University of Missouri

Eliav Gov-Ari

Alexander Madinger

The present invention discloses a new and improved endoscopic-enabled mouth gag for routine ENT procedures, such as adenoidectomy and nasopharyngeal biopsy. The invention modifies the existing mouth gag, provides a stable and adjustable placement for an endoscopic device potentially employed during an ENT procedure, and is to replace the outdated surgical method where the surgical field is visualized indirectly via a handheld mirror (with or without the preexisting mouth gag). The inventive endoscopic-enabled mouth gag not only provides enhanced visualization of the surgical field for a clinician, assistants, and trainees, but also enables a clinician to perform the procedure bimanually (with both hands).

Endoscopic-enabled mouth gag and associated method of use

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).

Growing community of inventors

Columbia, MO, United States of America

Eliav Gov-Ari