Video laryngoscope providing suction

Abstract

A video laryngoscope is provided that includes a body having a handle portion and a blade portion. The blade portion terminates in a tip and defines at least one aperture formed proximal to the tip. The blade portion is dimensioned for oral insertion into a subject buccal cavity. A fiber optic light source terminates within the blade portion and upon light source activation illuminates an area including the tip. A video system is coupled to the body and relays imagery of the tip and surrounding area to a video monitor. A channel extending through the body provides fluid communication to the aperture and an external source of suction. As a result, an operator is capable of visualizing debris and/or obstructions in a subject airway and is able to observe and guide the scope for suction removal.

1 . A process of clearing a subject airway comprising:
 inserting a video laryngoscope comprising:
 a body having a handle portion and a blade portion terminating in a tip, the blade portion defining at least one aperture formed proximal to the tip, the blade portion dimensioned for oral insertion into a subject buccal cavity; 
 a fiber optic light source terminates within the blade portion and upon activation illuminates an area including the tip; 
   a video system coupled to said body and relaying imagery of the tip to a video monitor; and
 a channel extending through said body providing fluid communication to the at least one aperture and an external source of suction into the subject buccal cavity and into the subject airway; 
   holding the handle portion with one hand; and   engaging the external source of suction to evacuate the subject airway with the one hand.   
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  further comprising watching the video monitor during the engagement of the external source of suction. 
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the engagement of the external source of suction is depression of an external suction trigger. 
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 1  further comprising extending a flexible pickup through the video laryngoscope and into the subject airway to grab debris from the subject airway.