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First introduced by Sir Robert Macintosh and Sir Ivan Magill in the early 1940's, the Laryngoscope has evolved since it's inception. It followed the creation of the Endotracheal tube to permit leverage to push the tongue back and provide light to allow visualization of the vocal chords for accurate placement of the airway.
Laryngoscopes can be primarily classified into two categories as defined by their light source.
1 Standard Laryngoscopes
The standard Laryngoscope, also referred to as Conventional Laryngoscopes, has a light bulb incorporated into the blade, approximately 1/3 of the distance from the tip. The light bulb screws into position and is powered via an integral line that transfers the power from the source. The power source is located within the handle in the form of conventional batteries.
2 Fiber Optic Laryngoscopes
The major difference in between the Standard Laryngoscope and the Fiber Optic Laryngoscope is the location of the bulb. In the Fiber Optic System, the bulb is housed within the handle with the light transmitted via an optic bundle.
The main advantage that this system presents is that it transmits light but does not transfer heat and thus eliminating the risk of burns within the patients oral cavity. There is also the added advantage of one-piece autoclaving. The fiber optic bundle can remain in situ and does not have to be removed during the cleaning process.
Disposable Blades
Until recently, laryngoscopes were primarily made of stainless steel. However, due to the recent issues involving CJD (prions) where decontamination of the blades could not be ensured, there remains a risk of cross infection. As a measure to combat the potential risk of cross contamination there has been a move towards Disposable Blades. Recent studies have also shown that laryngoscope handles are a major source of cross contamination, with few being sterilized as often as needed.
The BriteBlade® is a disposable fibre optic blade designed for single patient use which eliminates the risk of cross contamination from both blade and handle. It has a unique and patented hinge design that prevents the folded blade from touching the handle. Thus eliminating the need for disposable handles or sleeves.
Difficult Intubation
Flexicare also provide Laryngoscopes for difficult intubations. The McCoy system clears the tongue further than is possible with the conventional designed laryngoscopes to allow positive identification of the airway.
Laryngoscopes can be primarily classified into two categories as defined by their light source.
1 Standard Laryngoscopes
The standard Laryngoscope, also referred to as Conventional Laryngoscopes, has a light bulb incorporated into the blade, approximately 1/3 of the distance from the tip. The light bulb screws into position and is powered via an integral line that transfers the power from the source. The power source is located within the handle in the form of conventional batteries.
2 Fiber Optic Laryngoscopes
The major difference in between the Standard Laryngoscope and the Fiber Optic Laryngoscope is the location of the bulb. In the Fiber Optic System, the bulb is housed within the handle with the light transmitted via an optic bundle.
The main advantage that this system presents is that it transmits light but does not transfer heat and thus eliminating the risk of burns within the patients oral cavity. There is also the added advantage of one-piece autoclaving. The fiber optic bundle can remain in situ and does not have to be removed during the cleaning process.
Disposable Blades
Until recently, laryngoscopes were primarily made of stainless steel. However, due to the recent issues involving CJD (prions) where decontamination of the blades could not be ensured, there remains a risk of cross infection. As a measure to combat the potential risk of cross contamination there has been a move towards Disposable Blades. Recent studies have also shown that laryngoscope handles are a major source of cross contamination, with few being sterilized as often as needed.
The BriteBlade® is a disposable fibre optic blade designed for single patient use which eliminates the risk of cross contamination from both blade and handle. It has a unique and patented hinge design that prevents the folded blade from touching the handle. Thus eliminating the need for disposable handles or sleeves.
Difficult Intubation
Flexicare also provide Laryngoscopes for difficult intubations. The McCoy system clears the tongue further than is possible with the conventional designed laryngoscopes to allow positive identification of the airway.
View our Laryngoscopes
Laryngoscopes - Introduction
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Privacy Policy| Copyright 2006 Flexicare Medical. All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy| Copyright 2006 Flexicare Medical. All Rights Reserved