A Novel Laryngoscope With an Adjustable Distal Tip

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Anatomy
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Existing laryngoscopes lack adjustable distal tip articulation.
• Limited adjustable field of view hinders optimal exposure of laryngeal structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel laryngoscope with an adjustable distal tip.
• To enhance the anatomical field of view for supraglottic, glottic, and cervical esophageal exposure.

Main Methods:

• 3D printed prototypes (plastic, titanium) designed using Solidworks.
• Cadaveric model validation comparing adjustable tip prototype to Weerda and Dedo laryngoscopes.
• Objective anteroposterior and lateral exposure measurements quantified via endoscopic imaging and pixel calibration.

Main Results:

• The adjustable tip prototype provided superior anteroposterior (77.3 mm) and lateral (40.6 mm) exposure compared to Weerda (49.9 mm AP, 40.4 mm L) and Dedo (15.7 mm AP, 18.6 mm L) laryngoscopes.
• Handling characteristics were similar to the Weerda laryngoscope.
• Wider field of view enhanced laryngeal instrumentation.

Conclusions:

• A novel laryngoscope with an adjustable distal tip offers improved supraglottic and glottic exposure in cadaveric studies.
• This device has potential applications in supraglottic/glottic and proximal esophageal procedures.