WO2014035730A1

WO2014035730A1 - Illumination device

Info

Publication number: WO2014035730A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/055873
Authority: WO
Inventors: James P. TENGER; John R. HICKS
Original assignee: Intubrite, Llc
Priority date: 2012-08-30
Filing date: 2013-08-20
Publication date: 2014-03-06

Abstract

A laryngoscope has a laryngoscope handle for gripping by a user and a laryngoscope blade having fiber optics or other types of light guide and releasaoly securable to the handle. One or more power sources and a light source assembly are carried by the handle body, with the light source assembly having light sources which are powered by the one or more power sources. A connection section is configured for mechanically connecting the laryngoscope blade to the laryngoscope handle and the Iight source assembly Includes an optical coupling portion which optically couples the light sources In the Iaryngoscope handle to the fiber optics or light guide of the blade when connected to the handle.. The light source assembly includes at least two different types of light sources. Light emitted from' the two different types of Iight sources is transmitted to the fiber optics or light guide of the Iaryngoscope blade for emission therefrom.

Description

ILLUMINATION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[01] The field of this Invention relates, In general to illumination devices, and. In particular, to laryngoscopes for use in laryngoscopy procedures.

SUMMARY -OF THE INVENTION

[02] An aspect of the invention involves a laryngoscope. The laryngoscope includes a laryngoscope handle configured to be gripped by a hand of a user and a laryngoscope blade connectafole to th handle and having either fiber optics or other types of elongated light guides extending from the proximal end of the blade towards the distal end for guiding and emitting light from the blade; one or more power sources carried by the handle: a light source assembly carried by the handle and powered by the one or more power sources; and the blade and handle having first and second connection portions, respectively, for detachafoly connecting the fiber optic laryngoscope blade to the laryngoscope handle, wherein the light source assembly includes at least two different types of light sources and a light coupling portion directing light from the light section to the fiber optics or light guide of the laryngoscope blade when the handle is connected to the blade,

[031 one implementation the light coupling portion in the handle may comprise 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 or light guide of the laryngoscope blade for emission therefrom.

[04] One or more, implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: a light mixing chamber where light emitted from the two different types of light sources mix is a mirrored chamber; the at least two different types of fight sources include one or more white light sources and one or more UV light sources; and/or the at least two different types of light sources include a single white light LED and a single UV light LED or two or more white light LEDs and two or more UV light LEDs,

[05] In one embodiment, the light source assembly and light coupling portion are movably mounted adjacent the first connection portion of the handle for movement between an extended position in which the light sources are not connected to the power source, and a retracted position in which the light sources are connected to the power source, and the second connection portion of the blade is configured to engage and depress the light coupling portion into the retracted position and connect the light sources to the power source when the second connection portion is secured to the first connection portion. The light coupling portion may be a guide tube.

[08] Another aspect of the invention involves- a method of using the laryngoscope comprising mechanically and optically coupling th connection section of the laryngoscope blade to the connection section of the laryngoscope handle; actuating the light source assembly; mixing light emitted from the two different types of light sources to create a combined, mixed light; transmitting the mixed light from the laryngoscope handle to the fiber optics or light guide of the laryngoscope blade: and emitting the mixed light from the fiber optics or light guide of the laryngoscope blade.

|07] A further aspect, of the Invention involves a method of performing direct laryngoscopy comprised of using the laryngoscope to lift a patient's tongue and mandible for at least one of locating and viewing a foreign object in the patient emitting the mixed light from the fiber optics or light guide of the blade to prompt a visible illumination effect in the patients epiglottis and vocal cords resulting from absorption of some or ail of the ultraviolet light by tissues in the patient, providing a back light from phosphorus reactions, and allowing a reaction with a foreign body in the patient; and locating the foreign object in the patient.

[08] A still further aspect of the invention involves performing direct laryngoscopy comprised of using the laryngoscope to lift a patient's tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords adjacent the larynx and to aid in the insertion of an

endotracheal tube past the vocal cords; emitting the mixed light from the fiber optics or light guide of the blade to prompt a visible illumination effect in the patient's epiglottis and vocal cords resulting from absorption of some or all of the ultraviolet light by tissues in the patient, providing back light from phosphorus reaction, and making the patient^'s vocal cords at the glottis visible and Identifying a pathway for the endotracheal tube to the trachea; and performing endotracheal intubation in the patient by Inserting the endotracheal tube into the patient's mouth, between the patient's visible vocal cords into the larynx, and then into the trachea. [09] Further objects and advantages will be apparent to those skied i the art after a review of the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments set forth below,

BRIEF DESORS PTIQN OF THE DRAWINGS

[10] FiG. 1 is a partial side perspective view and partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a laryngoscope with a laryngoscope blade shown in side perspective view and a laryngoscope handle secured to the blade and shown in cross-sectional view;

|11 J FIG, 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a laryngoscope with fiber optics or an elongated light guide in the blade;

[12] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of components of the handle of the laryngoscope of FIG. 2:

[i 3] FIG. 4 Is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembled handle of FIG, 2 and 3_> with the connecto portion of the handle omitted;

[14] FIG, 5 is a partial top perspective view of the assembled handle with th connector portion included:;

ί1 S] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of the blade of the laryngoscope of FIG. 2;

116] FIG. 7 Is a side elevation view of the blade of FIG. 8;

[17] FIG, 8 is a rear elevation view of the assembled laryngoscope of FIG. 2; and

[18] FIGS. 9A to SC are perspective views of some alternative laryngoscope blades with fiber optics in the blade_*

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

19] With reference to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a laryngoscope or illumination device 110 will be described. In the embodiment shown, laryngoscope 110 has a laryngoscope blad 120 connected to the laryngoscope handle 100. The laryngoscope blade 120 (e.g., curved Macintosh blade, straight i ier/Robertshaw blade, or other type of blade) carries fiber optics (e.g. _: fiber optic light tube) 130 extending from a proximal end of the blade towards a distal end of the blade. The fiber optic light tube 1 0 is optically coupled to a first connection section or portion 140 at the proximal end of the blade, where the laryngoscope blade 120 connects to the laryngoscope handle 100. in alternative embodiments, other types of illumination devices other than a laryngoscope blade 120 are used and other illumination sources other than a laryngoscope handle 100 are used. Additionally, the fiber optic light tube may be replaced by other types of light guides such as an all plastic light tube. In either case, light is transmitted into the proximal end of the light guide when the blade is connected to the handle, travels along the light guide and is emitted from the distal end of the light guide or fiber optic tube.

|20] In this -embodiment the laryngoscope handle 100 has a curved., ergonomic laryngoscope handle body with a series of finger grip indents 150 on an inner surface 160, The laryngoscope handle 100 has opposite first and second ends and a second connection section or portio 170 at the first end 180 (or upper end as viewed In the drawings of an upper portion of the handle. The connection portions 140, 70 have engageable connecting formations (in this case a hook and post) which provide a connection mechanism 200 for mechanically and optically coupling the connection sectio 140 of the laryngoscope blade 120 and the connection section 170 of the laryngoscope handle 100. The connection mechanism 200 may include a switch therein (e.g., an electrically conductive ball contact in connection portion(s} 140 and/or 170 that contact- each other to close circuit) that is

automatically operated when the connection sections 140, 170 are connected for actuating an illumination source system 190 discussed below. For example, the illumination source system 190 Is ^'automatically placed in communication with one or more power sources 250 when the laryngoscope blade 120 is assembled or clicked together with the upper part of the laryngoscope handle 100, and are automatically- turned_, off when the laryngoscope blade 120 is released or

disassembled from the upper part of the laryngoscope handle 100 for storage when not in use, for example when the laryngoscope blade 120 is unlocked/unlatched from the upper part of the laryngoscope handle 00. Alternatively or additionally, the laryngoscope handle 100 may include a manual switch for turning the illumination source system 190- on, off, and/or otherwise controlling the illumination source system 1-90 (e.g., switching to at least one of an "off condition, an "on^* condition in which both UV and white Sight is emitted, a UV light onl condition, and a white sight only condition). Adjacent to the connection section is an illumination source system or light source assembly 90 and a light coupling portion including chamber 220 with inner mirrored walls 230 optically coupling the tight sources to the fiber optics of the laryngoscop blade when the handle is connected to the blade, [21] The illumination source system 190 includes one or more white light

illumination sources 200, preferably one or more white light LED(s), in alternative embodiments, the one or more white fight illumination sources 200 include, but are not limited to, a white halogen light and/or a whit incandescent light The illumination source system 190 also Includes one or more ultra violet (UV) light illumination sources 210, preferably one or more UV LED(s). Th one or more UV light illumination sources 210 emit long wave UVA radiation and little visible light. The one or more UV light illumination sources 210 emit electromagnetic radiation that is in the soft, near ultraviolet range. The one or more UV light illumination sources 210 prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phos.phoresce.nce with respect to the patient^'s vocal cord and the glottis, hich is the space between the vocal cords, during laryngoscopy. In one embodiment, the one or more UV light ^'illumination sources 210 emit electromagnetic radiation including a wavelength in the range of 315 to 400 nm, without emitting substantia! electromagnetic radiation including a wavelength outside of the range of 300· to 450 nm. In another

embodiment, the one or more UV light illumination sources 210 emit

electromagnetic radiation including a wavelength, of 385-395 nm. The chamber 220 may be cone-shaped or have another configuration to enhance the reflection and emission of light from the illumination source system 190. The Illumination sources 200, 210 may be connected to a printed circuit board (PCS) 240, which Is electrically coupled to and powered by one or more power sources 250 (e.g., one or more rechargeable batteries, one or more disposable batteries, one or more dry cell batteries such as one or more lithium ion batteries),

[22] FIGS, 2 to 8 illustrate a second embodiment of a laryngoscope 300 with fiber optics or another type of elongated light guide 30 in blade 304 and light sources 350 in handle 302, FIGS. 9A to 9C illustrate alternative blades 304A, 3048 and 304G which may alternatively ^'be secured to handle 302 in place of blade 304.

laryngoscope 300 is similar to laryngoscope 110 of FIG. 1 apart from a modified illumination light source assembly and modified handle, and like reference numbers are used for like parts as appropriate. [23] The blade 304 and handle 302 have a mechanical connection section

comprising first and second connector portions 140, 170. respectively_., designed for releasably connecting a selected blade to the handle 302 as in the previous

embodiment; As illustrated In FIG. 3 and 5, connector portion 170 basically comprises a generally U-shaped seat 311 which receives part of connector portion 1 0 of the handle while the hook portion 322 of the handle hooks under post 323 at one end of the seat 31 1 as best seen in FIG. 2. This Is similar to the connector arrangement of the previous embodiment.

|24] In this embodiment, handle 302 has .opposite first and second ends or upper and lower ends in the orientation viewed in the drawings) and Is formed in two parts, comprising an inner handle body 305 and an outer sleeve 306 which is designed for engagement over body 306 and which carries connector portion 170 at its closed end. The opposite end of sleeve.306 is open and designed for reSeasable

connection to end cap 315 once it is engaged over body 305, as illustrated In FIGS. 2 to 4. The outer sleeve 308 may be- re-usable after aufoc!aving, o may- be a disposable plastic sleeve which is discarded and replaced, after each use of th laryngoscope..

[25] Handle body 305 is hollow., and has a first portion or upper portion 354 and a second portion or lower portion 355 releasably secured to the upper portion as illustrated in FIG. 4. One or more power sources such as batter 250 are mounted in the lower portion 355 of inner handle body 305. A light source assembly 325 is movably mounted In the upper portion 354, as best: illustrated in FIG. 4, and is biased outwardly into the extended position illustrated in FIG. 4 by spring 352.

Assembly 325 basically comprises a light coupling portio n or -guide tube 3 with light sources 312 mounted in the lower end of the tube. In the extended position of FIG. 4, the lioht sources 312 are not connected to the battery 250, In one

embodiment, the light sources 312 comprise one or more white light illumination sources 200 and one or more UV light illumination sources 210. as descnbed above In connection with the first embodiment. As seen in FIG. 4 and 5, when the handle 302 is fully assembled, the outer end of the extended light tube 310 projects outwardly from the opening in seat 311.

[26] Fiber optic laryngoscope blade 304 is similar to blade 120 of FIG. 1 but is straight rather than curved. The laryngoscope blade may alternatively be. a curved

D Macintosh blade 3048 as illustrated In FIG. 98, straight Mier/Roberishaw blade 304A or 304C as illustrated in FIG. 9A or 9C, or other type of blade, and carries fiber optics (e.g., fiber optic light tube) 130. Ail of the blades have the same connector portion 140 as blade 304 and may selectively be connected to handle 302 In place of blade 304. The fiber optic fight tube 130 is opticall coupled to.

opening 318 in end face 319 of connection section 140 via opening 318 (see FIG. 6), where the laryngoscope blade 304 connects to the laryngoscope handle 302.

[27] As the connection section 140 of blade 304 is engaged in seat portion 322 of handle 302 with hooked portion 322 engaging under post or pin 323 of connection section 170, end face 319 pushes the protruding end of guide tube 310 inwards, compressing spring 352 and connecting light .sources 3 2 to the power source or battery 320. Opening 318 is aligned with the outlet end of tube 310 when the blade is connected to the handle as in FIG. 2. White and UV light emitted from. sources 200 and 210 is then guided through tube 310 and transmitted into the fiber optic light tube 130. along the optical fibers of tube 130, and then emitted distally from the distal end of the fiber optie Sight tube to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient's vocal cords and the glottis while providing general illumination of the inferior of the mouth and the back of the patient's throat.

[28] In an alternative embodiment, the light sources 312 In the laryngoscope 302 may be turned on and off in the manner described above in connection with the first embodiment, rather tha by depressing guide tube 310. For exam le_s an on-off switch may be provided in the connection portion 140 or 170 and operate to close a circuit between the battery and the light sources when the parts are connected together. Alternatively or additionally, the laryngoscope handle may include a manual switch for turning the light sources or LEDs on and off., and/or otherwise controlling the fight sources to emit both UV and white light, UV light only, or white light only,

[29| T ie optical fiber tube or optical fibers 130 in the above embodiments may be made of glass, plastic, or covered plastic. In an alternative embodiment, the blade may have an all plastic light tube, which is less expensive. Glass fibers emit the brightest light of these options. [30] An exemplary method of performing a medical procedure, and, In particular, an endotracheal intubation using t e laryngoscope 110 or 300 of the above embodiments is described below. Th illumination source system 190 or light source assembly 325 of the laryngoscope handle 100 or 302 is actuated when the laryngoscope is clicked together/assembled as described above. This causes the one or more white light illumination sources 200 and the one or more UV light illumination sources 210 In the laryngoscope handle TOO or 302 to emit

respectively, white and UV light whic are mixed in the chamber 220 of the handle 100 or light tube 310 of handle 302, resulting in a mixed, combination of white and UV light, which is transmitted to the fiber optic light tube 130. At a distal end of the fiber optic light tube 130, the combination c-f white and UV light is emitted distally from a distal end portion of the laryngoscope blade 120 or 304. The laryngoscope blade is inserted into a patient's mouth and behind the patient's tongue and

mandible. By gripping the handle with one's hand, the tongue and mandible are lifted for viewing the vocal cords adjacent the larynx and to aid in th insertion of an endotracheal tube past the vocal cords. The black light of the combination black and UV light emitted from the fiber optic light tube 130 prompts the isible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient's vocal cords and the glottis, making the patient's vocal cords at the glottis visible either directly by the eyes of the medical provider or via a scope of the endotracheal tube (or via an electronic display). The black light causes vocal cords or vocal folds to naturally fluoresce, clearl identifying_, pathway to the trachea. The whit light in combination with U light provides general illumination (e.g., of the. interior of the mouth and back of the patient's throat). This brightness of the White light is bright enough to provide general Illumination (e.§,, of the interior of the mouth and back of the patient's throat) while not being so bright as to overtake the effects of the UV light The mixed UV and white light combination lighting produces "near~3D optimization of viewing area, causing airway structures to stand out via precision-shadowing effect. The UV and white light wavelength mix dramatically improves discrimination of tissues, field of view, reduces glare and creates better depth perception in the airway. The endotracheal tube is Inserted into the patient's mouth, between the patient's visible vocal cords Into the larynx, and then into the trachea of the patient In a usual manner. A stylet of the endotracheal tube may be used to shape the scope/endotracheal tube to the individual anaiomy/pathofogy of the patient In an embodiment of the laryngoscope handle 100 including a manual switch/controller, the respective light sources 200, 210 may be individually/selectively actuated or deactivated (e.g., to cause only UV light to be emitted, only white light to be emitted, no light to be emitted,- and/or a mixed, combined UV and white light to be emitted) so that optimal viewing of the vocal cords occurs. The medical provider may prefer to use the UV light condition and/or the white light condition, depending on external lighting conditions, the individual anatomy/patholog of the patient, the patient's condition, and other factors.

[31 j In an alternative exemplary method, which is described In U.S. Pat, App. Pub. MO. 20120330103, which is incorporated by reference herein, the laryngoscope 110 or 300 is used to assist In removal of an obstruction or foreign object from a patient's trachea,

[32] The above figures may depict exemplary configurations for the invention, which Is done to aid In understanding the features and functionality- that can be Included in the invention. The Invention is not restricted to the illustrated

architectures or configurations, but .can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments- and Implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments with which -they are described, but Instead can be applied, alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other

embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention, especially in the following claims, should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[33] Terms and phrases used In this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: th term "including" should be read as meaning including, without limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "standard," "known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time In the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction ^Kand^R should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items e present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and/of unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of Items linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as "and/of^' unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure- may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular Is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more,^* *at least^* "but not limited to" or other like phrases In some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required In instances wher such broadening phrases may be absent.

Claims

1 A laryngoscope, comprising:

a laryngoscope blade having a proximal end and a distal end and an elongated light guide extending along at least part of the length of the laryngoscope blade, the light guide having a proximal end and a distal, light emitting end;

a laryngoscope handle configured to be gripped b a user; the handle having pposite first and second ends;

one or more power sources carried by the handle;

a light source assembly carried by the handle and powered by the one or more power sources; and

a connection section for mechanically connecting the laryngoscope blade to the laryngoscope handle,

wherein the light source assembly includes at least two different types of light sources and a light coupling portion configured for opticall coupling the light sources to the light guide of the laryngoscope blade when the handle is connected to the blade.

2. The laryngoscope of claim 1. wherein the light coupling portion comprises a light .mixing chamber where light emitted from the two different types of light sources mixes to create a combined, mixed light that is transmitted to the light guide of the laryngoscope blade for emission there from.

3. The laryngoscope of claim 2_; wherein the light mixing chamber is a mirrored chamber.

4, The laryngoscope of claim 1 , wherein the at least two different types of light sources include one or more white light sources and one or more UV light sources.

5, The laryngoscope of claim 1 , wherein the at least two different types of light sources include a single white light LED and a single UV light LED, 8, The. laryngoscope of claim 1 , wherein the light sources are connected to said one or more power sources when the blade is connected to the handle and disconnected from said one or more power sources when the blade is separated from the handle.

7. The laryngoscope of claim 8, wherein the light coupling portion comprises a light guide tube in optical communication with said light sources and movably

mounted in said handle, the light guide tube being configured for movement between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position projecting out of the first end of the laryngoscope handle, and a biasing device urging the light guide tube towards said extended position when the blade is separated from the handle, the light sources being connected to said one or more power sources in the retracted position of said light guide tube and disconnected from said one or more power sources In the extended position of said light guide tube, and the connection section having a portion at the proximal end of said blade configured to urge the light guide tube into said retracted position when the blade is

connected to the handle, whereby said light sources ere switched on by connection of e blade to the handle.

8. The laryngoscope of claim 1 , wherein the connection section comprises a first connection portion at a proximal end of the blade and a second connection portio at the first end of the handle for re!easabie engagement with the first connection portion, the first and second connection portions having respective first. nd second openings which are aligned when the blade is connected to the handle, the proximal end of said light guide communicating with said first opening and the Sight sources In said light source assembly being located in alignment with said second opening.

9. The laryngoscope of claim 8, wherein the light coupling portion carries said light sources and is movably mounted in the handle and configured for movement between an extended position extending partially out of said second opening and a retracted position, said light sources being connected to said one or more power sources and turned on when the light coupling, portion is in th retracted position and disconnected from said one or more power sources and turned off when the light coupling portion is in the extended position, and a biasing device urging the light coupling portion into the extended position when t e blade is separated from the handle.

10. The laryngoscope of claim , wherein said fight coupling portion comprises a guide-tube and first connection portion urges said light guide tube into the retracted position when the blade is connected to the handle..

11. The laryngoscope of claim 9, wherein the handle comprises an inner handl body, an outer sleeve releasably secured over said handle body and having a first, dosed end engaged over a first end of said inner handle body and a ■second open end, and an end cap releasably secured to the second, open end of the outer sleeve, the first closed end of the outer sleeve having an opening and the light coupling portion extending partially out of said handle body and through said opening in the extended position.

12. The laryngoscope of claim 11, wherein the second connection portion extends from the first end of said outer sleeve.

13. The laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises an inner handle body and an outer sleeve releasably secured over said Inner handl foody.

14. The laryngoscope- of claim 13, wherein the outer sleev is made from

autoclavabfe- material or disposable plastic material.

15. The laryngoscope of claim 1 , wherein the elongated fight guide in the blade is selected from- the group consisting of one or more optical fibers, a guide tub carrying optical fibers, and an ail plastic light tube,

18. A method of using the laryngoscope of claim l, comprising:

mechanically coupling the laryngoscope blade to the laryngoscope handle and optically coupling the proximal end of the elongated light guid in the blade to the light sources in the handle to form a laryngoscope;

actuating the light source assembly:

transmitting light emitted from the two different types of light sources in the handle via the optical coupling portion of the handle to the light guide at the proximal end of the blade;

emitting the mixed light from the distal, Sight emitting end of the light guide of the laryngoscope blade,

17. The method of claim 16, further including performing direct laryngoscopy, comprising;

using the laryngoscope to lift a patient's tongue and mandible for at least one of locating and viewing a foreign object in the patient;

emitting the mixed light from the distal end of the light guide to prompt a visible illumination effect i the patient's epiglottis and vocal cords resulting from

absorption of some or all of the ultraviolet light by tissues in the patient, providing a hack light from phosphorus reactions, and allowing a reaction with a foreign body in the patient; and

locating the foreign object in the patient.

18 The method of claim 16, further including performing direct laryngoscopy, comprising:

using the laryngoscope to lift a patient's tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords adjacent the larynx and to aid In the insertion of an endotracheal tube past the vocal cords;

emitting the mixed light from the distal end of the Sight guide to prompt a visible illumination effect in the patient's epiglottis and vocal cords resulting from

absorption of some or all of the ultraviolet light by tissues in the patient, providing back light from phosphorus reaction,, and making the patient's vocal cords at the glottis visible and Identifying a pathway for the endotracheal tube to the trachea; and

performing endotracheal intubation In the patient by inserting the endotracheal tube into the patient mouth, between the patient's visible vocal cords into the larynx, and then into the trachea.

19. A laryngoscope handle for use with a laryngoscope blade including an elongated light guide, comprising;

a laryngoscope handle body configured to be gripped by a hand of a user; one or more power sources carried by the handle body;

a light source assembly carried by the handle body and powered b the one or more power sources;

wherei the light source assembly Includes at least two different types of light sources and a light coupling portion where light emitted from; the two different types of light sources mix to create a combined, mixed light that is transmitted to the elongated light guide of the laryngoscope blade for emission there from.