Dual blade laryngoscope with esophageal obturator

Abstract

A dual bladed laryngoscope for quickly and easily intubating a patient. The invention has two blades pivotally hinged on one side while the opposing side is open allowing the laryngoscope to be easily removed after intubating a patient. The proximal end of the upper blade has a grip portion which can be moved closer to or farther away from the handle attached to the proximal end of the lower blade to open or close the distal ends of the lower and upper blades. The lower blade of the invention has a distal end adapted as an esophageal obturator for obstructing the esophagus. An arytenoid bumper to prevent the laryngoscope from penetrating too far into the esophagus is preferably secured to the distal end of the lower blade. The arytenoid bumper may have a ramp or wedge shape adapted to deflect an intubation tube through a patient's larynx and into the trachea. The upper blade optionally has a tongue guard adapted to hold the tongue outside of a channel formed by the lower blade, the tongue guard and the upper blade. A suction conduit is optionally built in or secured to either the lower blade or the upper blade for providing a tube for suctioning secretions or emesis. A suction break is located in the handle of the laryngoscope to allow a finger of the hand holding the laryngoscope to control the presence and intensity of suction.