Laryngoscope with multi-directional eyepiece

Field Of The Invention

0001The present invention generally relates to an instrument for accessing the laryngeal area of a human body and, more particularly, to an endotracheal intubation device according to the preamble portion of claim 1 for use in intubation.

Background Of The Invention

0002Laryngoscopes are widely known and used in the medical field to facilitate endotracheal intubation of a patient during an emergency situation to provide a positive air passageway for the mechanical ventilation of the lungs of the injured person. Such laryngoscopes are also used during surgical procedures to provide a passageway for the administration of anesthesia. In the human anatomy, the epiglottis normally overlies the glottis opening into the larynx to prevent the passage of food into the trachea during eating. Thus, when undertaking an endotracheal intubation, it is necessary to displace the epiglottis from the glottal opening to permit the air tube to be inserted into the trachea.

0003Various laryngoscope constructions are known. The more widely used laryngoscopes consist of an elongate, rigid metal blade which is supportably attached to a handle. These types of laryngoscopes are inserted through the mouth of the patient into the pharyngal area to displace the tongue and epiglottis and permit direct visualization of the glottis through the mouth opening. Such laryngoscopes are tubular members into the body to obtain accurate, clear exposure of sites in the body, such as the trachea, through which the tubular members are introduced. Without proper positioning and guidance, the tubular members often cause trauma or injury to anatomical tissue.

0004Surgical instruments having means for indirect illumination and visualization of the pharyngal areas of the body are also known. U. S. Pats. Nos. <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US3776222A"><text>3,776, 222</text></patcit> and <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US3913568A"><text>3,913, 568</text></patcit> disclose devices for endotracheal intubation which comprise flexible or articulatable tubular probes having internal fiber optics for lighting and viewing the internal areas of the body. As disclosed in those patents, the probes carry a slidably removable endotracheal tube surrounding their outer surfaces and the probe is directly inserted into the trachea to position the tube. Such devices obviously require the use of relatively large diameter endotracheal tubes in order to be carried on the tubular probe, and their use necessarily is limited to patients with sufficiently large airway passages to accommodate the combined size of the probe and endotracheal tube. Additionally, due to the flexible nature of the probes, it is difficult to manipulate the probe to displace the tongue and epiglottis to permit direct insertion of the tube into the trachea.

0005As a consequence, there has been a long felt need for a device which can facilitate intubation so as to easily and quickly accomplish direct laryngoscopic intubation.

0006There is a further need for such a device which is inexpensive enough to be financially accessible for any emergency vehicle. There is further also a need for such a device which enables indirect visualization of a patient's airway from a 360 degree vantage point.

0007An endotracheal intubation device according to the preamble portion of claim 1 is known from <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US5203320A1"><text>US 5,203,320 A1</text></patcit>.

0008Further, <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US4267828A1"><text>US 4,267,828 Al</text></patcit> discloses a laproscope having an eyepiece fitted to a tubular extension guide that is self-retainable in a bent state.

Summary Of The Invention

0009The present invention is designed to overcome the aforementioned difficulties during intubation by providing a two piece endotracheal intubation device containing a light source, simultaneous suctioning ability, and a multidirectional eyepiece that enables a practitioner to apply suction to a patient's airway while at the same time visualizing the airway from any position relative to the patient for insertion of the endotracheal tube.

0010More specifically, the invention aims at providing a two piece endotracheal intubation device having a simple structure.

0011This technical problem is solved by a device comprising the features of claim 1.

0012Advantageous embodiments are laid down in further claims.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

0013These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a two piece endotracheal intubation device having a multi-directional viewing assembly formed in accordance with the present invention;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the two piece endotracheal intubation device shown <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, separated so as reveal a fiber optic system;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref> is a side elevational view of the two piece endotracheal intubation device shown in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Fig. 4</figref> is a top view of the two piece endotracheal intubation device shown in <figref idref="f0003">Fig. 3</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Fig. 5</figref> is a rear-end view of the two piece endotracheal intubation device shown in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Fig. 6</figref> is an end view of the fiber-scabbard having a endotracheal tube and fiber wand positioned with their respective conduits;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">Fig. 7</figref> is a perspective view, similar to <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, showing phantom positions into which the multi-directional viewing assembly of the two piece endotracheal intubation device may be swiveled;</li><li><figref idref="f0006">Fig. 8</figref> is a perspective view, similar to <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, showing one embodiment of gooseneck tube; and</li><li><figref idref="f0007">Fig. 9</figref> is a perspective view, similar to <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, showing another embodiment of gooseneck tube.</li></ul>

Detailed Description Of The Preferred Embodiment

0014This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as "horizontal, vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term "operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

0015The present invention provides a two piece endotracheal intubation device or intubator 5 that includes a multi-directional viewing assembly 8 which enables indirect visualization of a patient's airway from positions ranging 360 degrees around the patient. Two piece intubator 5 includes a fiber-scabbard 10 and an optical assembly 13. Fiber-scabbard 10 is formed from a hard polymer material formed so as to generally comprise the curved shape of a conventional intubation blade, e.g., a Macintosh or Miller blade. Fiber-scabbard 10 includes a proximal end 12 and a curved distal end 14. Proximal end 12 defines an open ended shroud 17 that is sized and shaped to accept a distal portion of optical assembly 13. An optical passageway 20 extends throughout the length of fiber-scabbard 10, and opens at the terminal face 21 of curved distal end 14. A proximal open end of an optical passageway 20 is located on the interior of shroud 17. A second passageway 27 also extends throughout the length of fiber-scabbard 10 in substantially parallel relation to optical passageway 20, and also opens at terminal face 21 of curved distal end 14. A port 24 is arranged below shroud 17, in fluid flow communication with second passageway 27. Direct suction may be applied to port 24 so that foreign material and secretions from the throat may be transferred through second passageway 27 thereby eliminating the need for suction catheters or the like. A channel formed on the outer curved surface of distal end 14 of fiber-scabbard 10 provides an endotracheal tube receptacle 30. Tube receptacle 30 is sized so as to snugly, but releasably accommodate an endotracheal tube 31 of the type well known in the art. Such a tube 31 may be prepositioned within tube receptacle 30 for direct intubation. A top opening 34 is partially obstructed by a plurality of spaced-apart, interdigitated fingers 36, which aid in snugly but releasably maintaining tube 31 within tube receptacle 30 during insertion of fiber-scabbard 10 into a patient's mouth and throat;

0016Optical assembly 13 includes a body housing 40, a fiber probe 43, and an adjustable eyepiece 47 (<figref idref="f0002">Fig. 2</figref>). Body housing 40 is sized and shaped to be releasably received within shroud 17 of fiber-scabbard 10. Body housing 40 encloses a conventional light source and associated battery power supply (not shown) with an on/off button 48 arranged so as to be easily accessible to an operator. Fiber probe 43 comprises an elongate, flexible probe that includes at least two optical fibers 50a and 50b, e.g., elongate, flexible strands of optical quality glass or a relatively rigid, light-conductive polymeric material, such as, methyl methacrylate. Optical fiber 50a is interconnected at one end to the light source within body housing 40, while the other end is open at the distal end of fiber probe 43. A lens 44 or similar light conditioning or focusing device may be sealingly disposed over the open end of optical passageway 20 at terminal face 21 of curved distal end 14 of fiber-scabbard 10, or over the free end of optical fiber 50a. This arrangement has the added benefit of preventing bodily fluids and the like from entering optical passageway 20 and contaminating fiber probe 43. Optical fiber 50b extends from the distal end of fiber probe 43, through body housing 40, and is optically interconnected with adjustable eyepiece 47. Adjustable eyepiece 47 comprises an ocular housing 53 disposed at one end of a "gooseneck" tube 58, and provides for ease of visualization of the larynx and trachea.

0017Ocular housing 53 supports a conventional lens system 59 and is sized and shaped to allow a person to place their eye in close, focusing proximity to a conventional lens system 59 operatively mounted within ocular housing 53. Optical fiber 50b extends from body housing 40 to ocular housing 53 through gooseneck tube 58, and optically communicates with lens system 59. Gooseneck tube 58 may be formed of a coiled, interlocking metal strip 60 in a conventional manner, the interlocking being produced with a sufficiently frictional fit for supporting and maintaining ocular housing 53 in a desired position and orientation (<figref idref="f0005">FIGS. 7</figref> and <figref idref="f0006">8</figref>). For example, gooseneck 58 may be curved in a single plane or in orthogonal planes so as to allow for indirect visualization of a patient's airway from positions ranging 360 degrees around the patient's head. Alternatively, a bendable wire 64 may be placed within a flexible, resilient tube 67 so as to form gooseneck tube 58 (<figref idref="f0007">FIG. 9</figref>). In this alternative, bendable wire 64 extends the full length of gooseneck tube 58 or at least a substantial portion of its length. Bendable wire 64 is formed of a bendable or ductile metal so that it may take a set at a desired curvature and will tend to hold eyepiece 47 at that curvature in the absence of externally-applied re-forming forces.

0018Optical assembly 13 is positioned within fiber-scabbard 10 by inserting fiber probe 43 into the open proximal end of optical passageway 20. Once in this position, optical assembly 13 is moved toward the interior of shroud 17 until it enters fiber-scabbard 10 as shown in <figref idref="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>. In this position, the distal end of fiber probe 43 is positioned at terminal face 21 of curved distal end 14 of fiber-scabbard 10.

0019A tube 30 is then positioned within tube receptacle 30 of fiber-scabbard 10 by press-fitting it through the interdigitated fingers 36 so that it is held releasably in place within the outer portion of fiber-scabbard 10. Once this assembly is completed, an intubation procedure may be begun.

0020More particularly, and unlike conventional intubation devices, the patient's head need not be tilted backwards at all. Only the lower jaw needs to be somewhat distended, and the mouth open sufficiently to introduce two piece endotracheal intubation device 5. Curved distal end 14 of fiber-scabbard 10 is then inserted through the mouth into the throat passageway, so as to displace the tongue and epiglottis, and expose the glottis of the patient. Once in this position, suction may be applied to port 24,so as to draw bodily secretions and fluids away from the glottis and larynx through second passageway 27. Advantageously, this procedure may be visualized via viewing assembly 8 by swiveling or bending gooseneck tube 58, so as to position ocular housing 53 at a place convenient for the person performing the intubator to place their eye in close, focusing proximity to conventional lens system 59. It will be understood that viewing assembly 8 may be bent or maneuvered into a plurality of curved shapes, as needed, to provide for the comfort and access by the person forming the intubation and to allow for controlled viewing of the intubation process.

0021With the patient's larynx in view through eyepiece 47, tube 30 is maneuvered through the larynx and into the trachea of the patient, all the while being observed by the person performing the intubation. Once tube 30 has been properly positioned within the trachea, optical assembly 13 is first removed from fiber-scabbard 10 by simply pulling housing 40 out from within shroud 17, and moving optical assembly 13 away from proximal end 12 of fiber-scabbard 10 until fiber probe 43 has been removed from optical passage 20 and exited the open end of shroud 17. Once this procedure is completed, while holding tube 30, fiber-scabbard 10 is then slid along tube 30 until it exits the patient's mouth and can be removed from tube receptacle.

Advantages Of The Invention

0022Numerous advantages are obtained by employing the present invention.

0023More specifically, an endotracheal intubation device is provided which avoids many of the aforementioned problems associated with prior art devices.

0024In addition, an endotracheal intubation device is provided which allows the operator to stand not only at the top of the patient's head while performing an intubation, (which is the only preferred) but also permits endotracheal tube placement under direct visualization of the target area, the larynx.

0025Furthermore, an endotracheal intubation device is provided in which an emergency care provider no longer needs to reposition or hyperextend the neck to facilitate visualization of the vocal cords, such as in the case of an automobile accident when the person in need of respiratory assistance and there is a potential threat of neck or cervical spine injuries, which can lead to further neck, spine, and spinal cord damage, and even paralysis.

0026Also, an endotracheal intubation device is provided which does not require the hyperextension of the neck to visualize the vocal cords and other anatomy, thus alleviating previous intubation problems, such as broken or chipped teeth.

0027In addition, an endotracheal intubation device is provided, including an eyepiece that may be oriented 360° about the patient's mouth and head, so as to allow the operator to intubate through a car window or in tight or closed spaces, something that a conventional emergency care-giver has not been able to do. This is extremely helpful when a victim is trapped inside of a car where they would normally not be able to be intubated.

0028Furthermore, an endotracheal intubation device is provided having a multi-directional viewing assembly that permits intubation from the side of a bed in a medical care facility. Previously, such intubation had to be performed from only the head of the bed, necessitating removal of the headboard of the bed to create a space between the bed and the wall, and the person maneuvring him/herself through the numerous intravenous lines and monitor equipment to be able to stand between the wall and the head of the bed, in order to place the endotracheal tube within the patient's trachea.

0029Also, an endotracheal intubation device is provided having the flexibility of a gooseneck assembly, so that the viewer is allowed to move an image in the eyepiece, clockwise or counterclockwise, nearly a full 360° about the patient's head, thereby allowing for a plurality of positions.

0030Also, an endotracheal intubation device is provided having front to back flexion of the viewing assembly in relationship to the body of the device allowing for near full flexion to allow the operator to be located anywhere, e.g., at the head of the victim, on the side of the victim, or along the body of the victim, etc., for better positioning during endotracheal intubation, with direct visualization of the vocal cords.

0031In addition, an endotracheal intubation device is provided, having the capability to be used to intubate from the side of a patient, thereby decreasing the spread of infectious diseases and other bacterial matter to the operator by not having to hyperextend the neck to see the vocal cords, and thereby decreasing the risk of coughing up into the operator's eyes and face, secretions laden with infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, multi-drug resistant TB, etc.

0032In addition, an endotracheal intubation device is provided, having a rotational eyepiece that permits intubation through a car window, or when an accident victim is trapped inside an automobile.

0033It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims.