Flowering Laryngoscope

About

Technology: This invention is a new laryngoscope design with a (flowering) blade consisting of several crescent-shaped hard rubber extrusions that are mechanically activated to open a patient’s airway. Once the device is properly inserted into the Oropharynx, the arms (each equipped with lights) would  then flower open to create a lighted passageway for observation and intubation. Instead of prying the airway open with a hard metal bar, the improved design will incorporate a less abrasive hard rubber that will minimize soft tissue damage and overall patient discomfort. Applications: 1) Orotracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy is the definitive method of airway management in critically ill and injured patients, as well as patients undergoing all types of surgery in which general anesthesia is used.  Advantages: 1) Easier to use than conventional devices (eliminates need for prying airway open with crowbar-like motion) 2) Minimize soft tissue damage 3) Provide better lighting of the procedural field 4) Enable more space to work 5) Improve first-try success rate (repeated attempts at intubation are considered a medical error) 6) Reduce likelihood of breaking patient’s teeth (common cause for litigation) Provisional Patent Application filed