Intubation device

An endotracheal intubation device comprising:

• a generally elongated main body portion defining a first longitudinal axis (B-B);
• a distal tip portion coupled to said main body portion at an interface, said distal tip portion defining a second longitudinal axis (C-C), said interface comprising a generally rigid connection to establish said distal tip portion in a rest position defined by a predetermined initial inclination of said second longitudinal axis (C-C) relative to said first longitudinal axis (B-B), said predetermined initial inclination being in the range of about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees measured from said first longitudinal axis (B-B);
• and
• a deflection system extending within at least said distal tip portion and coupled thereto, said deflection system operable to exert a force upon said distal tip portion to articulate said distal tip portion relative to said main body portion between said resting position and a positive incline position, said positive incline position defining a first angle between said first longitudinal axis (B-B) and a positive inclined longitudinal axis (C′-C′), said first angle being greater than said predetermined initial inclination, said deflection system further operable to exert a force upon said distal tip portion to articulate said distal tip portion relative to said main body portion between said resting position to a negative incline position, said negative incline position defining a second angle between said first longitudinal axis (B-B) and a negative inclined longitudinal axis (C″-C″) which is negative with respect to the first longitudinal axis (B-B), said second angle being less than said predetermined initial inclination;
• said distal tip portion comprising a plurality of notches formed in at least one side thereof, said plurality of notches facilitating articulation of said distal tip portion relative to said main body portion;
• in said rest position distal tip extends straight along said second longitudinal axis (C-C), and in said positive incline position said distal tip extends straight along said positive inclined longitudinal axis (C′-C′) at said first angle.