Endoscopic-Enabled Tongue Depressor and Associated Method of Use
AssigneeThe Curators of the University of Missouri
InventorEliav Gov-Ari
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides an endoscopic-enabled tongue depressor, as part of a mouth gag unit, with two-grooved design, where the first groove is for intubation, and the second groove accommodates the secure and adjustable placement of an optic device and associated method of use. The inventive tongue depressor enables full endoscopic procedures of the upper airway, such as nasopharynx, by providing a surgeon the ability to operate with both hands and an unobstructed view of a target area in the upper airway, in addition to real-time observation of the surgical field for other surgical staff (such as nursing staff, technicians, students and residents).
Claims25
An apparatus for opening upper airway during an upper airway procedure with accommodations for both intubation and visualization comprising:
- a tongue-covering member with a first groove/indentation on a back portion for placement of intubation tubing and a second groove/indentation on a top portion for placement of an optic means, wherein both grooves/indentations are in the longitude direction along said tongue-covering member, and said first groove is positioned around midline of said tongue-covering member;
- and
- a handle member attaching to the proximal end of said tongue-covering member.
A method for opening upper airway during an upper airway procedure with accommodations for both intubation and visualization comprising:
- inserting a tongue-covering member of an endoscopic-enabled tongue depressor into a patient's mouth to cover the patient's tongue wherein a user operates a handle member of said endoscopic-enabled tongue depressor to insert the distal end of said tongue-covering member into the patient's mouth, wherein said tongue-covering member has a first groove/indentation on a back portion for placement of intubation tubing and a second groove/indentation on a top portion for placement of an optic means, wherein both grooves/indentations are in the longitude direction along said tongue-covering member and said first groove is positioned around midline of said tongue-covering member, wherein said handle member is attached to the proximal end of said tongue-covering member;
- placing a breathing tube through the first groove/indentation;
- placing said optic means through the second groove/indentation;
- rotating said optic means to adjust a viewing angle of said optical scope;
- and
- observing a target area in the upper airway.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.