Patent ID: 6623425
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A laryngoscope blade for endotracheal intubation of a patient, comprising:an elongated blade structure with a distal end, a proximal end, a maxillary surface and a mandibular surface, said blade structure providing, along at least a portion of its length, a blade connector configured to accommodate and retain a removable protective insert, and a removable protective insert with a distal end, a proximal end, a maxillary surface, a mandibular surface and an insert connector configured to join and be retained in position by the corresponding blade connector of said blade structure, said blade structure and insert each sized and positioned so that, when the blade structure is positioned within the oral and oropharyngeal cavities of the patient, the teeth of said patient will contact only the protective insert, and will not contact the blade structure therein, wherein the joining of said blade connector of said blade structure and said insert is retained in position by a spring-loaded fastener which protrudes from a recess within one of said connectors, said fastener being received by a bore or indentation in the opposing connector.