A new laryngoscope blade to overcome pharyngeal obstruction

Abstract

A new laryngoscope blade has been designed for emergency visualization of the pharynx and larynx when the pharyngeal space is restricted. The blade incorporates a 7-cm tube in the distal portion and an intraluminal light source protected from obstruction. It attaches to standard battery-powered light handles, making it practical for emergency use. The new blade has been tested on dogs and used successfully in 12 patients with edematous pharynges and in one patient with a bleeding pharyngeal tumor, where standard non-tubular blades failed to produce a view of the larynx.