Inventors:
Alan J. Breslau - Levittown PA
Bernard Broad - Levittown PA
International Classification:
A61B 124
Abstract:
A laryngoscope is disclosed of a conventional configuration having a blade handle which includes a device for the applying of topical anesthesia as the blade of the laryngoscope is inserted into the pharynx and larynx of a patient. The application device includes a reservoir for holding an amount of topical anesthesia within a fluid chamber defined therein. The reservoir may be attached detachably with respect to a handle of a laryngoscope, or may be a contiguous and inherent part thereof. A supply conduit being in fluid flow communication with the fluid chamber extends outwardly from the reservoir such that topical anesthesia may be caused to flow therethrough. A retainer holds the supply conduit in the proper position adjacent to a blade of the laryngoscope in such a fashion that the tip of the conduit is adjacent to the forwardly extending portion of the blade to facilitate the application of topical anesthesia in the area immediately forward of the blade. In this manner the pharynx may be anesthetized and the topical anesthesia sprayed directly into the larynx, producing anesthesia of the mucosa and vocal cords. The reservoir may be of a permanent nature or detachably securable such as to be a throw-away unit and the walls thereof are preferably of a soft material to allow compression thereof by the hand of the anesthesiologist while gripping the handle of the laryngoscope.