Laryngoscope and Method of Use

Abstract

An endotracheal intubation system for performing an endotracheal intubation includes an endotracheal tube insertable into the patient's mouth, between the patient's vocal cords into the patient's larynx, and into the patient's trachea for opening the patient's airway. A stylet for the endotracheal tube includes an illuminating material comprising at least one of a fluorescent and phosphorescent material to aid in visibility and positioning of at least one of the stylet and the endotracheal tube.

1 . An endotracheal intubation system for performing an endotracheal intubation, comprising:
 a laryngoscope including a laryngoscope blade;   an endotracheal tube insertable into the patient's mouth, between the patient's vocal cords into the patient's larynx, and into the patient's trachea for opening the patient's airway; and   a stylet for the endotracheal tube, the stylet including an illuminating material comprising at least one of a fluorescent and phosphorescent material to aid in visibility and positioning of at least one of the stylet and the endotracheal tube.   
     
     
         2 . The intubation system of  claim 1 , wherein the stylet comprises an elongate, malleable member and the illuminating material extends along at least part of the length of the malleable member. 
     
     
         3 . The intubation system of  claim 2 , wherein the stylet has a distal portion, an intermediate portion, and a proximal portion, and the illuminating material extends along at least one portion of the stylet. 
     
     
         4 . The intubation system of  claim 3 , wherein the illuminating material extends along the entire length of the stylet. 
     
     
         5 . The intubation system of  claim 3 , wherein the illuminating material extends along at least the distal portion of the stylet. 
     
     
         6 . The intubation system of  claim 1 , comprising at least first and second stylets of different sizes, the first stylet including an illuminating material of a first fluorescent color and the second stylet including an illuminating material of a second fluorescent color. 
     
     
         7 . The intubation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of stylets of different sizes which are color-coded with different color fluorescent materials. 
     
     
         8 . The intubation system of  claim 1 , wherein the stylet has a distal portion, the illuminating material extending along at least the distal portion of the stylet and being configured to glow under black light or dark conditions when activated. 
     
     
         9 . An endotracheal tube stylet, comprising an elongate, malleable member and an illuminating material extending along at least part of the length of the malleable member, the illuminating material being configured to glow under dark conditions when activated. 
     
     
         10 . The stylet of  claim 9 , wherein the elongate member has a distal portion, an intermediate portion, and a proximal portion, and the illuminating material comprises a fluorescent material extending along at least the distal portion of the elongate member.