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Publication Number
US-8968186-B2
Publication Date
2015-03-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A laryngoscope handle for use with a fiber optic laryngoscope blade having fiber optics includes a laryngoscope handle body configured to be gripped by a handle of a user; one or more power sources carried by the handle body; a light source assembly carried by the handle body and powered by the one or more power sources; a connection section for mechanically connecting the fiber optic laryngoscope blade to the laryngoscope handle and optically coupling the light source assembly in the laryngoscope handle to the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade, wherein the light source assembly includes at least two different types of light sources and a light mixing chamber where light emitted from the two different types of light sources mix to create a combined, mixed light that is transmitted to the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade for emission there from.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a fiber-optic laryngoscope handle for use with a fiber optic laryngoscope blade including fiber optics. The handle body is configured to be gripped by a user and carries one or more power sources and a light source assembly. A connection section mechanically connects the fiber optic laryngoscope blade to the laryngoscope handle and optically couples the light source assembly in the laryngoscope handle to the fiber optics of the blade for emission there from.
The light source assembly includes at least two different types of light sources and a light mixing chamber where light emitted from the two different types of light sources mix to create combined, mixed light. The combined, mixed light is transmitted to the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade for emission there from. The light source assembly is spaced proximal of the connection section, and in the mirrored chamber implementation the light mixing chamber is a mirrored chamber.
In the disclosed use, the laryngoscope is used for direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. UV-driven fluorescence and/or phosphorescence is described to enhance visualization of the vocal cords and glottis, where tissue absorption of ultraviolet light and phosphorus reaction backlighting contribute to visible illumination effects. The illumination is described as enabling localization of a foreign object and/or guiding insertion of an endotracheal tube into the larynx and then the trachea.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim set explicitly covers a powered fiber-optic laryngoscope handle with a mixed white/UV light assembly using a mirrored light mixing chamber, and corresponding methods that transmit and emit the mixed light including UV through the laryngoscope blade. Across the independent claims, the inventive features are concentrated in the handle’s optical coupling and light mixing architecture, and in use-method steps that actuate transmission and emission of mixed UV-containing light for laryngoscope visualization outcomes.
Light source assembly with mixed, combined light transmitted to blade fiber optics
A light source assembly carried by the handle body and powered by one or more power sources, including at least two different types of light sources and a light mixing chamber where light from the different types mixes to create a combined, mixed light transmitted to the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade for emission there from.
Mirrored light mixing chamber
A light mixing chamber is a mirrored chamber where light emitted from the at least two different types of light sources mix to create the combined, mixed light.
Mechanical blade connection and optical coupling through a connection section
A connection section for mechanically connecting the fiber optic laryngoscope blade to the laryngoscope handle and optically coupling the light source assembly in the laryngoscope handle to the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade.
Handle spacing of light mixing assembly from connection section
The light source assembly is spaced proximal of the connection section, with the mixed light created in the light mixing chamber transmitted to the blade for emission.
UV-containing mixed light transmission and emission during laryngoscope use
A method that mechanically and optically couples the fiber optic laryngoscope blade and fiber optics to the connection section to form a laryngoscope, actuates the light source assembly, transmits mixed light including UV light through the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade, and emits the mixed light from the fiber optics of the fiber optic laryngoscope blade.
White light plus UV light mixture
The at least two different types of light sources include one or more white light sources and one or more UV light sources such that mixed light includes UV light and is a mixture of white light and UV light.
The claim coverage centers on a fiber-optic laryngoscope handle that optically couples a powered light source assembly to a fiber optic blade, where at least two light types are mixed in a mirrored mixing chamber to produce combined mixed light. Corresponding methods actuate the light source assembly, transmit mixed light including UV through the blade fiber optics, and emit the mixed light, supporting direct laryngoscopy visualization of the vocal cords/glottis and related localization and guidance functions as described in the document.
Stated Advantages
Enhances visualization of vocal cords/glottis.
Helps locate a foreign object.
Helps guide endotracheal tube insertion into the trachea.
Documented Applications
Direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation using UV-driven fluorescence/phosphorescence and phosphorus reactions backlighting for visualization and guidance.
Locating a foreign object using the laryngoscope with mixed light including UV to enable interaction with a foreign body.
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