DE9308901U1 - Device for inspecting the throat with the primary purpose of inserting a ventilation tube into the trachea - Google Patents

Description

Description

a device for inspecting the throat with the primary purpose of inserting a ventilation tube into the trachea.

Such devices are used in medicine under the name "laryngoscope", primarily in the field of anesthesia. They are used to insert a tube into the windpipe of a (usually anesthetized) patient for the purpose of artificial ventilation. A laryngoscope is used worldwide as an insertion aid, which consists of two parts, a handle and a tongue depressor.

This "classic" laryngoscope is operated in such a way that after inserting the tongue depressor (1) into the patient's open mouth, the tongue (3) is pressed down by pulling on the handle (2) in the direction of the arrow, the epiglottis (4) is raised and thus provides a view of the laryngeal entrance (5).

In my opinion, this functional principle has several disadvantages. The main ones are: 1. The pull exerted on the handle ( 2 ) sometimes requires considerable force. Weaker people often cannot perform it with sufficient strength, so that a view into the larynx entrance ( 5 ) is not possible and the insertion of the ventilation tube fails.

2. This lack of strength is often compensated for by using leverage (by using the patient's incisors (6) as a support for the tongue depressor (1)) to gain the necessary insight. This can lead to tooth damage.

(References for this can be found at the end of the discussion)

The invention is based on a device which, using a different technology and mechanics than those used in the "classic" laryngoscope, enables the insertion of a ventilation tube into the trachea. The new laryngoscope essentially consists of two parts, a handle (7), which continues via a coupling part (8a) into a palate depressor (9), and a finger handle (10), which continues via a coupling part (8b) into a tongue depressor (11). (Fig. 1) The handle (7) is designed so that it can accommodate an energy source (a rechargeable battery or conventional batteries) and has an on/off mechanism. The palate depressor (9) has a spoon-like shape and thus adapts to the anatomical conditions of the patient's hard palate (12). It is equipped with a light source ( 13 ) that is powered by the energy source in the handle ( 7 ). Both parts of the new laryngoscope can be easily assembled and separated again using the coupling pieces ( 8a and 8b ).

-3-Function :

The new laryngoscope is inserted into the patient's open mouth with the palate depressor ( 9 ) and tongue depressor ( 11 ) closed, until the palate depressor ( 9 ) rests in the curvature of the hard palate ( 12 ). In this position, the hand grip ( 7 ) and finger grip ( 10 ) are in the maximum spread position.
(Fig. 2)

The two handles are then moved towards each other using the muscle power of the hand, so that the palate (9) and tongue depressor (11) spread in the patient's oral cavity via a lever effect in the coupling part (8a and 8b). The firm palate (12) serves as a counter-bearing. Depending on the extent of the spread position (and the force exerted by the hand), the tongue (3) is pushed back until a clear view of the larynx entrance (5) is possible. ( Fig. 3 )

Then, with the free hand, a ventilation tube can be inserted into the trachea ( 14 ) through the right or left corner of the mouth.

In my opinion, this new functional principle avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages in handling the "classic" laryngoscope.

1. Greater force development is possible as a result of the physiological force development through the hand. By using the hard palate ( 12 ) as a counterweight, the force can be better implemented and thus makes it easier to push the tongue away ( 3 ).

2. The risk of incisor injury is almost eliminated.

-5-Literature:

Heilberger P. et al.:

Oral endotracheal intubation - a representation on the anatomical preparation

Emergency Medicine 14 ( 1988 ) 997 - 1002 Larsen R.:

Anaesthesiology, 2nd edition ( 1987 ) Chapter 8: Endotracheal intubation, 212 - 240
Publisher Urban & Schwärzenberg, Munich Lotz P. et al.:

Learning to intubate systemically Rüsch AG ( 1984 ) Reinhard M. et al.: Laryngoscopes Emergency Medicine 18 ( 1992 ) 609 -

Images:

Fig. 1 : the two individual parts of the new laryngoscope

Fig. 2 : Functional principle of the new laryngoscope (schematic): Introduction of the closed spatula into the oral cavity

Fig. 3 : Functional principle of the new laryngoscope (schematic): Spreading the two spatulas

Fig. 4 : Functional principle of the " classical laryngoscope ( schematic )

Claims (2)

Protection claims 1. for a device (laryngoscope) for inspecting the throat with the primary purpose of inserting a ventilation tube into the patient’s trachea, characterized in that the opening of the mouth and the pushing away of the tongue are carried out by means of a spreading mechanism in which the hard palate of the patient is used as an abutment. 2. for a device according to protection claim characterized in that this spreading mechanism is triggered and dosed by the muscular power of the hand via the two handles located outside the oral cavity through the mediation of the coupling parts.