Single use laryngoscope blade

Abstract

A disposable plastic laryngoscope blade is detachably connectable to a hook-on-type conventional metallic laryngoscope handle in conformity with International Standard ISO-7376-1. The blade comprises a rigid plastic housing having a lower, tongue-engaging flange section extending along the length thereof, an upper, teeth-engaging flange section, and web sections interconnecting the upper and lower flanges to form a hollow cavity; an electric bulb having a rating of about 2 to about 2.5 Volts and about 0.35 to about 0.5 Amperes, positioned within the cavity adjacent the distal end of the blade and having positive and negative electrode conductors extending therefrom; a proximal base end provided with hooks or fittings for engaging complementary handle hooks or fittings in compliance with ISO-7376-1, the proximal base being provided with a positive central contact positioned to press against a standard insulated central contact provided in the handle when attached thereto, and elevating into an operating position to maintain conductivity from a power source in the handle and ensure illumination of the bulb while in the engaged operating position; a first current-conducting means connecting the positive electrode conductor to the positive central contact and a second current-conducting means connecting the negative electric conductor with a metallic surface of the handle.