises a body (a), a handle (b), a working channel (c), a groove (d), a diagonally-cut tip (e), a proximal curve (f), a distal curve (g) of the body (a) and a curve (h) on the handle (b). The laryngoscope blade is used together with an optical device so as to be inserted into the endotracheal tube, which allows a central unblocked camera view during intubation.

Description

[0001] "LARYNGOSCOPY SHEET"

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to the technical field of mechanics, specifically in the field of medical devices, since it refers to a laryngoscopy blade useful in endotracheal intubation.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Direct laryngoscopy has been the most widely used method by anesthesiologists for performing tracheal intubations for over 70 years. This is one of the most important skills required of an anesthesiologist and presents a challenge for teaching new students because the operator's line of sight is not shared with the supporting medical team. Thus, the anatomical structures that the operator observes are not visible to anyone else, limiting the system's use. The search for new equipment to improve viewing angles during laryngoscopy in patients with complicated intubation has driven the development of instruments that allow the use of video as an aid (Bustillos-Gaytán, M. L. et al., 2018).

[0006] Airway management remains a challenge and is one of the cornerstones of anesthesia training, since the results of the procedure depend not only on the skill of the medical personnel performing it, but also on the tools used, such as the videolaryngoscope. Therefore, the development of new technologies that facilitate the endotracheal intubation process is necessary.

[0007] There are different laryngoscopy blades, some are included in videolaryngoscopes, or are used as a complement to the technique for visualizing the glottis.

[0008] Direct laryngoscopy provides a limited view of the larynx, with a very narrow field of vision and sometimes with insufficient light or with the orotracheal tube interfering with the view, hence the designs and functionality of the laryngoscopy blades influence the effectiveness of endotracheal intubation, regardless of whether they are arranged in a videolaryngoscope or used separately.

[0009] There are videolaryngoscopes with an angled blade, which have extra curvature to facilitate visualization through the camera. Finally, there are videolaryngoscopes with a channel, through which the endotracheal tube is pre-loaded, thus allowing its insertion by visualizing the glottic opening. For correct endotracheal intubation, adequate oral opening is essential, as the videolaryngoscope must be inserted along the midline, following the shape of the palate and posterior pharynx, similar to the placement of a laryngeal mask.

[0010] In the case of videolaryngoscope blades with a channel, although the camera allows visualization of the glottic opening, its usefulness is limited, since, regardless of the mechanism, when introducing the endotracheal tube, it can block the camera due to the narrowness of the blade channel, thus limiting the visualization of the glottic opening, resulting in difficulties in achieving the procedure and compromising the patient's life.

[0011] Successful intubation depends on the correct placement of the endotracheal tube, confirmed by clinical examination and capnography. Direct laryngoscopy provides a limited view of the larynx, with a narrow field of view no greater than 15 degrees, and often the laryngoscope has insufficient illumination or the endotracheal tube interferes with the direct view. In contrast, the image provided by a VLG (Visual Laryngoscope) is clearly superior because the lens is located in the distal third of the blade, providing a field of view greater than 60 degrees, which eliminates the need for axis alignment, thus avoiding hyperextension of the head. The excellent image on the screen improves the field of view by one to two degrees compared to direct laryngoscopy.

[0012] Bustillos-Gaytán, ML et al, 2018, reported that modifications to the blade of a conventional laryngoscope, to add video, proved to be a tool that facilitates orotracheal intubation. This is because it provides the support of an additional screen, allowing for the observation of anatomical structures at a larger size without changing the viewing angle of the conventional blade, and at a relatively low cost. In this regard, it is necessary to work on the design of the blades separately to increase the chances of success in endotracheal intubation.

[0013] In this regard, various blade models for videolaryngoscopy have been developed, promising to improve intubation techniques and, consequently, the quality of patient care. Among these developments, several blade models have been proposed in the prior art, such as that described in document DE 60022823, which describes an intubation laryngoscope that allows for rapid blade exchange and comprises a handle, a blade, a hinge-shaped joint for detachably connecting the handle and the blade, and means for transmitting at least one light signal from the handle to the distal end of the blade.The invention is characterized in that said means comprise a flexible cable extending from said handle having a fixed end attached to said handle, and a free end, and a guide tube attached to said blade, extending from near the proximal end of said blade to its distal end, said guide tube being capable of housing said free end of said flexible cable.

[0014] There is also document CN219048415 which describes a utility model of a multi-purpose disposable laryngoscope blade comprising a housing, a connection slot formed in the housing, an observation layer disposed at one end of the housing, a tongue depressor fixedly connected to the top of the housing, an installation block fixedly connected to the top of the housing, an installation slot formed in the installation block and an air bag disposed on the outer wall of the tongue depressor.

[0015] None of the documents described describe the degree of inclination of the curvatures of the laryngoscopy blade of the present invention.

[0016] According to the above, there is a clear need to improve the designs of the blades reported in the state of the art, in terms of their handling and the scope of visualization of the endotracheal cavity and the inclination for sliding the endotracheal tube, since the visualization may be conditioned by the blocking of the videolaryngoscope camera when there is one, and the handling of this, in terms of the design of the handling mechanism.

[0017] Therefore, it is necessary to develop laryngoscopy blades that allow visualization of anatomical structures, adapt to the specific needs of the patient, and are ultimately effective in guiding the endotracheal tube within the trachea. It is also important that they have a short and easy learning curve for new medical specialists, such as the solution proposed in the present invention.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] Figure 1. Shows a side view of the laryngoscopy blade and the arrangement of the body (a), handle (b), working channel (c), slit (d), diagonal cut tip (e), proximal curvature (f), distal curvature (g) of the body (a) and curvature (h) of the handle (b).

[0020] Figure 2. Shows a rear view of the laryngoscopy blade and the slit arrangement (d).

[0021] Figure 3. Shows a side view of the laryngoscopy blade and the arrangement of the diagonal cut tip (e), proximal curvature (f), distal curvature (g), curvature (h) and handle (b).

[0022] Figure 4 shows a top view of the laryngoscopy blade and the arrangement of the diagonally cut tip (e), handle (b), body (a), working channel (c), and handle (b). Figure 5 shows a front view of the laryngoscopy blade and the arrangement of the diagonally cut tip (e), handle (b), body (a), working channel (c), proximal curve (f), and curve (h).

[0023] Figure 6. Shows a perspective side view of the laryngoscopy blade and the arrangement of the body (a), handle (b), working channel (c), slit (d), diagonal cut tip (e), proximal curvature (f), distal curvature (g) of the body (a) and curvature (h) of the handle (b).

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention relates to a laryngoscopy blade with a design such that it allows the introduction of an endotracheal tube through the vocal cords into the trachea.

[0026] The laryngoscopy blade of the present invention comprises: A body (a) with a handle (b) and a working channel (c) inside the body (a) wherein the channel (c) is exposed to the outside on one side of the body (a) and closed on the opposite side.

[0027] The body (a) has a slit (d) located in a portion of the working channel (c) and adjacent to the handle (b). The body (a) has a diagonally cut tip (e) located at the end opposite the handle (b) and terminates the body (a), a proximal curve (f), and a distal curve (g). The handle (b) facilitates manipulation, and an endotracheal tube is inserted into and guided into the trachea through the working channel (c). The surface of the body (a) and the diagonally cut tip (e) are adapted to the patient's anatomy. This invention can be used in conjunction with an optical device, such as a videolaryngoscope, which is inserted into the endotracheal tube, allowing for unobstructed central viewing during intubation.

[0028] The body (a) and tip (e) of the blade have an upper surface with a proximal curvature design (f) that adapts perfectly to the anatomy of the tongue until the tip of the blade is placed in the vallecula or epiglottis of the patient, being able to surround the anatomical structures without making excessive tissue traction necessary, which allows less trauma for the patient and effort on the part of the user.

[0029] The working channel (c) for the endotracheal tube is the length of an endotracheal tube, allowing the tube to be fully inserted. This facilitates the manipulation and operation of the blade as a whole, making the operation easier and more precise. The proximal curve (g) of the working channel (c) allows for extremely smooth movement, preventing the endotracheal tube from becoming stuck or shifting abruptly when directed downwards into the patient during intubation. The distal curve (g) of the working channel (c) directs the tube towards the patient's vocal cords. The position of the tip (e) in the vallecula and the channel exit point are oriented to ensure the tube is directed straight towards the vocal cords as it is moved downwards.

[0030] The slit (d) of the working channel (c) is used in the case where the tube can be partially removed from the working channel (c) by means of the slit (d), so that the proximal half of the endotracheal tube adopts a less curved position for final insertion into the cords.

[0031] The handle (b) allows the laryngoscopy blade to be held together with an endotracheal tube and operated jointly, and has a curvature (h) that moves the proximal edge away from the patient's chest, preventing it from hitting it during the insertion of the tip into the patient's mouth, while at the same time allowing a more vertical position of the handle (b) once the tip is in the vallecula, facilitating the operation of a flexible video device, inserted through the working channel (c) by means of the endotracheal tube to visualize the anatomical structures.

[0032] These unique characteristics demonstrate that the proposed invention has been designed to solve the existing problem of lack of visibility during endotracheal intubation and that it resolves

[0033] References:

[0034] 2018, Bustillos-Gaytán, ML et al. Effectiveness of a laryngoscope blade adapted for video. Anesthesia in

[0035] Mexico online version ISSN 2448-8771, print version ISSN 1405-0056

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A laryngoscopy blade, characterized in that it comprises: a body (a) with a handle (b) and a working channel (c) inside the body (a), wherein the working channel (c) is exposed to the exterior on one side of the body (a) and closed on the opposite side. The body (a) has a slit (d) arranged in a part of the working channel (c) and close to the handle (b), and with a diagonally cut tip (e) located at the opposite end from the handle (b) and terminating in the body (a), a proximal curve (f) and a distal curve (g) are located on the body (a). The handle (b) facilitates manipulation, and an endotracheal tube is inserted into and guided into the trachea through the working channel (c). The surface of the body (a) and the diagonally cut tip (e) are adapted to the patient's anatomy. The body (a) and the diagonally cut tip (e) of the blade have an upper surface with a proximal curve (f) that adapts to the anatomy of the tongue, positioning the tip of the blade in the vallecula or epiglottis of the patient. This allows it to surround the anatomical structures without requiring excessive tissue traction, thus minimizing trauma to the patient and effort for the user. The working channel (c) for endotracheal tube has the length of an endotracheal tube, allowing the endotracheal tube to be fully inserted.The proximal curvature (g) of the working channel (c) allows displacement into the patient's trachea during the. Intubation. The distal curve (g) of the working channel (c) directs the tube towards the patient's vocal cords. The position of the tip (e) in the vallecula and the channel exit point are related to this curve, allowing the tube to be directed straight to the vocal cords as it is pushed downwards. The slit (d) of the working channel (c) is used when the tube can be partially withdrawn from the working channel (c) via the slit (d), so that the proximal half of the endotracheal tube assumes a less curved position for final insertion into the vocal cords.

2. The laryngoscopy blade of claim 1, characterized in that the handle (b) allows the laryngoscopy blade to be held together with an endotracheal tube and operated together, and has a curvature (h) that moves the proximal edge away from the patient's chest, preventing it from hitting the patient during the introduction of the tip into the mouth, while also allowing a vertical position of the handle (b) once the tip is in the vallecula, facilitating the operation of a flexible video device, inserted through the working channel (c) by means of the endotracheal tube to visualize the anatomical structures.

3. The laryngoscopy blade of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the blade is used in conjunction with an optical device, to be inserted into the endotracheal tube, allowing a central view without camera blockage during intubation.

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