Patent Publication Number: US-RE48598-E

Title: Laryngoscope and method of use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/290,792, filed on Nov. 7, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/698,467, filed Feb. 2, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/346,594, filed Nov. 3, 2009, now U.S. Des. Pat. No. D632,787, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/368,952, filed Feb. 10, 2009, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/173,961, filed on Jul. 16, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,012,087, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/144,147, filed Jun. 23, 2008. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/288,779, filed Dec. 21, 2009. The contents of each and all of the above patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of this invention relates to laryngoscopes and the laryngoscopy procedure. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Health care providers perform direct laryngoscopy to either clear a patient&#39;s airway of debris, or place an endotracheal tube into a patient&#39;s trachea to assist or replace a patient&#39;s ability to oxygenate his/her system. The laryngoscope utilizes either a lighted straight or curved blade that allows visualization of the vocal cords, indicating the opening of the trachea. This lighted blade is used to keep the tongue from obstructing the medical provider&#39;s view of the vocal cords. The tip of the blade lifts the epiglottis, thereby providing a direct view into the patient&#39;s trachea, and reducing the risk of intubating the esophagus instead. Laryngoscopes in the past have used halogen or LED bulbs to provide a white light source on the laryngoscope blade to illuminate the vocal cords during laryngoscopy. Even with a light source on the laryngoscope blade, viewing of the vocal cords has still proven difficult during laryngoscopy. Accordingly, without the ability to view the vocal cords, many possible laryngoscopy procedures are not performed successfully, resulting in additional harm or death for the patient. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To solve these problems and others, an aspect of present invention involves a laryngoscope including an improved light source. The laryngoscope blade carries a black light source that emits a black light during laryngoscopy. The black light enhances visualization of the vocal cords so that visualization of the endotracheal tube passing through the vocal cords is enhanced. The black light emitted from the laryngoscope enhances colors that are white and/or contain phosphors in the region of the vocal cords, enhancing visualization of the target vocal cords. In another implementation of the laryngoscope, the laryngoscope blade carries a black light source and a white light source. A switch on the laryngoscope enables the health care provider to actuate the black light source, the white light source, or to activate both light sources. 
     An additional aspect of the invention involves a laryngoscope for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation. The laryngoscope includes a handle to be gripped by a medical professional in performing the endotracheal intubation; a blade portion extending from the handle to lift the patient&#39;s tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube; a power source; and a black light source powered by the power source and carried by the blade portion to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation. Another aspect of the invention involves an endotracheal intubation system for performing an endotracheal intubation including the laryngoscope described immediately above; and an endotracheal tube insertable into the patient&#39;s mouth, between the patient&#39;s vocal cords into the patient&#39;s larynx, and into the patient&#39;s trachea for opening the patient&#39;s airway. 
     A further aspect of the invention involves a method of performing an endotracheal intubation including using the laryngoscope described immediately above to lift the patient&#39;s tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube; illuminating the patient&#39;s vocal cords with the black light source to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords; and simultaneously visualizing the patient&#39;s vocal cords with the black light source and sliding the endotracheal tube between the patient&#39;s vocal cords and into the patient&#39;s larynx and trachea. 
     A still further aspect of the invention involves a laryngoscope blade for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation. The laryngoscope blade includes a laryngoscope blade portion connectable to a laryngoscope handle to lift the patient&#39;s tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube; and a black light source carried by the blade portion to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation. 
     According to another embodiment, a laryngoscope for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation includes a handle to be gripped by a medical professional in performing the endotracheal intubation, and a blade portion pivotally connected to a first/upper end of the handle and extending from the handle to lift the patient&#39;s tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and for aiding in the insertion of an endotracheal tube. The handle is of an ergonomically curved or angled overall shape, and has an inner surface with a series of arcuate finger grip indents. In one embodiment, an outwardly projecting blade stop is formed integrally on the inner surface of the handle adjacent the upper end, and prevents the blade from touching the handle. The handle may be curved continuously along all or most of its length in an ergonomic shape for comfortable gripping by the user. Alternatively, the handle may have a first end portion extending from one end up to an angled bend, and a second end portion extending from the bend at an angle to the first portion. 
     Another aspect of the invention involves a laryngoscope handle of a laryngoscope for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation, the laryngoscope including a laryngoscope blade connectable to the handle to lift the patient&#39;s tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube. The laryngoscope handle includes a first end; a second end; an inner surface which faces towards a patient during use; and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the handle having a plurality of spaced finger grip indents along at least part of the length of the handle between the first and second ends. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: the handle is at least one of angled and curved to direct the second end towards the blade, when the blade is connected to the handle; the outer surface of the handle includes a convex surface with a radius of curvature in the range of 3 to 5 inches; the outer surface of the handle includes a thumb engaging section with a thumb location for engaging the laryngoscope handle with one&#39;s thumb; the thumb engaging section includes an elongated recessed section; the thumb engaging section includes an indicia to indicate proper orientation of the laryngoscope handle; the thumb location is located near the second end of the laryngoscope handle, and further including a second thumb location near the first end of the laryngoscope handle; the plurality of spaced finger grip indents include four spaced finger grip indents; the four spaced finger grip indents include a first finger grip indent that receives an index finger, a second finger grip indent that receives a middle finger, a third finger grip indent that receives a third finger, and a fourth finger grip indent that receives a little finger; the plurality of spaced finger grip indents include three spaced finger grip indents; the three spaced finger grip indents include a first finger grip indent that receives a middle finger, a second finger grip indent that receives a third finger, and a third finger grip indent that receives a little finger; the laryngoscope blade is connected to the second end of the laryngoscope handle, the laryngoscope blade carrying a black light source to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords, providing visible definition of the other structures, and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation, the black light source emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 300 to 450 nm; the laryngoscope blade includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a white light source, and the black light source is located closer to the distal portion and the white light is located closer to the proximal portion; the handle has a bend which separates the handle into a first end portion and a second end portion which is bent at an angle in the range from 40 to 60 degrees relative to the first end portion; and/or the blade is pivotally connectable to the handle and the inner surface of the handle has a blade stop projection extending towards the blade, when the blade is pivotally connected to the handle, which restricts contact between the handle and blade, when the blade is pivoted towards the handle. 
     A further aspect of the invention involves a laryngoscope handle of a laryngoscope for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation, the laryngoscope including a laryngoscope blade connectable to the handle to lift the patient&#39;s tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube. The laryngoscope handle includes a first end; a second end; an inner surface which faces towards a patient during use; and an outer surface, wherein the handle is at least one of angled and curved to direct the second end towards the blade, when the blade is connected to the handle. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: the inner surface of the handle having a plurality of spaced finger grip indents along at least part of the length of the handle between the first and second ends; the outer surface of the handle includes a convex surface with a radius of curvature in the range of 3 to 5 inches; the outer surface of the handle includes a thumb engaging section with a thumb location for engaging the laryngoscope handle with one&#39;s thumb; the thumb engaging section includes an elongated recessed section; the thumb engaging section includes an indicia to indicate proper orientation of the laryngoscope handle; the thumb location is located near the second end of the laryngoscope handle, and further including a second thumb location near the first end of the laryngoscope handle; the plurality of spaced finger grip indents include four spaced finger grip indents; the four spaced finger grip indents include a first finger grip indent that receives an index finger, a second finger grip indent that receives a middle finger, a third finger grip indent that receives a third finger, and a fourth finger grip indent that receives a little finger; the plurality of spaced finger grip indents include three spaced finger grip indents; the three spaced finger grip indents include a first finger grip indent that receives a middle finger, a second finger grip indent that receives a third finger, and a third finger grip indent that receives a little finger; the laryngoscope blade is connected to the second end of the laryngoscope handle, the laryngoscope blade carrying a black light source to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords, providing visible definition of the other structures, and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation, the black light source emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 300 to 450 nm; the laryngoscope blade includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a white light source, and the black light source is located closer to the distal portion and the white light is located closer to the proximal portion; the handle has a bend which separates the handle into a first end portion and a second end portion which is bent at an angle in the range from 40 to 60 degrees relative to the first end portion; and/or the blade is pivotally connectable to the handle and the inner surface of the handle has a blade stop projection extending towards the blade, when the blade is pivotally connected to the handle, which restricts contact between the handle and blade, when the blade is pivoted towards the handle. 
     An additional aspect of the invention involves a laryngoscope blade for use in viewing the vocal cords of a patient in performance of an endotracheal intubation. The laryngoscope blade includes a laryngoscope blade portion connectable to a laryngoscope handle to lift the patient&#39;s tongue and mandible for viewing the vocal cords and aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube, the laryngoscope blade portion includes a proximal portion and a distal portion; a white light source carried by the laryngoscope blade portion; a black light source carried by the blade portion to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords for viewing the vocal cords, providing visible definition of the other structures, and passing of the endotracheal tube there between during endotracheal intubation, the black light source located closer to the distal portion and the white light located to the proximal portion, and the black light source emitting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 300 to 450 nm. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: the black light source emits electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 385 to 395 nm; the white light source is a cool white LED with a mcd rating of 100-10,000 millicandela (mcd); an electrical circuit including the white light source and a 150 ohm resistor associated with the white light source to provide 5 ma at 2.9 volts; an electrical circuit including the black light source and a 13 ohm resistor so that the distal black light source is at 49-50 ma at 3.6 volts; an electrical circuit including a 3.6 volt lithium battery power source; an endotracheal intubation system for performing an endotracheal intubation, including a laryngoscope including the laryngoscope blade described in the aspect of the invention described immediately above; and an endotracheal tube insertable into the patient&#39;s mouth, between the patient&#39;s vocal cords into the patient&#39;s larynx, and into the patient&#39;s trachea for opening the patient&#39;s airway, the endotracheal tube includes a distal portion and an expandable body near the distal portion, the distal portion includes a dimension, and the expandable body includes a dimension less than the dimension of the distal portion of the expandable body during intubation and a dimension greater than the dimension of the distal portion of the expandable body to secure the endotracheal tube in place in the trachea; the distal portion includes a recessed section that carries the expandable body, and the expandable body is recessed in the recessed section so that the expandable body includes a dimension less than the dimension of the distal portion of the expandable body during intubation and so that the expandable body expands to a dimension outside of the recessed section, greater than the dimension of the distal portion, to secure the endotracheal tube in place in the trachea; the distal portion includes a movable sheath that covers the expandable body during intubation and is movable to uncover the expandable body so that the expandable body is expandable to a dimension greater than the dimension of the distal portion, to secure the endotracheal tube in place in the trachea; the distal portion includes at least one of a fluorescent and phosphorescent material that is at least one of enhanced by and reacts to the black light source to aid in visibility and positioning of the endotracheal during intubation; an endotracheal intubation system for performing an endotracheal intubation, including a laryngoscope including the laryngoscope blade of the aspect of the invention described immediately above; an endotracheal tube insertable into the patient&#39;s mouth, between the patient&#39;s vocal cords into the patient&#39;s larynx, and into the patient&#39;s trachea for opening the patient&#39;s airway; and a stylet for the endotracheal tube, the stylet including at least one of a fluorescent and phosphorescent material that is at least one of enhanced by and reacts to the black light source to aid in visibility and positioning of at least one of the stylet and the endotracheal tube; and/or an endotracheal intubation system for performing an endotracheal intubation, including a laryngoscope including the laryngoscope blade of the aspect of the invention described immediately above; an endotracheal tube insertable into the patient&#39;s mouth, between the patient&#39;s vocal cords into the patient&#39;s larynx, and into the patient&#39;s trachea for opening the patient&#39;s airway; an endotracheal tube introducer including at least one of a fluorescent and phosphorescent material that is at least one of enhanced by and reacts to the black light source to aid in visibility and positioning of at least one of the endotracheal tube introducer and the endotracheal tube. 
     A further aspect of the invention involves an introducer including a distal portion, an intermediate portion, and a proximal portion, wherein one or more of the distal portion, the intermediate portion, and the proximal portion including at least one of a fluorescent and phosphorescent material that is at least one of enhanced by and reacts to the black light source to aid in visibility and positioning of the introducer. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above include one or more of the following: the introducer includes a polyethylene body; the introducer is at least one of an endotracheal tube introducer and an orotracheal intubation introducer; the introducer includes smooth outer ends; and/or the introducer includes a length of 50-70 cm. 
     A still further aspect of the invention involves an endotracheal intubation tube for performing an endotracheal intubation, the endotracheal intubation tube insertable into the patient&#39;s mouth, between the patient&#39;s vocal cords into the patient&#39;s larynx, and into the patient&#39;s trachea for opening the patient&#39;s airway. The endotracheal intubation tube includes an endotracheal tube body; a distal portion; and an expandable body near the distal portion, wherein the distal portion includes a dimension, and the expandable body includes a dimension less than the dimension of the distal portion of the expandable body during intubation and a dimension greater than the dimension of the distal portion of the expandable body to secure the endotracheal tube in place in the trachea. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: the distal portion includes a recessed section that carries the expandable body, and the expandable body is recessed in the recessed section so that the expandable body includes a dimension less than the dimension of the distal portion of the expandable body during intubation and so that the expandable body expands to a dimension outside of the recessed section, greater than the dimension of the distal portion, to secure the endotracheal tube in place in the trachea; the distal portion includes a movable sheath that covers the expandable body during intubation and is movable to uncover the expandable body so that the expandable body is expandable to a dimension greater than the dimension of the distal portion, to secure the endotracheal tube in place in the trachea; and/or a stylet for the endotracheal tube, the stylet including at least one of a fluorescent and phosphorescent material that is at least one of enhanced by and reacts to the black light source to aid in visibility and positioning of at least one of the stylet and the endotracheal tube. 
     Another aspect of the invention involves an endotracheal tube stylet which comprises an elongate, malleable member and an illuminating material comprising at least one of a fluorescent and phosphorescent material extending along at least part of the malleable member to aid in visibility and positioning of an endotracheal tube. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: the removable sheath includes a substantially tubular portion that covers the distal portion of the endotracheal tube and protect the expandable body; the removable sheath includes a finger portion engageable by a user&#39;s finger to facilitate removal of the removable sheath from the distal portion of the endotracheal tube; the finger portion includes a finger hole engageable by a user&#39;s finger to facilitate removal of the removable sheath from the distal portion of the endotracheal tube; and/or the removable sheath carries a lubricant for lubricating the distal portion and the expandable body of the endotracheal tube. 
     Another aspect of the invention involves a device for use in the performance of an endotracheal intubation. The device includes a proximate portion of a laryngoscope blade, a distal portion of a laryngoscope blade and a connection section allowing the laryngoscope blade to connect and disconnect from the laryngoscope handle. The laryngoscope blade carries an imaging or viewing device and two different light sources all in equal distance from the distal end of the laryngoscope blade. The two light sources include an ultraviolet light source and a white light source. In this aspect of the invention, the light sources allow for the illumination of ultraviolet light being absorbed and self promotes back light from phosphorous reactions. 
     Yet another aspect of the invention involves a method of performing direct laryngoscopy. In this method, a laryngoscope blade carrying an imaging or viewing device and two different light sources all in equal distance from the distal end of the laryngoscope blade is connected to a laryngoscope handle forming a laryngoscope. The laryngoscope is then used to lift a patient&#39;s tongue and mandible for locating and viewing a foreign object in the patient. In this embodiment, the two light sources used in the laryngoscope prompt a visible illumination effect in the patient&#39;s epiglottis and vocal cords, and allow for the detection of the foreign object in the patient. The illumination in this embodiment is a result of the absorption of some or all of the ultraviolet light by tissues in the patient and a self-providing back light from phosphorus reactions. The detection of the foreign object then allows for the prompt removal. 
     Another aspect of the invention involves the use of a single compartment (e.g. epoxy holding) that contains a white light source and a black/ultraviolet light source in the laryngoscope blade. 
     An additional aspect of the invention involves a device for use in the performance of an endotracheal intubation. The device includes a laryngoscope blade having a proximate portion and a distal portion with a distal end, the laryngoscope blade connectable to a laryngoscope handle through a connection section; at least two different light sources carried by the laryngoscope blade and in equal distance from the distal end of the laryngoscope blade, the two light sources comprising an ultraviolet light source and a white light source that, in combination, allows for the illumination of ultraviolet light being absorbed and self promotes back light from phosphorous reactions; and an imaging device carried by the laryngoscope blade a distance from the distal end that is substantially equal to the distance between the distal end and the ultraviolet light source and the white light source. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: further comprising an electrical circuit including a 3.6 volt lithium battery power source in the laryngoscope handle; the connection section is configured to cause the light sources to be automatically activated when the laryngoscope blade is connected to the laryngoscope handle; the connection section is configured to cause the imaging device to be automatically activated when the laryngoscope blade is connected to the laryngoscope handle; the imaging device is a camera head; the ultraviolet light source emits electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of 300 to 450 nm; the white light is a 2-8 mm LED diode; the white light is a cool white LED with a rating of 100-10,000 millicandela (mcd); the ultraviolet light is an ultraviolet diode; the light sources are in a single epoxy holding; and/or the device is used in a method of performing direct laryngoscopy including connecting the laryngoscope blade and the laryngoscope handle to create a laryngoscope; using the laryngoscope to lift a patient&#39;s tongue and mandible for locating and/or viewing a foreign object in the patient; providing the two light sources to: prompt a visible illumination effect in the patient&#39;s epiglottis and vocal cords resulting from: the absorption of some or all of the ultraviolet light by tissues in the patient; and a self-providing back light from phosphorus reactions; and allow a reaction with a foreign body in the patient; and locating the foreign object in the patient. 
     A further aspect of the invention involves a laryngoscope for use in viewing the vocal chords and trachea of a patient while performing endotracheal intubation or attempting to remove a foreign body obstructing the trachea. The laryngoscope includes a laryngoscope handle adapted for gripping by a user; a laryngoscope blade having a proximal portion configured for connection to the laryngoscope handle and a distal portion configured for insertion into a patient&#39;s mouth into an operative position, the distal portion having a distal end facing the opening of the trachea in the operative position; at least two different light sources carried by the laryngoscope blade and both located at a first distance from the distal end of the laryngoscope blade, the at least two light sources comprising an ultraviolet (UV) light source and a white light source, the light sources together configured to provide illumination in a portion of the trachea extending from the trachea opening, and the UV light source configured to prompt the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphoresence in illuminated tissues in the trachea and to produce phosphorescence from absorption of UV light in a foreign body having a phosphor content located in the illuminated portion of the trachea; and an imaging device carried by the laryngoscope blade and configured to produce an image of the illuminated portion of the trachea and any foreign object obstructing the illuminated portion. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: the imaging device is at substantially the same distance from distal end as the light sources; the light sources and imaging device are in a single unit mounted in distal portion of the blade; the device is used in a method of retrieving a foreign object from a patient&#39;s trachea including illuminating both of the light sources of the laryngoscope; inserting the distal portion of the laryngoscope into a patient&#39;s mouth over a patient&#39;s tongue and mandible and into the throat area to an operative position in which a portion of the trachea extending from the vocal cords is illuminated by the light sources and the UV light source prompts the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphoresence in the tissue of the illuminated portion of the trachea and UV light is absorbed by any phosphor content in a foreign object trapped in the illuminated portion of trachea to produce phosphoresence to further illuminate the object; inserting the ends of forceps into the trachea and advancing the ends of the forceps towards the illuminated object while viewing the illuminated object to aid in locating the object with the forceps; and retrieving the object from the trachea using the forceps; the method further comprises viewing the object on an imaging device connected to the camera; the method further comprises viewing the object as deep as one circoid ring into the trachea; the method further comprises viewing the object as deep as two circoid rings into the trachea; the method further comprises viewing the object as deep as three circoid rings into the trachea; and/or the method further comprises viewing the object as deep as four circoid rings into the trachea. 
     Further objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a review of the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments set forth below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic depiction of a laryngoscope being used to view a patient&#39;s larynx; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a laryngoscope in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a bottom plan view of the laryngoscope of  FIG. 2 , and illustrates an embodiment of a switch that may be used with the of the laryngoscope of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment of a laryngoscope, and illustrates an embodiment of a black light source on the bottom of the laryngoscope; 
         FIG. 4  is an embodiment of an endotracheal tube that may be used with the laryngoscope of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an embodiment of a kit of endotracheal tubes that may be used with the laryngoscope of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         FIG. 6  is an alternative embodiment of an endotracheal tube that may be used with the laryngoscope of  FIGS. 1-3  or a standard laryngoscope. 
         FIG. 7  is an embodiment of a pair of protection intubation glasses that may be used with the laryngoscope of  FIGS. 1-3  and/or the endotracheal tube(s) of  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side-elevational view of a separate laryngoscope blade in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a side-elevational view of a separate laryngoscope blade in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side-elevational view of an embodiment of a pair of forceps; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a laryngoscope with an ergonomically shaped handle; 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of the laryngoscope of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the laryngoscope of  FIGS. 11 and 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the laryngoscope on the lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a laryngoscope with a shaped handle; and 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevation view of the laryngoscope of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a laryngoscope. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of the laryngoscope illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevational view of the laryngoscope illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is a right side elevational view of the laryngoscope illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a left elevational view of the laryngoscope illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is a rear elevational view of the laryngoscope illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 23  is a top plan view of the laryngoscope illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 24  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a laryngoscope. 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the handle of the laryngoscope illustrated in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is an exemplary graph of Radiant Power versus Forward Current for the black light source of the laryngoscope shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  is an exemplary graph of Radiant Power versus Wave Length for the black light source of the laryngoscope shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 28  is an exemplary graph of Peak Wave Length versus Forward Current for the black light source of the laryngoscope shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 29  is an exemplary graph of Radiant Power versus Time for the black light source of the laryngoscope shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 30  is an embodiment of an introducer (e.g., endotracheal tube introducer) that may be used with a black light source such as the black light source of the laryngoscopes described and shown herein. 
         FIG. 31  is an embodiment of a stylet (e.g., endotracheal tube stylet) that may be used with a black light source such as the black light source of the laryngoscopes described and shown herein. 
         FIGS. 32A and 32B  are side elevational/end views of a stylet body of the stylet shown in  FIG. 31 . 
         FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C  are top perspective, bottom perspective, and cross-sectional views of the plug connector of the stylet shown in  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 34  is a further embodiment of a stylet (e.g., endotracheal tube stylet) that may be used with a black light source such as the black light source of the laryngoscopes described and shown herein. 
         FIGS. 35A and 35B  are side elevational/end views of a stylet body of the stylet shown in  FIG. 34 . 
         FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C  are top perspective, bottom perspective, and cross-sectional views of the plug connector of the stylet shown in  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 37A  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of an endotracheal tube with a balloon and movable cuff sheath and shows the distal portion of the endotracheal tube with the movable cuff sheath in an extended position where it covers the balloon. 
         FIG. 37B  is a partial perspective view of the endotracheal tube of  FIG. 37A  and shows the distal portion of the endotracheal tube with the movable cuff sheath in a retracted position where the balloon is not covered and is in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 38A  is a partial front elevational view of a further embodiment of an endotracheal tube with a balloon shown in a collapsed, low-profile position. 
         FIG. 38B  is a partial front elevational view of the endotracheal tube of  FIG. 38A  and shows the balloon in an expanded configuration. 
         FIGS. 39A, 39B, 39C, 39D, 39E, 39F, 39G  are perspective, left side elevational, right side elevational, rear elevational, front elevational, top plan, and bottom plan views of another embodiment of a laryngoscope handle. 
         FIGS. 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, and 40F  are front elevational, top plan, rear elevational, bottom plan, right side elevational, and left side elevational views of another embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41E, and 41F  are right side elevational, rear elevational, left side elevational, front elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views of an additional embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F, and 42G  are right side elevational, rear elevational, left side elevational, front elevational, bottom plan, perspective, and top plan views of a further embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 43A, 43B, 43C, 43D, 43E, and 43F  are right side elevational, rear elevational, left side elevational, front elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views of a still further embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D, 44E, 44F, and 44G  are right side elevational, rear elevational, left side elevational, perspective, front elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views of an additional embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, 45E, 45F, and 45G  are right side elevational, rear elevational, left side elevational, perspective, front elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views of another embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 46A, 46B, 46C, 46D, 46E, and 46F  are right side elevational, rear elevational, left side elevational, front elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views of a further embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 47A, 47B, 47C, 47D, 47E, and 47F  are right side elevational, rear elevational, left side elevational, front elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views of a further embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, and 48F  are right side elevational, rear elevational, left side elevational, front elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views of a still further embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 49A, 48B, 49C, 49D, 49E, 49F, and 49G  are right side elevational, rear elevational, left side elevational, perspective, front elevational, bottom plan, and top plan views of a yet further embodiment of a laryngoscope blade. 
         FIGS. 50A, 50B, and 50C  are side-elevational views of an embodiment of a removable sheath for a cuff of an endotracheal tube. 
         FIGS. 51 and 52  are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view of another embodiment of a laryngoscope blade that includes a video camera next to an ultraviolet light and a white light. 
         FIG. 53  is a schematic depiction of the laryngoscope in  FIGS. 51 and 52  being used to remove an obstruction from a patient. 
         FIG. 54  illustrates an embodiment of a combination ultraviolet/black light source and white light source. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a laryngoscope  100  constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described. In  FIG. 1 , the laryngoscope  100  is shown placed in the mouth of a patient  112  for viewing the vocal cords adjacent the larynx and to aid in the insertion of an endotracheal tube  200  ( FIG. 4 ) past the vocal cords. The laryngoscope  100  includes a handle or handgrip  114  and a blade portion  116 , the latter being used to lift the tongue and mandible  118  out of the way for viewing the vocal cords. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the blade portion  116  is pivotally connected to a handle cap  120 . The blade portion  116 , the handle cap  120 , and the handle  114  can be readily assembled together for use. In the embodiment shown, when assembled, a white light source  150  and a black light source  160  are automatically actuated. In an alternative embodiment, the blade portion  116  is directly connected to a top of the handle  114  (i.e., there is no handle cap). The handle  114  is essentially a hollow tube having a closed lower or outer end  122  ( FIG. 3 ) and an open upper end. The handle cap  120  is removably secured to an open upper end of the handle  114 . A power source  123  (e.g., one or more dry cell batteries) is located within the handle cavity to provide power for light source(s) to be described. 
     A side of the handle  114  includes a switch  128  in the form of two pressure/push buttons  129 ,  130  interconnected with the power source  123 , the white light source  150 , and the black light source  160  that, when pressed (e.g., by a user&#39;s thumb), deactivate the respective light sources  150 ,  160 . When the laryngoscope  100  is clicked together/assembled, both light sources  150 ,  160  are placed in electrical communication with the power source  123  and are automatically turned on. In the embodiment shown, push button (“white light button”)  129  controls the white light source  150  so that pushing on the white light button  129  turns off the white light source  150  and push button (“black light button”)  130  controls the black light source  160  so that pushing on the black light button  130  turns off the black light source  160 . Thus, by applying pressure to the push buttons  129 ,  130 , the respective light sources  150 ,  160  are turned off. Removing the pressure to the push buttons  129 ,  130  causes the respective light sources  150 ,  160  to be turned back on. Accordingly, the switch  128  enables the laryngoscope  100  to be switched between at least a “both on” condition where both black light is emitted from the black light source  160  and white light is emitted from the white light source  150 , a black light condition where black light is emitted from the black light source  160  and the white light source  150  is off, and a white light condition where white light is emitted from the white light source  150  and the black light source  160  is off. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , an alternative embodiment of a switch  131  located on a bottom  124  of the handle  114  is shown. The switch  131  cooperates with electronics in the laryngoscope  100  for switching between an “off” condition, a black light condition, a white light condition, and a “both on” condition. In the embodiment shown, the switch  131  is a rotating switch with a rotating knob  132  that rotates between different positions to actuate the above conditions. 
     In alternative embodiments, other types of switches may be used (e.g., push-button switch, a toggle switch) on the bottom  124  of the handle  114  (or at other locations on the laryngoscope  100 ) to switch between an “off” condition and one or more of a black light condition, a white light condition, and a “both on” condition. In alternative embodiments, the switch  128 ,  131  may switch between conditions in addition to or other than an “off” condition, a black light condition, a white light condition, and a “both on” condition. For example, in an alternative embodiment, where the laryngoscope  100  includes only a black light source  160 , the switch  128 ,  131  may switch the laryngoscope  100  between an “off” condition and a black light condition. 
     One or more light sources  140  are interconnected with the power source  123  in the handle  114 . In the embodiment shown, as discussed above, the one or more light sources  140  include two light sources: 1) a white light source  150 , and 2) a black light source  160 . Example white light sources  150  include, but not by way of limitation, a white halogen light, a white incandescent light, and a white LED. The black light source  160  emits long wave UVA radiation and very little visible light. The black light source is a lamp emitting electromagnetic radiation that is almost exclusively in the soft near ultraviolet range. The black light source  160  prompts the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords and the glottis, which is the space between the vocal cords, during laryngoscopy. The black light source  160  may be a Wood&#39;s light made using Wood&#39;s glass, which is a nickel-oxide-doped glass, which blocks substantially all visible light above 400 nanometers. In alternative embodiments, other black light sources  160  (e.g., LED(s)) may be used. In one embodiment, the black light source  160  emits electromagnetic radiation including a wavelength in the range of 315 to 400 nm, with out emitting substantial electromagnetic radiation including a wavelength outside of the range of 315 to 400 nm. In another embodiment, the black light source  160  includes a wavelength of 385-395 nm. 
     In the embodiment shown, the blade portion  116  is a curved Macintosh blade; however, in alternative embodiments, other types of blades (e.g., straight Miller/Robertshaw blade) may be used. The blade portion  116  carries the one or more light sources  140 . Although the one or more light sources  140  are shown on a top of the blade portion  116 , in alternative embodiments, the one or more light sources  140  are disposed at one or more of the following locations: a side of the blade portion  116 , a bottom of the blade portion  116 , a top of the blade portion  116 , a distal tip of the blade portion  116 , and other locations on or relative to the blade portion  116 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3B , in a further embodiment, in addition to or instead of the one or more light sources  140  being carried by the blade portion  116 , a black light source (e.g., black light source  160 ) is carried by the bottom  124  of the handle  114  for emitting black light from the bottom  124  of the handle  114 . In such an embodiment, a switch (e.g., switch  128 ) for controlling the black light source on the bottom  124  of the handle  114  is preferably located in a location other than the bottom  124  of the handle  114 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of an endotracheal tube  200  that may be used with the laryngoscope  100  (as part of an endotracheal intubation system) in performing endotracheal intubation will be described. The endotracheal tube  200  includes a clear plastic intubation tube  210  with an elongated central lumen. The intubation tube  210  includes a larger-diameter open upper end  212 , which may include a cap, and a pointed open lower end or tip  214 . An elongated scope (e.g., a fiberoptic scope)  220  may be received within the lumen of the intubation tube  210 . The scope  220  includes a distal viewing tip  230 . A plastic transparent holding sheath may cover the scope  220 . A longitudinally built-in narrow malleable metal intubation stylet  240 , which is a narrow piece of flat metal, may be built into the holding sheath and adhered to an outer wall of the holding sheath for controlling the geometry/shape of the scope  220 /endotracheal tube  200  to match the physiology/anatomy of the patient during endotracheal intubation. 
     In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the intubation tube  210  and the stylet  240  include a fluorescent color or other color/substance that is enhanced by the black light or that reacts to the black light (on the entire tube  210 /stylet  240  or a portion and/or component there of). 
     For example, but not by way of limitation, in one or more embodiments, the intubation tube  200  includes a fluorescent striping on the body of the ET tube  210 , fluorescent coloring of the balloon/cuff shown near the distal end of the tube  200 , and/or on the BVM connector near proximal end of tube  200  causes device to naturally phosphoresce under black light, clearly identifying ET tube tracking through the vocal cords into the trachea. 
     A method of performing endotracheal intubation using the laryngoscope  100  and the endotracheal tube  200  will be described. The black light source  160  of the laryngoscope  100  is activated (e.g., when the laryngoscope  100  is clicked together/assembled). The blade portion  160  of the laryngoscope  100  is inserted into the patient&#39;s mouth and behind the patient&#39;s tongue and mandible  118 . By gripping the handle  114  with one&#39;s hand, the tongue and mandible  118  are lifted for viewing the vocal cords adjacent the larynx and to aid in the insertion of the endotracheal tube  200  past the vocal cords. The black light emitted from the laryngoscope  100  prompts the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords and the glottis, making the patient&#39;s vocal cords and the glottis visible either directly by the eyes of the medical provider or via the scope  220  of the endotracheal tube  200 . The endotracheal tube  200  is inserted into the patient&#39;s mouth, between the patient&#39;s visible vocal cords into the larynx, and then into the trachea of the patient in a usual manner. The stylet  200  of the endotracheal tube  200  may be used to shape the scope  220 /endotracheal tube  200  to the individual anatomy/pathology of the patient. 
     As discussed above, in the embodiment of the laryngoscope  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , applying pressure to the push buttons  129 ,  130  causes the respective light sources  150 ,  160  to be deactivated and removing the pressure to the push buttons  129 ,  130  causes the respective light sources  150 ,  160  to be re-activated. The medical provider operates the push buttons  129 ,  130  of the switch  128  (e.g., to cause only black light to be emitted, only white light to be emitted, or both types of light to be emitted) so that optimal viewing of the vocal cords occurs. The medical provider may prefer to use the black light condition and/or the white light condition, depending on external lighting conditions, the individual anatomy/pathology of the patient, the patient&#39;s condition, and other factors. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , in another embodiment of the above endotracheal tube  200 , a kit  300  of endotracheal tubes  200 , intubation tubes  210 , and/or stylets  240  of different sizes (e.g., different weight, height, and/or depth; adult version, pediatric version) are color-coded with different fluorescent colors or other color/substance that is enhanced by the black light or that reacts to the black light. For example, but not by way of limitation, the intubation tube  210  of each different endotracheal tube  200  is coated with a unique fluorescent colored material or other color/substance that is enhanced by the black light or that reacts to the black light. The entire endotracheal tube  200  may include a fluorescent color or one or more portions of the endotracheal tube  200  may include one or more fluorescent colors (or other color/substance that is enhanced by the black light or that reacts to the black light). For example, but not by way of limitation, a cap of the endotracheal tube  200  may include a unique fluorescent color (or other color/substance), the intubation tube  210  may include a unique fluorescent color (or other color/substance), and/or the stylet  240  may include a unique illuminating material or substance, such as a fluorescent color (or other color/substance) for identifying the proper size endotracheal tube  200 , intubation tube  210 , and/or stylet  240 , and for improving visualization of the endotracheal tube  200 , intubation tube  210 , and/or stylet  240  during endotracheal intubation. Using the black light source  160  of the laryngoscope  100 , one may easily identify the correct-sized endotracheal tube  200 , intubation tube  210 , and/or stylet  240  by shining black light on the kit of endotracheal tubes  200 , intubation tubes  210 , and/or stylets  240  identified by different fluorescent colors (or other color/substance) so that the proper-sized endotracheal tube  200 , intubation tube  210 , and/or stylet  240  for the patient/application is selected. The different-size/fluorescent-color endotracheal tubes  200 , intubation tubes  210 , and/or stylets  240  are easy to identify with a black light source, especially in no-light, low-light, or dark conditions. Further, the fluorescent (or other color/substance) endotracheal tube  200 , intubation tube  210 , and/or stylet  240 , in combination with the black light laryngoscope  100 , improves visualization of the endotracheal tube  200 , intubation tube  210 , and/or stylet  240  passing the vocal cords during endotracheal intubation. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , in another embodiment, the stylet  240  and/or the endotracheal tube  200  includes a black light source  350  that emits black light to enhance visualization of the vocal cords during endotracheal intubation. For example, the stylet  240  and/or the endotracheal tube  200  with black light source  250  may be used in conjunction with the laryngoscope  100  discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 , or in conjunction with a normal laryngoscope that does not have a black light source  150 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , an embodiment of a pair of protection intubation glasses  400  includes lenses  410  configured (e.g., tinted to a particular shade) so that when used in conjunction with the black light sources described above during endotracheal intubation, the visibility of the vocal cords is intensified/enhanced. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , an embodiment of a separate laryngoscope blade  500  that may be detachably connected to a separate laryngoscope handle (e.g., handle  114 ) will be described. In the embodiment shown, the blade  500  is a curved Macintosh blade; however, in alternative embodiments, other types of blades (e.g., straight Miller/Robertshaw blade) may be used. 
     The blade  500  may be made of stainless steel, plastic, or a combination of stainless steel and plastic. In other embodiments, other materials are used. 
     The blade  500  includes a blade portion  516  with a distal portion  530  and a proximal portion  540 . The blade portion  516  carries a white light source  150  and a black light source  160 . The black light source  160  is located distally of (i.e., closer to the distal portion  530  relative to) the white light source  150  on the blade portion  516 . The advantage of locating the black light source  160  distally of the white light source  150  is that, in use, the proximal white light source  150  provides general illumination (e.g., of the interior of the mouth and back of the patient&#39;s throat) while the distal black light source  160 , which is disposed closer to the patient&#39;s vocal cords and the glottis, provides directed black light illumination of the patient&#39;s vocal cords and the glottis, prompting the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords and the glottis. In another embodiment ( FIGS. 17-23 ), the distal black light source  160  is disposed 1.5 to 2.0 inches in front of proximal white light source  150 . In alternative embodiments, the white light source  150  and/or the black light source  160  are located at other positions/locations/relative distances than those shown. 
     The blade  500  includes a connection section  550  for mechanically coupling the blade  500  to a top of the separate laryngoscope handle and electrically coupling the white light source  150  and the black light source  160  to a power source in the laryngoscope handle. Alternatively, the blade  500  carries its own power source for powering the white light source  150  and the black light source  160 . When the blade  500  is connected to the laryngoscope handle, the connection section  550  is configured so that both the white light source  150  and the black light source  160  are automatically activated and when the blade  500  is disconnected to the laryngoscope handle, the white light source  150  and the black light source  160  are automatically deactivated. This automatic activation/deactivation may be achieved by electrical connectors and/or switch(es) (e.g., an electrically conductive ball contact on connection portion of handle and a cooperating electrically conductive ball contact on connection portion of blade  500  that contact each other to close the circuit when the blade  500  and the handle are connected and lose contact with each other to open the circuit when the blade  500  and the handle of disconnected). For example, the mechanical connection between the connection section  550  and the laryngoscope handle may put the power source in the handle in electrical communication with the white light source  150  and the black light source  160  or may cause a switch at the interface of the connection section  550  and the laryngoscope handle to be closed. In an alternative embodiment, the blade  500  and/or laryngoscope handle carries a user controllable switch to control activation/deactivation of the white light source  150  and the black light source  160  (e.g., both on, both off, one on and one off). 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of a separate laryngoscope blade  600  that is the same as the blade  500 , except the blade  600  includes only a black light source  160  instead of both a white light source  150  and a black light source  160 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , an embodiment of a pair of stainless steel disposable forceps  700  including distal portions  710  of jaws  720  coated with (e.g., dipped in) a fluorescent colored material/substance (or other color/substance) that is enhanced by the black light or that reacts to the black light is shown. In an alternative embodiment, the forceps  700  are made of a plastic material including the fluorescent colored material/substance (or other color/substance) that is enhanced by the black light or that reacts to the black light. The forceps  700  include a handle  730  at a proximal end and the distal jaws  720  at an opposite end for gripping an object. The forceps  700  pivot about a pivot section  740 . In use, the forceps  700  are used to grip an object (e.g., to remove an object from the patient&#39;s body). Black light (e.g., from any of the black light devices described above and shown herein) is directed at the object and the jaws  720  of the forceps  700 . The fluorescent colored material/substance is enhanced by the black light, allowing the user to see exactly where to grab the object and, most importantly, not cause damage to surrounding tissue. The user then grabs the object with the jaws  720  of the forceps  700  and, if appropriate, removes the object from the patient&#39;s body. Although the forceps  700  in the embodiment shown are Magill-type forceps, in alternative embodiments, other types of forceps with jaws  720  coated with a fluorescent material/substance may be used. 
       FIGS. 11 to 14  illustrate another embodiment of a laryngoscope  800  having an ergonomically shaped handle  802  and a blade  804  pivotally connected to a first/upper end of the handle via pivot pin  805 . In one embodiment, a connection portion  820  of the blade pivots into latching engagement with a suitable conventional latching or click-lock mechanism (not illustrated) at the top of the handle when in the operative position shown in the drawings. In the embodiment shown, the blade is a curved Macintosh blade; however, in alternative embodiments, other types of blades (e.g., straight Miller/Robertshaw blade) may be used. The blade  804  carries one or more light sources (not illustrated) as illustrated and described above in connection with the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 to 10 , such as light sources  140  on a top surface of the blade as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As described in connection with the previous embodiments, the one or more light sources may be a white light source, a black light source, or a black light source and a white light source. The one or more light sources may alternatively be disposed at one or more of the following locations: a side of the blade, a bottom of the blade, a top of the blade, a distal tip of the blade, and other locations on or relative to the blade. The light sources may be any of the alternative types of light sources as described above in connection with the preceding embodiments. 
     In this embodiment, handle  802  is of a continuously curved, ergonomic shape with a series of four finger grip indents  806  on its inner, concave surface. A projecting blade stop  808  is also located on the inner surface adjacent the first/upper end of the handle. The blade stop  808  may be formed in a first/upper end cap  810  which incorporates the blade pivot mount, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . In an alternative embodiment, the blade  804  is directly connected to the first/upper end of the handle  802 , eliminating the separate end cap  810  and replacing it with an integrally formed first/upper end portion of the handle  802  of similar shape to end cap  810 , including blade stop  808 . The handle  802  may be made of any suitable rigid and lightweight material such as metal or plastic. 
     The first/upper end cap  810  or end portion of the handle  802  is pivotally assembled with the blade  804  in a similar or identical manner to the previous embodiments, and a second/lower end cap  812  is threadably engaged with a lower second/open end of the handle for access to a battery cavity containing a power source  814  (e.g. one or more dry cell batteries such as a lithium battery, single 3.6 volt lithium battery battery powering a white light source and a black light source carried by the blade  804  in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 8 ) which supplies power to the light source or sources, as best illustrated in  FIG. 14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the battery is connected to contact pin  815  in end cap  810  via spring loaded connector wire  816 . Contact pin  814  projects into a contact recess  818  in the pivotally mounted portion  820  of the blade. Although not shown in the drawings, it will be understood that the contact in recess  818  is suitably connected to a light source or sources (not illustrated) mounted on the blade  804  in a conventional manner, so that the light source or sources are automatically placed in communication with the power source when the blade  804  is assembled or clicked together with the upper part of the handle  802  in the operative condition of  FIGS. 11 to 14 , and are automatically turned off when the blade is released or disassembled from the upper part of the handle for storage when not in use, for example when the blade is released from the conventional click lock or latching mechanism (not illustrated) at the first/upper end of the handle and pivoted down towards the handle. The blade stop  808  prevents the blade  804  from contacting the handle when pivoted. 
     As in the previous embodiments, in alternative embodiments of the laryngoscope  800 , other types of switches may be used (e.g., push-button switch, a toggle switch) on the bottom of the handle (or at other locations on the laryngoscope  800 ) to switch between an “off” condition and one or more of a black light condition, a white light condition, and a “both on” condition. In alternative embodiments, the switch may switch between conditions in addition to or other than an “off” condition, a black light condition, a white light condition, and a “both on” condition. 
     The continuously curved handle along with the finger grips  806  which are gripped by the health care provider during intubation provides an ergonomic design which is easier and more comfortable to use and which is angled more efficiently for proper actuation. As illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the outer, convex surface of the handle is smoothly curved apart from an elongate recessed region  822  in which an arrow sign  824  pointing to the second/lower end of the handle is provided. The arrow  824  provides an indication of the direction of use or manipulation of the handle in order to perform the procedure. The finger grips help the health care provider to hold the device securely and reduce the risk of the handle slipping out of the health care provider&#39;s hand. 
     The handle curvature may be a continuous curve of constant radius of curvature, or may be of varying curvature along at least part of its length. Due to the handle curvature, when the blade  804  is inserted into a patient&#39;s mouth as in  FIG. 1 , the second/lower end portion of the handle  802  bends down rather than upwardly as is the case with straight handle  114  of  FIG. 1 , making it easier and more efficient for the health care provider to manipulate and position the blade  804  while viewing the patient&#39;s trachea during the procedure. The radius of curvature of the outside surface of the handles ( FIGS. 11-14, 17-23, and 39 ) is 4.1 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature of the outside surface of the laryngoscope handle is in the range from 3 to 5 inches. The second/lower end portion of the handle may be bent or curved through an angle of around 40 to 60 degrees relative to the first/upper end of the handle which is attached to the blade. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate a modified laryngoscope  900  in which the handle  902  has an angled bend  904  at approximately the mid-point in its length, separating it into an upper, straight portion  905  and a lower straight portion  906  which is bent at an angle to the first/upper end portion. The angle between the upper portion  905  and lower portion  906  may be of the order of 40 to 60 degrees, for example 45 degrees. Apart from the handle being bent at an angle rather than continuously curved as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 11 to 14 , other parts of the laryngoscope of  FIGS. 15 and 16  are identical to those of the previous embodiment, and like reference numerals are used for like parts as appropriate. As in the previous embodiment, the handle  902  has finger grip indents  806  and a blade stop  808  on its inner surface, facing the blade  804 . The finger grip indents  822  allow the health care provider to grip the handle  902  more comfortably and securely, while the angled end portion allows the health care provider to position the blade  804  more efficiently during the procedure. 
       FIGS. 17-23  illustrate another embodiment of a laryngoscope  1000  that is generally similar to the laryngoscope  800  discussion above with respect to  FIGS. 11-14 , which is incorporated herein, but includes a distal black light source that is disposed 1.5 to 2.0 inches in front of a proximal white light source. In alternative embodiments, the distance between the distal black light source and the white light source is a distance other than 1.5 to 2.0 inches. Portions of the distal black light source and the proximal white light source are disposed through lateral holes in a curved vertical wall of laryngoscope blade (e.g., distal/bulb ends of black light source and white light source are disposed on one side of vertical wall and proximal ends of black light source and white light source are disposed on an opposite side of vertical wall). The laryngoscope  1000 , and handle  1005 , in particular, increases the effectiveness of blade insertion and placement through an improved ergonomic design. The laryngoscope  1000  and handle  1005  improve entry angle and handle control (to allow more effective tongue sweep and mandible lift). The laryngoscope  1000  and handle  1005  enable instinctive lift-direction to help avoid oral cavity damage. The laryngoscope  1000  limits “fulcruming” of blade/handle unit, which often leads to dental damage. In the past, the laryngoscopes used handle devices consisting of straight “flashlight-like” tubes that were non-ergonomic, difficult to control, and may promote use that can injure structures in the oral cavity. 
     The laryngoscope handle  1005  in  FIGS. 17-23  is a four-finger-grip-indented handle  1005  made of machined aluminum and includes an ergonomic “pistol-grip” design that provides a proper angle for mandible lift and tongue sweep used in laryngoscopy, and provides ergonomical shape and design to prevent fulcruming and breaking teeth. 
     In the four-finger-grip-indented handle  1005  shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 17-23 , the laryngoscope is oriented in an opposite manner than that shown in  FIG. 22  (i.e., second/lower end  1002  of handle  1005  oriented up and blade  1004  oriented down). A user grips handle  1005  by holding the handle  1005  in the palm of one&#39;s hand and presses one&#39;s thumb against the arrow  824  ( FIGS. 19, 21, 22 ) in a first thumb location  1010 , with the arrow  824  facing up (second/lower end  1002  oriented up) for proper orientation of the handle  100  during normal laryngoscopic use as shown in  FIG. 1 . The first thumb location  1010  is located in the elongate recessed region  822 , near the first/upper end of handle  1005 . In this position, the user&#39;s thumb is collinear with and longitudinally aligned with the elongated recessed region  822  and the handle  1005 . The handle  1000  includes a second thumb location  1030  near a first/upper end  1032  of the laryngoscope handle  1005  that is engaged by the user&#39;s thumb during pediatric laryngoscopy. In this position, the user&#39;s thumb is substantially perpendicular with the handle  1005 , giving the user a more delicate hold on the handle  1000  to help ensure that the child/toddler/baby is not injured during the pediatric laryngoscopy procedure. 
     In the laryngoscope orientation described above, the user wraps four fingers around and in four finger grip indents  1032 ,  1034 ,  1036 ,  1038 . The user&#39;s index finger wraps around and in a first finger grip indent  1032  closest to second/lower end  1002  of handle  1005 , the user&#39;s middle finger wraps around and in a second finger grip indent  1034  next closest to second/lower end  1002  of handle  1005 , the third finger wraps around and in a third finger grip indent  1036  next closest to second/lower end  1002  of handle  1005 , and the little finger wraps around and in a finger grip indent  1038  closest to first/upper end  1032  of handle  1005  (closest to where blade  1040  connects to the handle  1005 ). This design is an ergonomic design that provides a proper angle for mandible lift and tongue sweep used in adult laryngoscopy, and helps to ensure the right amount of torque/leverage in adult laryngoscopy to prevent fulcruming and breaking teeth. 
     With reference to laryngoscope handle  1045  shown in  FIGS. 39A-39G , the description of the handles shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 11-14 and 17-23  is incorporated herein. The laryngoscope handle  1045  is made of machined aluminum and includes an ergonomic “pistol-grip” design that provides a proper angle for mandible lift and tongue sweep used in pediatric laryngoscopy, and provides ergonomical shape and design to prevent fulcruming and breaking teeth. Although the laryngoscope handle  1045  shown in  FIGS. 39A-39G  is designed for pediatric laryngoscopy use, in alternative embodiments, the laryngoscope handle  1045  may be used for adult laryngoscopy. A main difference between the laryngoscope handle  1045  shown in  FIGS. 39A-39G  and the handles shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 11-14 and 17-23  is that the laryngoscope handle  1045  shown in  FIGS. 39A-39G  includes a series of three finger grip indents on its inner, concave surface instead of a series of four finger grip indents  806  on its inner, concave surface ( FIGS. 11-14 and 17-23 ). 
     In the three-finger-grip-indented handle  1045  shown with respect to  FIGS. 39A-39G , the laryngoscope/handle  1045  is oriented in an opposite manner than that shown in  FIG. 39A  (i.e., second/lower end  1047  of handle  1045  oriented up and first/upper end  1049  of handle  1045  oriented down). A user grips handle  1045  by holding the handle  1045  in the palm of one&#39;s hand and presses one&#39;s thumb against arrow  1050  (with second/lower end  1047 /arrow  1050  facing up) for proper orientation of the handle  1045  during normal laryngoscopic use as shown in  FIG. 1 . The first thumb location  1055  is located in elongate recessed region  1060 , near second/lower end  1047  of handle  1045 . In this position, the user&#39;s thumb is collinear with and longitudinally aligned with the elongated recessed region  1060  and the handle  1045 . The handle  1045  includes a second thumb location  1065  at an opposite end of the elongate recessed region  1060 , near a first/upper end  1049  of the laryngoscope handle  1045 , which is engaged by the user&#39;s thumb during more-delicate pediatric laryngoscopy. In this position, the user&#39;s thumb is substantially perpendicular with the handle  1045 , giving the user a more delicate hold on the handle  1045  to help ensure that the child/toddler/baby is not injured during this more-delicate pediatric laryngoscopy procedure. 
     In the first laryngoscope orientation, the user wraps three fingers (one&#39;s middle finger, third finger, and little finger) around and in three finger grip indents  1070 ,  1072 ,  1074 . The middle finger wraps around and in a first finger grip indent  1070  closest to second/lower end  1047  of handle  1045 , the third finger wraps around and in a second middle finger grip indent  1072  next closest to second/lower end  1047  of handle  1045 , and the little finger wraps around and in a third finger grip indent  1074  closest to first/upper end  1049  of handle  1045  (closest to where the blade connects to the handle  1045 ). Because the user only grips the handle  1045  with three fingers (compared to gripping the handle  1005  of  FIGS. 17-23  with four fingers), the user has a more delicate hold/grip on the handle  1045  and automatically provides less torque/leverage, which is appropriate for pediatric use. Thus, the handle  1045  shown in  FIGS. 39A-39G  includes an ergonomic design that provides a proper angle for mandible lift and tongue sweep used in pediatric laryngoscopy, and helps to ensure the right amount of torque/leverage in child laryngoscopy to prevent fulcruming and breaking teeth. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , another embodiment of a laryngoscope  1100  similar to that shown in  FIGS. 17-23  will be described. The above descriptions of the laryngoscopes, blades, handles and light sources are in incorporated herein. The laryngoscope  1100  includes a handle  1110  and a blade  1120  that carries a proximal white light source  1150  and a distal black light source  1160 . The handle  1110  and the blade  1120  include an electrical circuit  1165  that includes a power source  1170 , a resistor  1180 , a resistor  1190 , the proximal white light source  1150 , and the distal black light source  1160 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the white light source  1150  is a cool white LED, with a mcd rating of 100-10,000 millicandela (mcd). In the embodiment shown, the resistor  1190  is a 150 ohm resistor behind the white light source to provide 5 ma at 2.9 volts. This brightness of the white light source  1150  of the proximal white light source  1150  is bright enough to provide general illumination (e.g., of the interior of the mouth and back of the patient&#39;s throat) while not being so bright as to overtake the effects of the distal black light source  1160 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the distal black light source  1160  emits electromagnetic radiation including a wavelength in the range of 300 to 450 nm. In a more preferred embodiment, the distal black light source  1160  emits electromagnetic radiation including a wavelength in the range of 385 to 395 nm. In a most preferred embodiment, the distal black light source  1160  emits electromagnetic radiation including a wavelength at 395 nm. The electromagnetic radiation works with the body to help illuminate “vocal cords” or “vocal folds”. 
     The combination of the black light source  1160  and white light source  1150  as shown and described herein increases visualization of airway anatomy during laryngoscopy procedures. An advantage of locating the black light source  1160  distally of the white light source  1150  is that, in use, the proximal white light source  1150  provides general illumination (e.g., of the interior of the mouth and back of the patient&#39;s throat) while the distal black light source  1160 , which is disposed closer to the patient&#39;s vocal cords and the glottis, provides directed black light illumination of the patient&#39;s vocal cords and the glottis, prompting the visible effects of fluorescence and phosphorescence with respect to the patient&#39;s vocal cords and the glottis. 
     White incandescent light used in laryngoscopy in the past caused glare, excessive reflectivity, and less differentiation of tissues during procedures. The black light emitted from the black light source  1160 , and especially locating it distally of the white light source  1150  as shown/described, causes vocal cords to naturally phosphoresce, clearly identifying pathway to the trachea. The black light and white light combination lighting produces “near-3D optimization of viewing area, causing airway structures to stand out via precision-shadowing effect. The black light and white light wavelength mix dramatically improves discrimination of tissues, field of view, reduces glare and creates better depth perception in the airway. 
     In the embodiment shown, the resistor  1180  disposed in the handle  1110  is a 13 ohm resistor and the power source  1170  is a 3.6 volt lithium battery power source to provide the distal black light source  1160  at 49-50 ma at 3.6 volts. 
       FIG. 26  is an exemplary graph of Radiant Power versus Forward Current,  FIG. 27  is an exemplary graph of Radiant Power versus Wave Length,  FIG. 28  is an exemplary graph of Peak Wave Length versus Forward Current, and  FIG. 29  is an exemplary graph of Radiant Power versus Time for the distal black light source  1160  of the laryngoscope  1000  shown in  FIG. 24 . The above voltage, current, resistor, radiant power, and wave length values for the distal black light source  1160  are obtained from the graphs shown in  FIGS. 26-29 . 
     In alternative embodiments, values for voltage, current, resistor, radiant power, wave length, and/or other values than those described and/or shown herein may be used. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates an embodiment of an introducer  1200  (e.g., endotracheal tube polyethylene introducer) that may be used with a black light source such as, but not limited to, the black light source  160 ,  1160  of the laryngoscopes described and shown herein. The introducer  1200  includes a distal portion  1210 , an intermediate portion  1220 , and a proximal portion  1230 . Opposite ends of the introducer  1200  are smooth and, in the embodiment shown, the introducer  1200  has a length of 50-70 cm. One or more of the distal portion  1210 , the intermediate portion  1220 , and/or the proximal portion  1230  include a fluorescent/phosphorescent color/coating or other color/substance that is enhanced by the black light or that reacts to the black light emitted by the black light source  160 ,  1160 . Thus, the entire introducer  1200  or portion(s) of the introducer  1200  includes a fluorescent/phosphorescent color/coating or other color/substance that is enhanced by or reacts to the black light source  160 ,  1160  for increased visualization of placement of the introducer  1200  (e.g., endotracheal tube introducer) during the medical procedure (e.g., intubation). The introducer  1200  can be used for, but not by way of limitation, successful orotracheal intubation and endotracheal intubation. The fluorescent/phosphorescent coating on the introducer  1200  causes the introducer  1200  to naturally phosphoresce under black light, clearly identifying introducer tracking through the vocal cords into the trachea. 
     In alternative embodiments, other types of insertions other than those described/shown herein include a fluorescent/phosphorescent color/coating or other color/substance that is enhanced by or reacts to the black light source  160 ,  1160  for increased visualization of placement of the insertion during the medical procedure. 
     In a further embodiment, a camera, scope, or other imaging/viewing device is used with the black light source  160 ,  1160  for increased visualization during a medical procedure. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates an embodiment of a stylet  1300  (e.g., endotracheal tube stylet) that may be used with a black light source such as, but not limited to, the black light source  160 ,  1160  of the laryngoscopes described and shown herein. The stylet  1300  includes a stylet body  1305  (See also  FIGS. 32A, 32B ) made of a malleable, coated wire that holds a formed shape to facilitate safe intubation. The stylet body  1305  includes a distal portion  1310 , an intermediate portion  1320 , and a proximal portion  1330 , and a plug connector  1340  slidably attached to the stylet body  1300 . In the embodiment shown, the stylet  1300  has a length of 32 cm and a 6-French size. 
     An embodiment of the plug connector  1340  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C . The plug connector  1340  includes an upper circular flange portion  1342  having an outer diameter and a lower cylindrical plug portion  1344  having an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the upper circular flange portion  1342 . The central cylindrical hole/bore  1350  extends through the plug connector  1340  and slidably receives the stylet body  1305 . An upper hole/bore  1360  extends into an upper part of the plug connector  1240  and a lower hole/bore  1370  extends into the lower part of the plug connector  1240 . 
     One or more of the distal portion  1310 , the intermediate portion  1320 , and/or the proximal portion  1330  include an illuminating material or substance such as a fluorescent/phosphorescent color/coating or other color/substance that is enhanced by the black light or that reacts to the black light emitted by the black light source  160 ,  1160 . Thus, the entire stylet  1300  or portion(s) of the stylet  1300  includes a fluorescent/phosphorescent color/coating or other color/substance that is enhanced by or reacts to the black light source  160 ,  1160  for increased visualization of placement of the stylet  1300  (or stylet  1300  and endotracheal intubation tube) during the medical procedure (e.g., intubation). The fluorescent/phosphorescent coating on the stylet  1300  causes the stylet  1300  to naturally phosphoresce under black light, clearly identifying stylet/intubation tube tracking through the vocal cords into the trachea. 
       FIGS. 34-36C  disclose another embodiment of a stylet  1300 a that is similar to the stylet  1300  described above except that it is a larger size (45 cm length, 8 French). Elements of the stylet  1300 a that are similar to the elements of the stylet  1300  are identified with the same reference number, but with an “a” suffix. 
       FIGS. 37A and 37B  illustrate an embodiment of a movable, protective cuff sheath  1400  that covers a distal endotracheal tube cuff  1410  ( FIG. 37A ) including an expandable body (e.g., balloon)  1430  during insertion of an endotracheal tube  1420  (e.g., during intubation) and moves to a retracted position ( FIG. 37B ) once the endotracheal tube  1420  is in position to expand the expandable body  1430 . The movable protective cuff sheath  1400  reduces the profile and visibility of the distal endotracheal tube cuff  1410  during intubation. The movable, protective sheath covering the expandable body  1430  (e.g., pre-inflated balloon) reduces the profile of the expandable body  1430 /cuff  1410  and aids physical visibility down the airway during intubation. The movable, protective cuff sheath  1400  and/or distal endotracheal tube cuff  1410  includes a fluorescent/phosphorescent color/coating or other color/substance that is enhanced by or reacts to the black light source  160 ,  1160  to aid in visibility and positioning of the cuff  1410 . 
       FIGS. 38A and 38B  illustrate an embodiment of a low-profile, low-visibility distal endotracheal tube cuff  1510  to reduce profile and visibility during intubation. In one or more embodiments, the low-profile, low-visibility distal endotracheal tube cuff  1510  includes one or more of a low-profile expandable body material  1530  (e.g., lower-profile, more-compliant balloon material utilized that will lay flat against body  1540  of tube  1550  in non-inflated state), a low-profile expandable body (e.g., balloon) packing configuration, and/or an indented tube body  1540  in the balloon cuff region (e.g., addition of indentation of tube body or smaller diameter indented section  1550  versus larger diameter outer tube section  1560  to enable further profile reduction of the pre-inflated balloon) to reduce the cuff profile and aid physical visibility down the airway during intubation procedures. The expandable body material  1530  includes a diameter/dimension D 2  that is less than the diameter/dimension D 1  of the outer tube section  1560  in the collapsed condition shown in  FIG. 38A , and includes a diameter/dimension D 3  that is greater than the diameter/dimension D 1  of the outer tube section  1560  in the expanded condition shown in  FIG. 38B  (the expandable body material  1530  is expanded to secure the cuff  1510  in position in passageway). The expandable body material  1530  includes a fluorescent/phosphorescent color/coating or other color/substance that is enhanced by or reacts to the black light source  160 ,  1160  to aid in visibility and positioning of the cuff  1510 . 
     Compared to current ET tube designs, which include distal cuffs that, even in their non-inflated states, have a wide profile which impedes visibility of the vocal cords and surrounding anatomy during intubation, the low-profile, low-visibility distal endotracheal tube cuff  1510  reduces the cuff profile and aids physical visibility down the airway during intubation. The fluorescent/phosphorescent color/coating on the expandable body material  1530  is enhanced by or reacts to the black light source  160 ,  1160  to aid in visibility and positioning of the cuff  1510 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 50A-C , an embodiment of a removable sheath  1600  for an endotracheal tube cuff  1610 , which includes an expandable body (e.g., balloon)  1620 , will be described. The endotracheal tube cuff  1610  and expandable body  1620  are disposed at a distal portion of an endotracheal tube  1630 . The endotracheal tube  1630  includes an inflation mechanism  1635  for inflating (e.g., 10-12 cc of air) the expandable body  1620 . The removable sheath  1600  includes a substantially tubular portion  1650  and a finger portion  1660  with a finger hole  1670  to receive a finger of a user for removing the substantially tubular portion  1650  of the sheath  1600  from the endotracheal tube cuff  1610 . The purpose of the removable sheath  1600  is to protect the expandable body  1620  of the cuff  1610  before use, to eliminate the need for pre-use inflation/testing/checking of the expandable body  1620 , and, in one embodiment (e.g.,  FIG. 50B ), as a possible site for a reservoir  1680  (e.g., lidocaine jelly reservoir, which may be popped opened/closed) for peruse applications of gels or medicine (e.g., lidocaine jelly or similar substance for lubrication of tube/cuff/expandable body) to the tube/cuff/expandable body. 
       FIGS. 39A-39G  disclose another embodiment of laryngoscope handle that is especially advantageous when used in endotracheal intubation of children. 
       FIGS. 40A-49F  disclose further embodiment of laryngoscope blades including proximal white light source and a distal black light source. The above descriptions of the laryngoscopes, blades, handles and light sources are in incorporated herein. 
       FIGS. 40A-40F  disclose an embodiment of a Size 00 Miller laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 41A-41F  disclose an embodiment of a Size 0 Miller laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 42A-42G  disclose an embodiment of a Size 1 Miller laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 43A-43F  disclose an embodiment of a Size 2 Miller laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 44A-44G  disclose an embodiment of a Size 3 Miller laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 45A-45G  disclose an embodiment of a Size 4 Miller laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 46A-46F  disclose an embodiment of a Size 1 Macintosh laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 47A-47F  disclose an embodiment of a Size 2 Macintosh laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 48A-48F  disclose an embodiment of a Size 3 Macintosh laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 49A-49F  disclose an embodiment of a Size 4 Macintosh laryngoscope blade. 
       FIGS. 51-52  discloses an embodiment of a modified laryngoscope blade  1800 , in pieces ( FIG. 51 ) and assembled ( FIG. 52 ), having a distal blade portion  1820  and a proximal connector portion  1823  configured for attachment to handle  114  ( FIG. 53 ) of the assembled laryngoscope  1900 . Handle  114  and connector portion  1823  are identical or similar to the corresponding parts in the previous embodiments and are therefore not described in detail. In this embodiment, the laryngoscope blade is modified to include a combined illumination and imaging unit  1810  mounted about ⅔ along the longitudinal length of the blade portion  1820 , closer to a distal end  1821  of the blade portion  1820  than a proximal end  1822  of the blade portion  1820 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 51 . Unit  1810  comprises an imaging/viewing device  1825  such as a miniature video camera, a white light  1830 , and an ultraviolet light  1835  which emits UV light of the same wavelength range as the previous embodiments. The imaging/viewing device  1825  allows for increased visualization into the trachea during medical procedures. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet light  1835 , white light  1830  and camera  1825  form a single integral unit and are all located at the same distance relative to the distal end of the laryngoscope blade portion  1820 . Example white light sources include, but not by way of limitation, a white LED, a white halogen light, and a white incandescent light. In one or more embodiments, the image signals from the imaging/viewing device  1825  are transmitted to a video output screen/display screen/monitor that is either integral with the blade portion  1820  and/or handle  114  or is separate from the laryngoscope (e.g., separate standalone monitor). 
       FIG. 53  illustrates a schematic depiction of the laryngoscope in  FIGS. 51 and 52  being used to assist in removal of an obstruction or foreign object such as a marble  1845  from a patient&#39;s trachea  1850 . A marble is used by way of example in  FIG. 53 , but a large range of different foreign objects including foods, toys and the like may potentially become stuck in a patient&#39;s trachea  1850  and partially or totally obstruct air flow to the lungs. The blade portion  1820  of the laryngoscope  1900  is shown placed in the mouth of a patient  112  for viewing the vocal cords adjacent the larynx and to aid in the removal of the foreign object  1845 . The medical provider grips handle  114  while using blade portion  1820  to move the tongue and mandible  118  out of the way and permit viewing past the vocal cords into the trachea  1850  while attempting to remove the foreign object  1845 . In this embodiment, if the foreign object  1845  has a phosphor content, the illumination of the foreign object  1845  by the two light sources is increased. The combination of the white light  1830  and UV light  1835  at an equal distance from the opening into the trachea  1850  helps to create a three dimensional image of the patient&#39;s airway, and may allow a medical provider to see, in a preferred embodiment, as deep as four circoid rings  1855 , in an alternative preferred embodiment, as deep as three circoid rings  1855 , in a further alternative preferred embodiment, as deep as two circoid rings  1855 , and in a still further alternative preferred embodiment, as deep as one circoid ring  1855  into the trachea  1850 .  FIG. 53  illustrates foreign object  1845  trapped between the third and fourth circoid rings, which is a common location for trapped foreign objects in the trachea  1850 . The UV light is absorbed by the tissues in the trachea  1850  around the obstruction, resulting in self-produced back light from the resultant UV light induced fluorescence and phosphorescence, while any phosphor content in the trapped object  1845  also results in phosphorescence which further illuminates the object  1845  and helps the provider in locating and attempting to remove the object  1845  using forceps  1860 . The medical provider inserts the ends of forceps  1860  into the trachea  1850  while viewing the illuminated object  1845  directly or via a video output screen directly connected or wirelessly connected to camera  1825 , and advances the ends of the forceps  1860  up to the object  1845 . The combined white and UV light sources  1830 ,  1835  together with the camera  1825  significantly improve visibility of the trapped object  1845 , similarly increasing the likelihood of the provider being able to grasp and retrieve the object  1845  from the trachea  1850  using forceps  1860  or similar retrieval instruments. The UV light helps to create a three dimensional view inside the patient&#39;s mouth and trachea  1850 , and also significantly reduces glare. 
     Although the forceps  1860  shown in  FIG. 53  are Magill-type forceps, in alternative embodiments, other types of forceps, including but not limited to forceps with jaws coated with a fluorescent material, may be used. When forceps  1860  with coated jaws are used, the fluorescent colored material is enhanced by the fluorescent/black light, allowing the user to see exactly where to grab the object and, most importantly, not cause damage to surrounding tissue. 
       FIG. 54  is a combination ultraviolet/black light and white light source  1872  that includes epoxy holding compartments  1870 ,  1871  that contain a white light source  1875  and a fluorescent/UV/black light source  1880 , respectively. The light sources  1875 ,  1880  and epoxy holding compartments  1870 ,  1871  are integrated together into a single unit/package. This combination light source  1872  can be used in place of the separate black/fluorescent light source and white light source in the embodiment of  FIGS. 51 to 53  or in any of the previous embodiments. In this device, the white light source  1875  can be a white LED diode and the ultraviolet light source  1880  can be an ultraviolet diode. 
     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. 
     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: the 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 “and” 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/or” 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/or” 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 where such broadening phrases may be absent.