Disposable cover arrangement for laryngoscopes and the like

Abstract

A disposable cover is provided for laryngoscopes and the like of the type having an elongate blade with a contoured, channel-shaped guide surface on which an associated light source is mounted to facilitate inserting an endotracheal tube into the air passageway of a patient. The disposable cover comprises a sheath having a sterile exterior surface, and a closed interior surface defining a hollow cavity shaped to receive therein and envelope the laryngoscope blade. The sheath has an open end through which the laryngoscope blade is inserted into the cavity of the sheath. The sheath is readily flexible so that an associated portion of the same can be conformed to the contoured guide surface of the laryngoscope blade. Being constructed from a light-transmitting material, the sheath permits light waves emitted from the light source to pass through the sheath, and illuminate the air passageway of the patient. The sheath is selectively fitted on the laryngoscope blade in a manner which securely retains the associated portion of the sheath closely against the contoured guide surface of the laryngoscope blade, such that the view along the air passageway of the patient remains wholly unobstructed during insertion of the endotracheal tube, yet permits the sheath to be manually stripped from the laryngoscope blade for disposal after a single use.