Patent ID: 6174281
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An endotracheal inspection and intubation device comprising a handle and a blade for opening the trachea and allowing visualization of the vocal cords and the opening to the trachea, the blade holding an illuminator for illumination of the epiglottis and the opening to the trachea, with power source being comprised within the handle;the blade comprises a rigid rear and front portion and a flexible intermediate portion;the rear portion and the intermediate portion having a generally L-like cross-sectional shape with a horizontal base for depressing the tongue and a vertical member, the front portion being essentially flat and having a shape and size such as to allow depression of the tongue's base and vallecula so as to elevate the epiglottis;the blade holding a flexible deflection member with a front end fixed to the front portion of the blade, the deflection member being slidably retained by guide means to at least the intermediate portion;the handle having an activator with an engagement member for engaging with a rear end of the deflection member for causing axial displacement thereof upon actuation of the activator, thus entailing deflection of the blade; andwherein the vertical member in the intermediate portion is segmented by a plurality of slots, each slot of said plurality of slots having an open end and a closed end, whereby each of said open ends is disposed at the vertical member's top edge, each of said slots extending downwards therefrom towards a bottom edge of said vertical member and ending at corresponding closed ends, wherein each of said closed ends of said plurality of slots comprises a region having a larger cross-sectional area.