Video laryngoscope with an interchangeable blade and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a video laryngoscope with an interchangeable blade, comprising a video unit (2) with a micro video camera (3), a lighting LED (4), and a screen (5) which are connected to electronics and a power supply battery; and a plurality of sheath-like blades (6) of different geometries and / or sizes into which the video unit (2) can be inserted interchangeably; and further comprising automatic detection means (7, 8) for detecting the blade (6) into which the video unit (2) has been inserted; as well as a computer programme or software which, in addition to processing the signal it receives from the micro video camera (3) and the lighting LED (4) to generate the image on the screen (5), includes an algorithm designed to adapt the type of light and to optimise the image generated on the screen (5) based on the type of blade (6) detected by means of the automatic detection means (7, 8) for detecting the blade (6).

Description

[0001] VIDEO-LARYNGOSCOPE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE BLADE AND METHOD

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, a video laryngoscope with an interchangeable blade, relates to a video laryngoscope that comprises a video unit and an interchangeable blade, selected from a plurality of blades, configured as a sheath into which the video unit can be easily inserted and removed. This allows the video unit to be used with any of the plurality of different blades of varying sizes and shapes compatible with the video unit. The blade, which incorporates a sheath, will be chosen according to its shape and size to best suit the needs of each case, depending on the age or characteristics of the patient (adult, child, infant, etc.).The video unit comprises automatic blade detection means assembled or connected to it for the intelligent management of the light and image captured by the unit's camera, adapting said management to the format or type of blade detected, thus providing an optimal image resolution on the video unit's screen. The invention also relates to a method of identifying interchangeable blades using a video unit assembled into the sleeve integrated into the interchangeable blade.

[0005] The field of application of the present invention is the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of medical instruments, focusing particularly on the field of laryngoscopes, and more specifically video-laryngoscopes.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] As is known, a video-laryngoscope is an instrument used to explore the inside of the larynx and transmit images via a video camera, usually of patients who require assistance in the supply of oxygen when they are unable to breathe on their own due to surgical or emergency events.

[0008] Video laryngoscopes consist of two main elements: the intubation blade and the video module. The components included in each of these two elements vary. Some models offer simple intubation blades, without any electronic components, placing all the processing power in the video module, which has an appendage with an integrated micro video camera at its distal end. Among these, some have a flexible appendage (King Vision, Storz, etc.) and others a rigid one (Mac Grath, etc.). In other models (Glidescope and models with reusable blades), the micro video camera is integrated into the blade itself. Video laryngoscopes that do not have the camera integrated into the intubation blade require different video modules for different blade sizes, which complicates their use and results in duplicated investment.

[0009] Some video laryngoscopes offer solutions for using traditional or hyper-angled intubation blades (Storz C-Mac, MacGrath, Glidescope). Other video laryngoscopes offer solutions for using only L-shaped intubation blades with a guide channel for the endotracheal tube (Ambu King Vision). Some video laryngoscopes offer both single-use and reusable intubation blades.

[0010] In video laryngoscopes, the distance at which the CMOS camera (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor – the image sensor used in the video laryngoscope camera to capture high-resolution images) is placed from the glottis depends on the patient's size (adult or pediatric), requiring a greater distance in adults to fully visualize the glottis and the surrounding area. The transmitted image can also be affected by the type of blade used.

[0011] Thus, to try to solve these problems, there are video-laryngoscopes with two or more video modules depending on the size of the blade that is intended to be used (adult or pediatric), therefore needing at least two video modules depending on the size.

[0012] On the other hand, video laryngoscopes with a single video module are also available, to which blades of different sizes (adult and pediatric) can be attached. However, the transmitted image (cropping, magnification, compression) is the same regardless of the distance between the camera and the glottis. In other words, the video module's software is identical regardless of the interchangeable blade used. In these cases, with adult blade sheaths, the field of view is larger because the camera is farther away, and therefore an adult's glottis appears smaller (more distant) on the screen. There is some compensation because adults with a greater distance have a larger glottis, but the compensation is neither perfect nor ideal in all cases.

[0013] The objective of the present invention is to provide a video-laryngoscope with an interchangeable blade, which allows avoiding the inconveniences of use presented by other devices and automatically adapts the video image to the type of blade used in each case.

[0014] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The interchangeable blade video laryngoscope of the present invention comprises a video unit and an interchangeable intubation blade, selected from a plurality of blades configured as a sheath. The video unit can be easily inserted and removed from the sheath, allowing the blade to be interchanged with the same video unit. Blades of different sizes and / or shapes can be used to select the one best suited to the needs of each case. The video unit includes means for uniquely and automatically detecting which interchangeable blade it is assembled or connected to, without requiring user manipulation of the video unit. Furthermore, the video unit includes a computer program or software for intelligent management of the emitted light and captured image, adapting the projection on the video unit's screen to the type of blade detected.

[0016] Thus, a first object of the invention is a video laryngoscope with an interchangeable blade, according to claim 1. More specifically, a video laryngoscope with an interchangeable blade comprising an interchangeable blade and a video unit that can be assembled onto at least one interchangeable blade from among a plurality, said video unit having:

[0017] A handle (for gripping, comprising a battery, preferably rechargeable, connected to an electronic board having a control unit with a computer program,

[0018] A flexible conduit with two ends, a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end with a video microcamera and an illumination LED, the video microcamera and the LED being connected to the electronic board inside the flexible conduit, and

[0019] A screen mechanically connected to the handle and electronically to the electronic board, to project images captured by the video microcamera, the video-laryngoscope comprising an interchangeable blade identification mechanism, which detects the type of blade to emit an electrical signal to the electronic board when the interchangeable blade is assembled in the handle, so that, depending on the signal received by the electronic board, the computer program adapts the intensity of the illumination emitted by the LED and processes the image captured by the video microcamera to obtain a correct visualization of the image on the screen.

[0020] The video laryngoscope therefore consists of a video unit and an interchangeable blade. This interchangeable blade can be selected from a number of blades of different geometries and sizes onto which the video unit is assembled. The blade geometry can be traditional Macintosh, hyper-angled, or channeled, among others. The intubation blades have a sheath-like configuration to receive the flexible tubing from the video unit and can be single-use or reusable. The interchangeable blade, which attaches to the handle, comprises a hollow, sheath-shaped body to removably receive the flexible tubing. It has an opening at one proximal end through which the tubing is inserted and a distal end closed by a window that aligns with the distal end of the tubing.The window preferably has anti-fogging properties, more preferably it is made of an anti-fogging material or has been treated for this purpose. The blade material is preferably a recycled polymer.

[0021] The video unit allows attachment to different interchangeable blades, for which the video unit's gripping handle must be configured to fit into the opening at the proximal end of the blade while the flexible conduit is inserted into the inside of the blade sleeve.

[0022] As mentioned, the invention allows the video unit to automatically detect the type of intubation blade it is mounted on, enabling it to perform the most appropriate image processing adapted to that particular blade type. This involves cropping the native image and then reducing or enlarging it based on the geometry and size of the intubation blade. In this way, a single video unit can be used with different blades to generate images of the glottis of a wide variety of patients, adapting to the different geometries and sizes of the intubation blades that position the video microcamera at the end of the flexible tube at varying distances from the target, typically the glottis.

[0023] The ability to mount different intubation blades on the same video unit allows the professional to select the most appropriate blade for each patient. The intubation blades included with the instrument, and from which the user can choose, are preferably:

[0024] - With a channel for the endotracheal tube, which, as its name indicates, is a blade that includes a channel along its structure, which guides the endotracheal tube directly to the glottis, being especially useful for less experienced operators.

[0025] Macintosh style, which is a curved paddle and is normally used to indirectly lift the epiglottis and expose the glottis by resting it between the tongue and the epiglottis, being more commonly used in adults.

[0026] Miller style, which is a straight and longer blade, designed to directly lift the epiglottis to visualize the vocal cords, being more commonly used in pediatrics.

[0027] Hyper-angled blades have a more pronounced curvature for indirect visualization of the glottis at a wider angle. Furthermore, each of these blade types will also be available in different sizes, allowing for selection of the most suitable size for each patient, in addition to the geometry, and easy interchangeability if necessary.

[0028] In any case, as mentioned, the blades have a sheath-like configuration formed by a hollow body of decreasing width, narrower at the distal end, through which it is inserted into the patient's larynx and where the video camera and LED are located, and wider at the proximal end where the opening of the sheath is located, and where the video unit is inserted, having at this proximal end a holding area to fix said video unit.

[0029] The video unit is always reusable and features a flexible conduit through which it is inserted into the case, a handle connected to the flexible conduit that secures the video unit to the case, and a screen that pivots relative to the handle. As mentioned, the unit comprises:

[0030] A video microcamera incorporated into the distal end of the flexible conduit.

[0031] An LED light at the distal end of the flexible conduit, next to the video microcamera.

[0032] An electronic board, with a control unit containing a computer program or specific software for processing the image, integrated into the handle or central body of the unit, along with other possible electronic components.

[0033] A screen, with its electronic components, mechanically connected to the handle and electronically to the electronic board with the control unit, which preferably pivots with respect to the grip handle by the preferred incorporation of two hinges, although other mechanisms could be used, which facilitate the rotation of the screen.

[0034] A battery powers the electronic components, and this battery can be recharged and replaced when it reaches the end of its lifespan. Preferably, the battery is integrated into the handle and is rechargeable, connecting to metal pins or connectors that allow the handle to be attached to a charging station connected to the electrical grid. Alternatively, the handle could incorporate a connection or port for connecting it to the mains via a cable.

[0035] Intubation blades, regardless of their geometry and size, and whether disposable or reusable, do not include the video microcamera. The video microcamera is located at the distal end of the video unit's flexible tubing and is connected via this tubing to the video unit's gripping handle, allowing it to be adapted to all intubation blades, regardless of their geometry and size. The flexible tubing ensures that the video microcamera is positioned and oriented correctly when inserted into the blade sheath to obtain images of the area of ​​interest, due to the internal configuration of the hollow blade sheath. The video microcamera captures an image area that includes portions of the distal end of the interchangeable sheath, as well as other areas distant from the glottis that are not relevant for intubation.The area of ​​interest is the portion of the image captured by the microcamera that is displayed on the screen, consisting of the glottis and its surrounding area. This area of ​​interest is located in different positions and represents a larger or smaller part of the total area captured by the microcamera, depending on the housing to which the video unit is attached.

[0036] For this purpose, preferably, the hollow body or sheath of the blades includes, on at least one of its inner walls, surfaces in the form of protrusions or raised areas of varying configurations. These surfaces force the flexible conduit of the video unit into one position or another, each specifically designed to ensure the conduit assumes a particular position. This, in turn, forces the end, containing the micro video camera and the illumination LED, to be positioned precisely at the distal end of each blade. Thus, these surfaces inside the sheaths push the flexible conduit of the video unit to ensure that its tip, where the LED and camera are located, makes perfect contact with the window that closes the sheaths at their distal end, opposite the gripping area.These surfaces ensure that the flexible conduit follows a specific path inside the sheath, matching its length. The described interior surfaces of the cavity allow the outer surface of the sheath to have the desired shape, thus making the path of the flexible conduit inside the sheath independent of the sheath's external shape or geometry.

[0037] In any case, the detection of the blade used in each case is carried out automatically, without user intervention, through a unique identification mechanism for each intubation blade that the video-laryngoscope of the invention has, generating, at the same time, a specific image treatment for each of the blades.

[0038] To this end, the identification mechanism comprises activation means in the interchangeable blade that are complementary to detection means arranged in the handle to detect the interchangeable blade connected to said handle, so that depending on the blade, detection means will contact activation means of the interchangeable blade, causing the emission of one or another signal identifying the type of blade to the control unit so that the computer program processes the image accordingly.

[0039] Preferably, the detection means on the handle are switches, preferably at least two, and the activation means on the blade are protrusions, also preferably at least two, such that these switches can be activated by at least one protrusion on an interchangeable blade. Based on this activation or contact, the computer program receives a signal and recognizes which interchangeable blade, from the options stored in the control unit's memory, has been inserted into the handle, adjusting the light and the image projected on the screen accordingly. Preferably, the switches are located on the lower part of the handle, and the protrusions are located on the inside of the proximal end of the interchangeable blade, so that when the handle is assembled in the sleeve, the switches and the protrusions can come into contact.In a preferred construction, the video unit comprises three switches which, combined with different protrusions on the blades, allow the detection of up to eight different types of intubation blades.

[0040] Based on the combination of activated and deactivated switches, the video unit's computer program detects, using the signal received from the detection devices, the type of blade and performs the appropriate image processing corresponding to the detected intubation blade. The video unit's computer program performs specific image processing of the image captured by the video microcamera's sensor, depending on the housing in which the video unit is mounted. This digital image processing consists of selecting the area of ​​interest and discarding the captured areas that are not of interest, as well as enlarging (scaling up) or, if necessary, reducing (scaling down) the image to obtain an optimized version for display on the device's screen. The area of ​​interest is the portion of the total image captured by the video microcamera that is displayed on the screen after being processed by the computer program.

[0041] The image projected on the screen can be recorded by the video unit itself, which preferably includes a memory unit on its electronic board, or it can also be transmitted in real time, wirelessly or by cable, to another device, for which the video unit, and in particular the electronic board, will have the necessary components and / or ports.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the means for securing the video unit to the various blades, in the attachment area of ​​the case that forms them, preferably include a protrusion in said attachment area that extends from the inner face of a tab, or two opposing tabs, provided for this purpose on the edge of the opening of said attachment area of ​​the case. This protrusion, or protrusions, are inserted into a groove provided in the handle of the video unit, preferably in a metal plate positioned at the same angle on said handle, so that, when some pressure is applied with the handle, the tabs give way and the protrusion locks into the groove. To remove the video unit from the case, it is sufficient to pull the tab outwards to release the protrusion from the groove.

[0043] Furthermore, a second object of the invention is a method for identifying an interchangeable blade for a video unit in a video laryngoscope as described above and which is the first object of the invention. In particular, the method comprises the following steps:

[0044] - Attaching the video unit to the interchangeable blade by inserting the flexible conduit into the interchangeable blade,

[0045] - Activation of the identification means by contact of the activation means of the interchangeable shovel with some detection means of the wizard,

[0046] Emission of an electrical signal from the detection means activated by the activation means of the interchangeable blade,

[0047] Reception of the electrical signal by the electrical plate,

[0048] Recognition by the control unit of the electrical signal and association of it with a model or type of interchangeable blade,

[0049] - Adapting the intensity of the light emitted by the LED to the interchangeable blade model, and preferably,

[0050] Processing the image captured by the video microcamera to obtain its correct display on the screen. This processing includes, among other actions, preferably adjusting the magnification of the captured image and selecting the area of ​​interest, the area of ​​interest being that part of the image captured by the video microcamera that is displayed on the screen after being processed by the computer program.

[0051] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] To complete the description of the present invention and to facilitate its understanding, the following figures are included in this specification as an integral part thereof, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views, front and rear respectively, of an example of the interchangeable blade video laryngoscope, depicted with the video unit attached to one of the blades.

[0053] Figure number 3 shows an example of the plurality of different blades comprising the video-laryngoscope of the invention, represented independently, showing their configuration.

[0054] Figures 4 and 5 show two perspective views, front and rear, of the video unit, in this case represented independently, showing its general configuration.

[0055] Figure 6 shows a side elevation view of the example video unit shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0056] Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of detail A indicated in Figure 6, where the inclusion of the switches comprising the video unit can be seen as an example of a shovel detection mechanism.

[0057] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the area of ​​the video unit that incorporates the detectors of the detection mechanism, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0058] Figures 9 and 10 show detailed views of two examples of internal wall surface configurations of two different blade sleeves to force the position of the flexible video unit duct and match the end of both elements.

[0059] Figures 11 and 12 show detailed views of an example of the fastening means between the video unit and the shovel cover, represented respectively in the non-locked and locked positions.

[0060] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0061] In view of the aforementioned figures, the video-laryngoscope (1) of the invention comprises a video unit (2), with a video microcamera (3), lighting LED (4) and screen (5) connected to an electronic board and a power battery (not shown), and at least one intubation blade (6) in the form of a sleeve into which the video unit (2) is removablely inserted.

[0062] Based on this known configuration, the video laryngoscope (1) is distinguished essentially by comprising a blade (6), selected from two or more blades of different geometry and / or size, into which the video unit (2) can be interchangeably inserted. The video laryngoscope (1) further comprises automatic detection means (7,8) for the blade (6) into which the video unit (2) is assembled, inserted, or connected. These means emit a signal, based on the blade type (geometry and size), to a control unit located on the control board, which includes a specific computer program or image management software.The computer program in the control unit processes, in addition to the image signal received from the video microcamera (3) and the illumination from the LED (4), the signal received from the detection means, to process the image and illumination according to the type of interchangeable blade, that is, according to the geometry and size of the interchangeable blade, and project it onto the screen (5). Thus, the computer program incorporates an algorithm capable of adapting the type of light and optimizing the image generated on the screen (5) according to the type of blade (6) detected by the automatic blade detection means (7, 8).

[0063] Accordingly, the video-laryngoscope (1) preferably comprises:

[0064] A blade (6) from among a plurality of sheath-shaped blades (6), reusable or not, with different geometries and sizes for different types of patients and / or interventions, as shown in Figure 3, each consisting of a hollow body of decreasing width, narrower at the distal end (6.1) where it comprises a window (12), and wider at the proximal end (6.2) where it has a holding area for the video unit (2); and a single reusable video unit (2) having a flexible conduit (2.1), at the distal end of which a video microcamera (3) and an LED (4) for illumination are connected, a holding handle (2.2), from which the flexible conduit (2.1) starts at one end, being made up of a housing inside which the electronics with the computer program or specific software and at least one power supply battery are conveniently protected and isolated.It also features a screen (5) arranged in a pivoting head (2.3), coupled, at the opposite end from which the flexible conduit (2.1) emerges, to the holding handle (2.2), as shown in figures 4 and 5. This coupling between the pivoting head (2.3) and the holding handle is made by means of an articulated joint (2.4), preferably with two hinges.

[0065] As means of automatic detection (7,8) of the blade (6) on which the video unit (2) has been assembled, the video-laryngoscope (1) comprises a mechanism for unique identification of each intubation blade (6), which preferably comprises the incorporation, in the video unit (2), of two or more switches (7) and the incorporation, in each of the different blades (6), of a combination of mechanical protrusions (8), schematically visible in figures 9 and 10, such that said switches (7) are activated or not by one or more of the mechanical protrusions (8) of the blades (6), according to which the computer program will know on which blade (6) the video unit (2) has been inserted, adjusting accordingly the light and the image it generates.

[0066] Preferably, the switches (7) are arranged in the lower part of the handle (2.2) of the video unit (2), as shown in Figures 6 to 8, and the mechanical protrusions (8) that activate or deactivate the switches (7) are located inside the gripping area, at the proximal end (6.2) of the blades (6) where the gripping handle (2.2) is partially inserted. In a preferred embodiment, but without limitation, the video unit (2) comprises three switches (7) that allow the detection of up to eight different types of blades (6).

[0067] To recharge the battery that powers the various components of the video unit (2), the handle (2.2) preferably comprises metal pins or connectors (13) for attaching the handle (2.2) to a charging station (not shown) connected to the mains electricity supply. Alternatively or additionally, the handle (2.2) could incorporate a connection or port for connecting the handle (2.2) to the mains supply via a cable (not shown).

[0068] In parallel, in a construction example, inside the hollow body of the blades (6) in the form of a sleeve, one or more surfaces (6.3) are arranged that define protrusions or projections of different configuration on at least one inner wall of said body, which, appreciable in figures 9 and 10, are designed in each blade (6) with a particular configuration and position to push the flexible conduit (2.1) of the video unit (2) forcing it to adopt a certain position and path that ensures that the distal end of the same, with the video microcamera (3) and the lighting LED (4), is located in coincidence with the window (12) of the distal end (6.1) of the blade body (6) in each case, regardless of the geometry or dimension of the body of the same.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that the video-laryngoscope (1) of the invention may include means for securing the video unit (2) to the clamping area of ​​the proximal end (6.2) of each blade (6). These means have a protrusion (9) in said clamping area of ​​the sheath, which extends from the inner face of one or two opposing tabs (10) provided at the opening of said clamping area of ​​the proximal end (6.2) of each blade (6). Thus, when the video unit (2) is inserted, this protrusion (9) engages with a corresponding groove (11) in the handle (2.2) of the video unit (2), which is preferably a metal plate, such that when pressure is applied with the handle (2.2) of the video unit (2) within the clamping area, the tabs (10) give way and the protrusion (9) engages in the groove (11), being easily released by pressing the tabs (10) outwards.

[0070] The method of identifying an interchangeable blade (6) with a video unit (2) in a video laryngoscope according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0071] - Coupling the video unit (2) to the interchangeable blade (6) by inserting the flexible conduit (2.1) into the interchangeable blade (6),

[0072] - Activation of the identification means by contact of the activation means (8) of the interchangeable blade (6) with detection means (7) of the magician (2.2), Emission of an electrical signal from the detection means (7) activated by the activation means (8) of the interchangeable blade (6),

[0073] Reception of the electrical signal by the electrical plate,

[0074] Recognition by the control unit of the electrical signal and association of the same with an interchangeable blade model (6),

[0075] - Adaptation of the intensity of the lighting emitted by the LED (4) to the interchangeable blade model (6), and

[0076] Processing of the image captured by the video microcamera (3) to obtain a correct visualization of it on the screen (5), said processing being able to include, at least, adjusting the magnification of the captured image and selection of the area of ​​interest, where the area of ​​interest is that part of the total image captured by the video microcamera that is shown on the screen after being processed by the computer program.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Interchangeable blade video-laryngoscope (1) comprising: an interchangeable blade (6), selected from a plurality of interchangeable blades, and a video unit (2) attachable to at least one interchangeable blade (6), said video unit (2) having: A gripping handle (2.2) comprising a battery connected to an electronic board having a control unit with a computer program, A flexible conduit (2.1) with two ends, a proximal end attached to the handle (2.2) and a distal end with a video microcamera (3) and an illumination LED (4), the video microcamera (3) and the LED (4) being connected to the electronic board inside the flexible conduit (2.2), and A screen (5) mechanically connected to the handle (2.2) and electronically to the electronic board, for projecting images captured by the video microcamera (3), characterized in that it comprises an identification mechanism for the interchangeable blade (6), said mechanism emitting an electrical signal to the electronic board when the blade (6) is assembled into the handle (2.2), and depending on the signal received by the electronic board, the computer program adapts the intensity of the illumination emitted by the LED (4) and processes the image captured by the video microcamera (3) to obtain a correct visualization of the image on the screen (5).

2. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 1, characterized in that the interchangeable blade (6) attachable to the handle (2.2) comprises a hollow body shaped like a sleeve to removably receive the flexible conduit (2.1), with an opening at a proximal end (6.2) into which the flexible conduit (2.1) is inserted and a distal end (6.1) closed by a window that coincides with the distal end of the flexible conduit (2.1).

3. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identification mechanism comprises activation means (8) in the interchangeable blade (6) complementary to detection means (7) arranged in the handle (2.2) for detecting the interchangeable blade (6) connected to said handle (2.2) according to the detection means (7) activated by the activation means (8) of the interchangeable blade when they contact the detection means (7).

4. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection means in the handle (2.2) are at least switches (7) and the activation means in the blade (6) are protrusions (8), such that said switches (7) can be activated by at least one protrusion (8) of an interchangeable blade (6), according to which the computer program recognizes which interchangeable blade (6) the handle (2.2) has been inserted into, adjusting accordingly the light and the image on the screen (6).

5. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 2, characterized in that the switches (7) are arranged in the lower part of the handle (2.2) and the protrusion (8) is arranged inside the proximal end (6.2) of the interchangeable blade (6).

6. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 3, characterized in that the unique identification mechanism of each blade (6) comprises three switches (7) that interact with at least one protrusion of an interchangeable blade (6), to detect up to eight different interchangeable blades (6).

7. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 1, characterized in that the interior of the hollow, sheath-shaped body of the interchangeable blades (6) comprises at least one surface (6.3) that defines at least one projection or protrusion with a particular configuration and position to push the flexible conduit (2.1), forcing it to adopt a certain position and path to ensure that the distal end of the flexible conduit (2.1) coincides with a window (12) located at the distal end (6.1) of the interchangeable blade (6) in each case, regardless of the geometry or dimension of the body thereof.

8. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (2.2) comprises fixing means with the proximal end (6.2) of each interchangeable blade (6).

9. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 7, characterized in that the fixing means comprise a prominence (9) emerging from the inner face of at least one tab (10) disposed at the proximal end of the interchangeable blade (6) and a slot (11) provided in coincidence in the handle (2.2) to receive the prominence (9).

10. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 1, characterized in that the section of the body of the interchangeable blade (6) grows from the distal end (6.1) of the interchangeable blade (6) to the proximal end (6.2).

11. Video-laryngoscope, according to claim 2, characterized in that the window has properties that prevent fogging.

12. Method for identifying an interchangeable blade (6) by a video unit (2) in a video laryngoscope according to any of the above characteristics, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - Attachment of the video unit (2) to the interchangeable paddle (6) by means of the introduction of the flexible conduit (2.1 ) into the interchangeable blade (6), - Activation of the identification means by contact of the activation means (8) of the interchangeable blade (6) with detection means (7) of the handle (2.2), Emission of an electrical signal from the detection means (7) activated by the activation means (8) of the interchangeable blade (6), Reception of the electrical signal by the electrical plate, Recognition by the control unit of the electrical signal and association of the same with an interchangeable blade model (6), - Adaptation of the intensity of the lighting emitted by the LED (4) to the interchangeable blade model (6), and Processing of the image captured by the video microcamera (3) to obtain a correct visualization of it on the screen (5).

13. Method, according to claim 12, characterized in that the image processing comprises, at least, adjusting the magnification of the captured image and selecting the part of the image captured by the video microcamera that is to be displayed on the screen after being processed by the computer program.

Images