Laryngoscope with enhanced lighting capabilities

Abstract

A laryngoscope, comprising a blade, a handle attachment fitting, a light transmitter, and a light distributor is described. The blade has a dorsal surface, a ventral surface, an opaque proximal portion, a distal portion, and a blade length extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The handle attachment fitting is connected to the ventral surface. The handle attachment fitting is configured to engage the ventral surface to a laryngoscope handle. The light transmitter is housed within the blade. The light transmitter is configured to emit light from the blade so as to transilluminate at least a portion of the distal portion of the blade. The light distributor is within the blade and is configured to guide light emitted by the light transmitter from the distal portion of the blade to a target tissue.

Description

ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED: February 18, 2026LARYNGOSCOPE WITH ENHANCED LIGHTING CAPABILITIES CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Application identified by serial number 63 / 759,747, titled "LARYNGOSCOPE WITH ENHANCED LIGHTING CAPABILITIES", filed February 18, 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to laryngoscopes and methods of use of laryngoscopes. More particularly the disclosure relates to laryngoscopes having lighting capabilities.BACKGROUND

[0003] A laryngoscope is primarily used by medical professionals to visualize the vocal cords and / or trachea. The laryngoscope is particularly fundamental to the performance of endotracheal intubation and tracheal anesthesia, as it allows for efficient location of the patient's larynx and trachea for insertion of the oxygen tube.

[0004] The laryngoscope has two main components: a handle and a blade. In 1913, laryngology professor Chevalier Jackson designed a blade with a distal light source. That same year, anesthesiologist Henry Janeway incorporated battery powered-lights and a curve into the blade design. Since then, laryngoscopes, the blades in particular, have been modified to advance intubation conditions, allowing for better visualization and procedure-specific shapes. For example, modern laryngoscopes may have teeth-protective features, flexible blade tips, or cameras for real-time imaging.

[0005] Considering visualization is so crucial to laryngoscopy procedures, especially for time-critical intubations, lighting is an important blade feature. Despite the dynamically developing medical device market, many modern laryngoscope blades still only include one light source, as they did in the early 1900s. The issue is that blood, saliva, and vomit— all common to the hospital and / or emergency setting— often obstruct the light source, thus impeding visualization of the airway and creating unsafe operating conditions. This is especially true in the emergency / military setting where the laryngeal structure is oftencompromised by trauma, foreign objects, and masses, any of which may be accompanied by internal bleeding, compoundingthe demand for a laryngoscope with reliable visualization.

[0006] Therefore, where insufficient and unreliable lighting makes for unsafe conditions, there is a demand for a laryngoscope blade with enhanced lighting capabilities that allows for improved airway visualization in any setting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more implementations described herein and, together with the description, explain these implementations. The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated, to scale, or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. Not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Like reference numerals in the figures may represent and refer to the same or similar element or function. In the drawings:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary laryngoscope constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a side view of another exemplary laryngoscope blade embodiment constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a partial cut-away side view of the exemplary laryngoscope blade of FIG.2A

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an additional laryngoscope embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a side cut-away view of an additional laryngoscope embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an additional laryngoscope blade embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an additional laryngoscope blade embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7A is an inferior / ventral view of an additional laryngoscope blade embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7B is a side cut-away view of the blade embodiment of FIG. 7A.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective and diagrammatic view of an additional laryngoscope embodiment and imaging system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an additional laryngoscope with an imaging system embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10A is a side perspective view of an additional laryngoscope embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10B is a top perspective view of an additional laryngoscope embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a side view of an additional laryngoscope blade embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12 is partial cut-away perspective view of an additional laryngoscope embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13A is a side perspective view of an additional laryngoscope embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 13B is a closer side perspective view of the additional laryngoscope embodiment of FIG. 13A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0026] The mechanisms proposed in this disclosure circumvent the problems described above. The present disclosure describes laryngoscopes with enhanced distal blade illumination.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0028] In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concept. This description should be read to include one or more and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0029] Further, use of the term "plurality" is meant to convey "more than one" unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0030] As used herein, qualifiers like "substantially," "about," "approximately," and combinations and variations thereof, are intended to include not only the exact amount or value that they qualify, but also some slight deviations therefrom, which may be due to manufacturing tolerances, measurement error, wear and tear, stresses exerted on various parts, and combinations thereof, for example.

[0031] The use of the term "at least one" or "one or more" will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one. In addition, the use of the phrase "at least one of X, V, and Z" will be understood to include X alone, V alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X, V, and Z. The use of the term "one or more Xs" will be understood to include X alone, as well as more than one X.

[0032] The use of ordinal number terminology (i.e., "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc.) is solely for the purpose of differentiating between two or more items and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, is not meant to imply any sequence or order or importance to one item over another or any order of addition.

[0033] Finally, as used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0034] As discussed above, typical laryngoscope blades which emit light directly onto the patent have only one light source and any illumination provided is often limited by variables innate to the hospital / emergency setting. The present disclosure addresses these deficiencies with laryngoscopes blades having enhanced lighting capabilities.

[0035] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary laryngoscope 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. The laryngoscope 10 generally comprises a blade 12,one or more light transmitters 14, and a handle 16, the blade 12 and handle 16 connected by a handle attachment fitting 18. The blade 12 also includes a light distributor 20 and a blade body 21. The light distributor 20 is on or in the blade body 21, and is configured to guide light that is emitted from the one or more light transmitters 14 to a target tissue (e.g., the larynx, trachea, vocal cords, glottis, etc.) outside of the blade body 21 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] The blade 12 includes the blade body 21 having a dorsal surface 22. The dorsal surface 22 is a surface that is configured to contact a dorsal aspect of the throat (i.e., the back of the throat) when the laryngoscope 10 is used. The blade body 21 also includes a ventral surface 24, i.e., a surface that contacts a ventral aspect (i.e., the front of the throat) of the larynx when the laryngoscope 10 is used. The blade body 21 of the blade 12 has a proximal end 26 and a distal end 28; the proximal end 26 being proximal to the handle 16 of the laryngoscope 10. The blade body 21 of the blade 12 also has two portions: a proximal portion 36 and a distal portion 38, corresponding with the proximal end 26 and distal end 28 of the blade 12, respectively.

[0037] Now particularly referencing the distal portion 38, the distal portion 38 may extend from the distal end 28 towards the proximal end 26 and comprise up to one half of the blade 12. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 1, the distal portion 38 may extend from the distal end 28 towards the proximal end 26 and be approximately two thirds of the total blade 12. In other implementations, as shown in FIG. 2A, the distal portion 38 may extend from the distal end 28 towards the proximal end 26 and be approximately one third of a length of the blade body 21 of the blade 12. In some implementations, the distal portion 38 may be less than one third of a length of the blade body 21.

[0038] As one skilled in the art can appreciate, laryngoscope blades may be various geometries and sizes. Accordingly, the blade body 21 may be curved, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, or straight, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. The blade body 21 may be shaped according to known clinical advantages, such as, but not limited to, a Macintosh (FIGS. 1-5), Miller (FIG. 6), hyper-angulated (FIG. 7A and 7B), McCoy (FIG. 4), open barrel (FIG. 8), Parsons, or Blechman style blade. The blade body 21 of the blade 12 may also take on different sizes, standard to the art field, for different size patients. For example, the blade body 21 of the blade 12 may be a Macintosh style shape and range between the standardized sizes of double or triple zero to six or larger. In other implementations, the blade body 21 of the blade 12 may be shaped and sized for use across different life stages, such as premature infants, infants, children, or adults.Any laryngoscope 10 and blade 12 may adhere to any common standardized sizing systems known in the art.

[0039] Further, laryngoscope blades are commonly designed for right-handed users. The laryngoscope 10 and blade 12 may be designed for right-handed and / or left-handed users. The laryngoscope 10 and blade 12 designs of the present disclosure may also be used in the veterinary setting when suitable, for the airway management of any non-human mammal.

[0040] The blade body 12 may be constructed of one or more rigid, surgical-grade materials, with at least the proximal portion 36 of the blade body 21 being constructed from an opaque material that absorbs light so as to block glare from the user. In one implementation, the proximal portion 36 of the blade body 21 is constructed from metal which is opaque. In another implementation, the proximal portion 36 is constructed from an opaque plastic. In another implementation, the proximal portion 36 is constructed from a combination of opaque plastic and metal.

[0041] The distal portion 38 of the blade body 21 may be constructed from the same material as the proximal portion 36. The distal portion 38 may also be constructed from a different material than the proximal portion 36. For example, in some embodiments, the distal portion 38 may be translucent / transparent, thus constructed of a translucent material that allows for the transmission of light from within the blade body 21 to the tissue located outside of the blade body 21. In some embodiments, the distal portion 38 may be a transparent plastic while the opaque proximal portion 36 is metal. In other embodiments, the distal portion 38 may be translucent plastic and the proximal portion 36 is opaque plastic. In an exemplary implementation, the distal portion 38 is transparent polycarbonate and the proximal portion 36 is stainless steel. In some implementations, the distal portion 38 may be a combination of any number of different materials. For example, the distal portion 38 may be a combination of transparent plastic, metal, and opaque plastic.

[0042] The distal portion 38 may also be more than one material. For example, the distal portion 38 may have transparent portions constructed from one material and opaque portions constructed from a different material. In one such implementation, shown in FIG. 1, the distal portion 38 may be constructed of an opaque plastic but have the light distributor 20 formed of transparent plastic windows inset within openings within the opaque plastic that allow light to pass from the one or more light sources 14 through the transparent plastic windows for light transmittal. In another implementation, the distal portion 38 may beconstructed from an opaque material, such as metal, but have the light distributor 20 formed of transparent, glass-like, plastic windows that allow light to pass from the light sources 14 within the blade body 21 through the transparent glass, glass like and / or plastic windows for light transmittal to tissue located outside of the blade body 21. The light distributor windows may be connected as in a strip, i.e., in series or separated by opaque blade material creating space. These distances may or may not be uniform.

[0043] Polymers used to construct either or both the distal portion 38 and the proximal portion 36 may be a variety of durable materials commonly used in the medical field such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polymethylmethacrylate (acrylic), polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polytetrafluoroethylene. However, as one in the art can appreciate, any transparent and / or translucent material that would allow light to be emitted therethrough so as to transilluminate the distal portion 38 including a front and sides of the distal portion 38 may be used.

[0044] Notably, the laryngoscope 10 materials may vary depending upon the setting and / or use of the laryngoscope 10 as well. For example, in some implementations, the entire blade body 21 of the blade 12, including but not limited to both proximal 36 and distal 38 portions, and the handle 16, may be a material suited for single-use, such as a disposable plastic, like polycarbonate. In other implementations, the entire blade body 21 of the blade 12, including but not limited to both the proximal portion 36 and the distal portion 38, and the handle 16, may be a material suited for sterilization via common disinfectant solutions, gas sterilization, and / or autoclaving, such as stainless steel.

[0045] Now referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the blade 12 may be connected to the handle 16 via the handle attachment fitting 18. More particularly, the handle attachment fitting 18 on the ventral surface 24 of the proximal portion 36 of the blade body 21 may releasably engage a proximal end 40 ofthe handle 16. The engagement between the handle attachment fitting 18 and the proximal end 40 ofthe handle 16 may fixedly, removably, and / or hingedly connect the blade 12 to the handle 16. The handle attachment fitting may be a standard hinge attachment, as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The handle attachment fitting 18 may also be a different shape that is unique to the laryngoscope function or a proprietary design. For example, the handle attachment fitting 18 may allow the blade 12 to swivel relative to the handle 16. In another embodiment, the handle attachment fitting 18 may allow the blade 12 to hinge relative to the handle 16. In a further embodiment, the attachment fitting 18 mayallow the blade 12 to hinge relative to the handle 16 with the additional force of a lever 42 attached to the blade 12, such as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, as exemplified in FIG. 7B, the handle 16 and blade 12 are manufactured as a single unit (i.e., one piece), such that the handle attachment fitting 18 is a fixed portion of the laryngoscope 10 between the blade 12 and the handle 16.

[0046] Now referencing all Figures 1-13B, but particularly FIGS. 1-5, the one or more light transmitter ("light transmitters") 14 may be contained within one or more cavities 23 within the blade 12 and configured to emit light from the cavity(s) 23 inside the blade body 21 of the blade 12 to a target tissue through the light distributor 20. The light transmitters 14 may be positioned anywhere within the blade body 21 or extend to any blade surface, and thus may emit light from anywhere in or on the blade body 21 of the blade 12. For example, in some implementations, the light transmitters 14 are positioned along the ventral surface 24 of the blade body 21, such as in FIG. 5. In some implementations, the light transmitters 14 are positioned alongthe dorsal surface 22 of the blade body 21, such as shown in FIG. 1. In some implementations, the light transmitters 14 are positioned along both the dorsal 22 and ventral 24 surface of the blade body 21, such as in FIG. 11.

[0047] The light transmitter 14 may be one or more light source 44 such as, but not limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED), electroluminescent wire, incandescent lamp, laser, or combination thereof. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the light transmitter 14 may be an LED lamp.

[0048] The light transmitter 14 may also be optically coupled to one or more light source 44, such as, but not limited to, an end-emitting optical fiber, edge-emitting optical fiber, waveguide, light pipe, Hopkins rod, or other form of optical communication for short-range light transmission. For example, in some embodiments such as FIG. 3, the light transmitter 14 is a flexible light pipe that is fed light from at least one of the light source(s) 44. In another implementation, as shown in FIG. 3, the light transmitters 14 may be multiple end-emitting optical fibers that branch from a common light source 44. In another implementation, such as FIG. 4, the light transmitters 14 may be multiple optical fiber branches split from one or more bundles connected to multiple light sources 44.

[0049] In some embodiments, light may be transmitted from the handle 16, through the attachment fitting 18, to an optical receiver within the blade 12 via optical pathways. For example, the handle 16 may contain a power source (e.g., battery) providing electrical powerto one or more light sources 44 to generate light, and an optical end effector receiving the light and supplying the light to optical transducers (e.g., light tubes) within the blade 12 allowing for continual light transmission through the blade 12 for light generated within the handle 16.

[0050] As one skilled in the art can appreciate, the one or more light transmitter 14 and / or one or more light source 44 may be organized in a variety of ways throughout the blade body 21 of the blade 12 and / or handle 16. Accordingly, the light transmitters 14 and / or light sources 44 communicate with a power source 46, the power source 46 configured to provide power from anywhere in the blade body 21 of the blade 12 and / or the handle 16 to the light transmitter 14 and / or light source 44 via one or more electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material can be in the form of a wire or a trace, for example.

[0051] The power source 46 may be any known power source, including batteries and electricity (e.g., AC power). The power source 46 may also be a power adapter or internal power supply within the laryngoscope 10 itself, such as a rechargeable and / or portable power bank. In some implementations, the power source 46 is external to the laryngoscope 10. For example, the power source 46 may include a wall socket, computer, computing device, or other device having or connected to an external power source.

[0052] The power source 46 may be internal, housed within the blade body 21 of the blade 12 or handle 16. In some implementations, the power source 46 may be a battery housed within the proximal portion 40 of the handle, such as shown in FIG. 4. In other implementations, the power source 46 is within the blade 12. For example, as shown in FIG.3, the power source 46 may be housed in the proximal portion 36 of the blade 12, including the handle attachment fitting 18, and supply power to the light transmitter 14. In other implementations, the laryngoscope 10 may further comprise a cord extending from the handle 16 that would be plugged into a wall outlet, computer, power bank, or smart phone. In further implementations, the power source 46 may be housed in the handle 16 and supply energy to the one or more light transmitters 14 and / or one or more light source 44 within the blade 12 automatically upon blade 12 connection to the handle 16. An on-off switch may be located at the source 46, in proximity including on the handle 16 or activated automatically when used.

[0053] Referring now to the blade 12 of the laryngoscope 10 in particular, the one or more light distributor 20 ("light distributors"), as part of the blade 12, is configured to guide lightemitted by the light transmitters 14 from the distal portion 38 of the blade body 21 to target tissues. The light distributor 20 focuses and / or disperses the light generated by the light transmitters 14 to provide a greater intensity of light to target tissues. In the event that one or more of the one or more light transmitters 14 is obstructed by blood, vomit, or other secretions, then at least some of the one or more light distributors 20 may still focus / disperse an adequate amount of light to target tissues from the light provided by unobstructed light transmitters 14. Thus, having light distributors 20 may allow for and / or enhance visualization to a greater degree than a having one or more light transmitter 14 alone.

[0054] Referencing FIGS. 1,4-6, and 10-11, the light distributor 20a may include an arrangement of translucent windows (which may be surrounded by optical opaque portions of the blade body 21) along or within the distal portion 38 of the blade body 21. The light distributor 20a directs a significant light intensity towards target tissues compared to current art-known single-light laryngoscopes. In some implementations, such as FIG. 1, the light distributor 20a includes a serial arrangement of translucent windows with each translucent window placed nearthe dorsal surface 22 of the blade body 12 to better illuminate the distal portion 38 of the blade body 21. Similarly, light transmitters 14 may be serially arranged at the ventral surface 24 or both the dorsal surface 22 and ventral surface 24 of the blade 12 to provide light on the patient tissue through the light distributor 20a. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the light distributor 20a may be a serial arrangement of translucent windows embedded at the ventral surface 24 of the distal portion 38 of the blade body 21. In other embodiments, the light distributor 20a is a serial arrangement of translucent windows within both proximal portion 36 and distal portion 38 of the blade body 21, allowing for illumination from any surface of the blade body 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the light distributor 20a may be a serial arrangement of translucent windows that emit light from multiple areas in the blade 12, by nature of the placement and / or by nature of transparent portions of the blade 12, as shown on the ventral surface 24 of the blade 12 of FIG. 5.

[0055] The light distributor 20a may be any form of serial arrangement that can receive light from light transmitters 14 appearing in succession— within the blade body 21, and along any surface of the blade body 21 to optimize light transmission to target tissues from the distal portion 38 of the blade. The light distributor 20a may receive light from any disclosed light transmitters 14 and / or light sources 44. The light distributor 20a may also be incorporated into any blade 12 design disclosed herein, including both opaque andtransparent / translucent materials. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the light distributor 20a may be a serial arrangement of translucent windows in the distal portion 38 of the blade when the distal portion 38 is a transparent material, such as translucent plastic.

[0056] The light distributor 20a may be a serial arrangement of curved or bent translucent windows; the curve or bend of the translucent windows may reflect the shape / curves of the blade body 21. For example, as seen in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the light distributor 20a may be inset into the blade body 21 and contoured to match a curve in the blade body 21. The light distributor 20a may also have a shape and curvature according to the shape and curvature of the blade body 21 or any portions of the blade body 21. Accordingly, any translucent windows of the light distributor 20a may be sized and distributed to fit the shape and curvature of the blade body 21 or any portions of the blade body 21 to provide a smooth surface. For example, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 11, the light distributors 20a may be organized to fill certain portions of the blade body 21 and follow the contours of the blade body 21.

[0057] In some embodiments, the laryngoscope 10 may include a light distributor 20b that is similar in construction and function as the light distributor 20a described above, with the exception that the light distributor 20b may be an optical component that focuses and / or disperses light emitted from the one or more light transmitter 14 to accentuate illumination from the distal portion 38 of the blade body 21. The light distributor 20b may be any optical material that engages a light beam, such as, but not limited to, one or more optical lens, prism, metal flakes, optical coatings, optical texturing (i.e., grooves, ridges, curves, etc.), or combinations thereof. The light distributor 20b may be implemented in any blade 12 design, but may be especially useful in blades where the distal portion 38 is transparent / translucent.

[0058] Referencing FIGS. 2-3 and 7-8 in particular, the light distributor 20b may transilluminate the entire distal portion 38 of the blade. For example, the light distributor 20b may be a design feature incorporated into the transparent distal portion 38 of the blade, configured to transilluminate the distal portion 38 with light emitted from the light transmitter 14. In one such embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the light distributor 20b includes a texture (e.g., a series of ridges, grooves, or embedded optical pipes) designed into the transparent distal portion 38 that receives light from the light transmitter 14 that is an LED in the proximal portion 36 and distribute / focus the light to transilluminate the distal portion 38. In such embodiments, the distal portion 38 may be a translucent material incorporating a light distributor 20b and incorporate a light distributor 20a constructed fromthe same translucent material or a different translucent material. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the light distributor 20b is an optical film coating the transparent distal portion 38 that modifies and / or redistributes light emitted from the light transmitter 14 to transilluminate the translucent distal portion 38.

[0059] In some implementations the light distributor 20b may concentrate light for focused illumination from certain areas of the distal portion 38 of the blade. For example, in some implementations, the light distributor 20b may be one or more optical lens positioned within the blade 12 to focus light within the distal portion 38 to better illuminate target tissues. In one such embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the light distributor 20b includes multiple optical lenses positioned along the blade body 21 to receive and focus light from the light transmitter 14.

[0060] As one skilled in the art can appreciate, the light distributor 20b may be any form of optical guiding material incorporated into the blade body 21 and along any surface of the blade body 21 to optimize light transmission to target tissues from the distal portion 38 of the blade. For example, the light distributor20b may extend externally across the blade body 21 before entering the blade 21. In one such implementation, the light distributor 20b extends across an external surface of the proximal blade body 21 before transitioning into the blade body 21 of the distal portion 38. The light distributor 20b may be used with any disclosed light transmitters 14 and / or light sources 44. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the light distributor 20b may be an optical material making up the translucent distal portion 38 of the blade body 21, allowing for uniform distribution of light from light transmitters 14 that are edge-emitting optical fibers. The light distributor 20b may also be incorporated into any blade 12 design using any disclosed materials, including both opaque and transparent / translucent materials.

[0061] Now referring to FIG. 9 in particular, one or more light distributor 20a, 20b may be combined within the blade 12 to enhance illumination from the distal portion 38. In some implementations, one or more light distributor 20a, 20b may also be combined with one or more light transmitter 14 within the blade 12 to enhance illumination from the distal portion 38. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the blade 12 may have both a light distributor 20a that is a serial arrangement of end-emitting optical fibers and a light distributor 20b that is an optically conductive transparent distal portion 38 configured to aim and / or focus the light to transilluminate the distal portion 38 in combination. In a further embodiment, the blade 12 may have a light distributor 20a that is a serial arrangement of windows through which lighttransmitters 14 focus light on a certain target tissue, and a light distributor 20b that is an optically conductive transparent distal portion 38 that is fed light by different light transmitters 14 than light distributor 20a.

[0062] The laryngoscope blade 12 may be configured to emit different intensities of light and / or different wavelengths of light. The one or more light transmitter 14 may emit light of any color within the visible light spectrum (wavelengths ranging between 380 nm and 750 nm). The one or more light transmitter 14 may also emit infrared light (wavelengths ranging between 750 nm and 1 mm) and / or black light (i.e., long-wave ultraviolet light) (wavelengths ranging between 300 nm and 380 nm).

[0063] As one skilled in the art can appreciate, emitting different wavelengths of light from the blade 12 allows for improved visualization and diagnosis with the laryngoscope 10. For example, a laryngoscope 10 may emit black light from one or more light transmitter 14 to cause fluorescence in certain tissues, and then the same or a different light transmitter 14 may emit white light for visualization. In some embodiments, different light transmitters 14 may emit light at different wavelengths at the same time. For example, a user may opt for one or more light transmitter 14 to emit white light while one or more light transmitter 14 emit green light from the blade 12 to reduce glare without compromising visibility.

[0064] In some embodiments, light emitted from the distal portion 38 of the blade 12 may be used to transilluminate a target tissue. Light emitted by the light transmitters 14 and / or light distributor 20 through the distal portion 38 may be furthertransmitted to a tissue upon blade contact with the tissue. Transilluminating tissue via the laryngoscope 10 may be useful in various diagnostic applications such as identifying trauma, fluid accumulation, tissue collapse, masses, and other abnormalities. Transilluminating tissue via the laryngoscope 10 may also be generally useful in visualizing and recognizing laryngeal anatomy during intubation or for needle localization into laryngeal tissue. In some implementations, different intensities of light and / or different wavelengths of light may be used in transillumination of a target tissue.

[0065] A laryngoscope 10 user may control the light emittance, wavelength of light emitted, and / or intensity of emitted light through one or more control 48 in communication with the one or more light transmitter 14 and / or one or more light source 44. In some implementations, the control 48 may be in communication with a control device 49 proving a signal to the one or more light transmitter 14 and / or one or more light source 44. Thecontrol 48 and / or control device 49 may also communicate with the power source 46. For example, the control 48 may turn certain light wavelengths on / off or allow the user to select certain combinations of light wavelength emission and / or focus. The control 48 may take the physical form of a button, switch, toggle, or the like.

[0066] The control 48 may be anywhere along the proximal portion 36 of the blade 12 or the handle 16. The control 48 may also be external to the laryngoscope 10. For example, the control 48 may be a switch that is pressed on the proximal end 40 of the handle to trigger the control device 49 within the handle 16 and thus turn the light transmitter on or off, as in FIG.3. In another implementation, the control 48 may be an external interface on an electronic device such as a computer, smart phone, tablet, or other device that communicates with the one or more light transmitter 14 and / or one or more light source 44.

[0067] In some implementations, the one or more control 48 and / or control device 49 may also be in communication with an imaging system 52, detailed further below.

[0068] Now referringto FIG. 7, in some implementationsthe laryngoscope 10 mayfurther comprise a channel 50. The channel 50 may be connected to the blade 12 externally, such as in FIG. 7, or may be used through the laryngoscope. The channel 50 may be a permanent fixture of the laryngoscope 10 or be removably attached to the blade 12 and / or handle 16. The channel 50 may extend from at least the proximal end 26 of the blade 12 to the distal end 28 of the blade. In some embodiments the channel 50 may extend from the handle 16 to the distal end 28 of the blade. For example, in some embodiments, the channel 50 may only extend just beyond the curve of the blade 12. In other embodiments, the channel 50 is adjacent to or near the distal end 28 of the blade. The channel 50 may be open or closed. A closed channel 50 may have perforations along the length of the channel 50 to allow for the suction of aerosols and / or administration of high flow oxygen to a patient.

[0069] The channel 50 may be a tube configured to provide or remove substances from the larynx, and / or one or more instruments for manipulating the larynx. For example, the channel 50 may include a suction instrument or act as a suction or ventilation conduit itself that is capable of reaching beyond the distal end 28 of the blade 12; grasping forceps, capable of reaching beyond the distal end 28 of the blade 12 to dislodge a foreign body within the throat or take a biopsy of the larynx, pharynx or trachea, or other areas of the upper aerodigestive tract; a rigid angled hook, capable of reaching beyond the distal end 28 of the blade 12 to dislodge a foreign body within the trachea; a blade 12 side channel withventilation ports to allow ventilation of the patient, as seen in FIG.7; an endotracheal tube; and / or other suitable instruments and / or tools. Channel 50 may also facilitate passage of a bougie (tracheal introducer) to access the glottic opening and allow separation of the bougie from the laryngoscope blade 12 to facilitate the bougies use (i.e., guiding a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) over the bougie). The channel 50 and / or instruments within the channel may be formed from metal, plastics, or any of the materials discussed above or below.

[0070] In some embodiments, the laryngoscope 10 may include a sprayer configured to direct fluid towards the distal portion 38, one or more light transmitter 14, one or more light source 44, or a combination thereof to rinse away blood, vomit, etc. that may be obstructing light transfer from the blade 12. The sprayer may receive fluid from any fluid source, such as a water line, bladder, or other reservoir, and deliver fluid to the sprayer via any associated channel or suitable tubing. In some embodiments, the sprayer may be in communication with the channel 50, where the channel is a tube that supplies fluid to the sprayer or suctions fluid dispensed by the sprayer.

[0071] Now referring to FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, the laryngoscope 10 may support an imaging system 52 including one or more camera 54 to capture images during laryngeal procedures and transmit them to one or more user display 56. The imaging system 52 may further comprise a computer processor 60. The computer processor 60 may further comprise or be in communication with one or more readable memory 62. The camera 54 may be a fiberoptic camera, cable with a lens (such as a chip-tip camera), or other type of image-capturing sensor. The camera 54 may be configured to capture one or more images of target tissue beyond the distal portion 38 of the blade, such as structures in the throat of the patient, when the laryngoscope 10 is in use. The camera 54 may be configured to convert received light into electrical signals indicative of one or more images, which may be in the form of video, i.e., a series of moving visual images.

[0072] The moving images of the video may be displayed on the one or more user display 56, such as a computer monitor, a handheld computer tablet screen, a smartphone screen, a large screen for group viewing and / or instruction, a table top display, a handheld display, and / or a screen on other user devices. In some implementations, one or more of the user display 56 is part of and / or physically connected to the laryngoscope 10. For example, in some implementations, such as shown in FIG. 9, the user display 56 may be attached to adistal end 41 of the handle 16. In some implementations, one or more of the user display 56 are separate from the other components of the laryngoscope 10.

[0073] In particular, the blade 12 may accommodate the camera 54 being positioned anywhere within the blade 12 or upon any surface of the blade 12. In some implementations, such as a laryngoscope 10 with permanent videography capabilities, the camera 54 may be embedded into the blade 12. In other implementations, the camera 54 may be removably attached to the blade 12 for optional use of the camera 54. The camera 54 may be positioned depending upon the blade 12 shape or style. For example, a laryngoscope with a curved blade 12, such as that of FIG. 1 and 9, may have a camera 54 positioned closer to the distal end 28 of the blade. The camera 54 may be positioned adjacent to the one or more light transmitter 14, also shown in FIGS. 1 and 9. A laryngoscope with a straight blade 12, such as that of FIG.8, may have a camera 54 positioned closer to the proximal end 26 of the blade. Besides the physical position within / upon the blade 12, the camera 54 may be focused to have a field of view beyond the distal end 28 of the blade 12, and / or have an adjustable focal length.

[0074] In some implementations, the imaging system 52 may comprise one or more fiber optic cable 58 connected to, or part of, the camera 54. The fiber optic cable 58 may be positioned through the blade 12 and / or positioned through the blade 12 into the handle 16. In some implementations, the fiber optic cable 58 may be connected through the handle 16 to one or more imaging sensor electrically coupled to a computer processor(s) 60 and / or the one or more user display 56. In some implementations, the imaging system 52 may comprise a connectable plug for connection to the one or more user display 56 and / or the one or more computer processors 60.

[0075] In other implementations, the images may be transmitted wirelessly to the user display(s) 56 and / orthe computer processor(s) 60. In some implementations, the images may be transmitted both wirelessly and via one or more physical connection, such as the fiber optic cable 58 or other cable. Wireless transfer of the images to the user display 56 may be in accordance with Bluetooth standards, such as those promulgated by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. In other embodiments, wireless transfer may be accomplished through Wi-Fi technology and standards, such as those promulgated by IEEE, via NFC, or other similar wireless technologies. In some implementations, wireless transfer may be accomplished through mirroring technology. In some implementations, the imaging system 52 may comprise one or more "chip-on-tip" device in which the camera 54 comprises an imagingsensor, and the imaging sensor is connected to the fiber optic cable 58. In some implementations, the imaging sensor may be one or more charge-coupled device and / or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor. The camera 54 may further comprise one or more lens.

[0076] The imaging system 52 and one or more camera 54 may also include one or more camera lenses, including dual side by side orientation to produce 3D images for the user. These images may be projected onto the user display 56 or similar specialized screens. Imaging system 52 may also have modes that allow both 2D and 3D capability, where users may switch between 2D and 3D capability during laryngoscope 10 use. In some cases, the imaging system 52 and / or user display may accommodate 3D goggle use, such that users may wear 3D goggles to obtain the 3D effect of depth perception when viewing the user display 56.

[0077] In some embodiments, the laryngoscope will allow both independent video and nonvideo capability when using the same blade meaning the power for the light source may still allow use of the laryngoscope without using the video / camera function even if the camera is built into the laryngoscope blade.

[0078] Some implementations of the laryngoscope 10 may comprise a protective layer 70, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The protective layer 70 may include a strip of protective material located along the ventral 24 and / or dorsal 22 surface, near the proximal end 26 of the blade 12. The protective layer 70 may be rubber, silicon, or other suitable flexible and / or cushioning material. In use, the protective layer 70 may protect the patient's teeth and soft tissue from friction damage and / or breakage when the laryngoscope 10 is inserted into the patient's airway.CONCLUSION

[0079] Conventionally, typical laryngoscopes do not have more than one light transmitter, do not enhance light distribution to a target tissue, and do not combine video capability with enhanced lighting. The present disclosure addresses these deficiencies with a laryngoscope having a blade with enhanced lighting capabilities. In accordance with the present disclosure, a laryngoscope may comprise a blade and handle, a handle attachment fitting connecting the blade and handle, one or more light transmitters housed within theY1blade, and one or more light distributors configured to guide light from the blade to a target tissue.

[0080] The foregoing description provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orto limitthe inventive concepts tothe precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the methodologies set forth in the present disclosure.

[0081] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Elements and features of one embodiment may be used in combination with, or replacing, elements and features of other embodiments. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one other claim, the disclosure includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0082] No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such outside of the preferred embodiment.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A laryngoscope, comprising:a blade having a dorsal surface, a ventral surface, an opaque proximal portion, a distal portion, and a blade length extending between a proximal end and a distal end;a handle attachment fitting connected to the ventral surface of the proximal portion of the blade, the handle attachment fitting configured to engage the ventral surface of the proximal portion of the blade to a laryngoscope handle;one or more light transmitter housed within the blade, at least one of the one or more light transmitter configured to emit light from the blade so as to transilluminate at least a portion of the distal portion of the blade; andone or more light distributor within the blade, the one or more light distributor configured to guide light emitted by the one or more light transmitter from the distal portion of the blade to a target tissue.

2. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the distal portion of the blade is constructed of a translucent material that allows for the transmission of light within a spectrum of 300 nanometers to 1 millimeter.

3. The laryngoscope of claim 2, the light distributor comprising one or more optical lens.

4. The laryngoscope of claim 1, the light distributor comprising a serial arrangement oftwo or more light transmitters.

4. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the one or more light transmitter is optically coupled to one or more light source.

5. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the one or more light transmitter comprises one or more light source.

6. The laryngoscope of claim 5, the one or more light source comprising light emitting diodes, end-emitting optical fibers, edge-emitting optical fibers, or a combination thereof.

7. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the one or more light transmitter emits electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 380-750 nanometers (white light), 300-380 nanometers (black light), 750-1000 nanometers (infrared light), or a combination thereof.

8. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the blade is configured to accommodate one or more camera.

9. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the blade is configured to accommodate a channel such that the channel is positionable on the blade and configured to suction fluids, aerosols, or provide oxygen or facilitate passage of instruments.

10. The laryngoscope of claim 1, further comprising a handle and a power source, the handle connected to the handle attachment fitting and comprising an enclosure, the power source being within the enclosure and providing power to the one or more light transmitter.

11. The laryngoscope of claim 1, further comprising a power source housed within the blade, the power source providing power to the one or more light transmitter.

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