laryngoscope n : a medical instrument for examining the larynx

English

Noun

laryngoscope

1. an endoscope used for viewing the interior of the larynx

Related terms

• laryngoscopy

A laryngoscope (larynx+scope) is a medical instrument that is used to obtain a view of the vocal cords and the glottis, which is the space between the cords.

Rigid laryngoscope

There are many types of laryngoscopes. A rigid laryngoscope utilized by anesthesia personnel for intubation typically consists of a handle (incorporating two batteries) and an interchangeable blade with a bulb light source. Laryngoscopes used by otolaryngologists are found in many variations, used for various specialized tasks during endoscopy or surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract.

The original anesthesiologists' laryngoscope used a straight "Magill" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Magill blade, and this design is still the standard pattern veterinary laryngoscopes are based upon; however the blade is difficult to control in adults and can cause pressure on the vagus nerve, which can cause unexpected cardiac arrhythmias to spontaneously occur in adults.

There are many types of laryngoscope blades used by anesthesia personnel. The two main types are the curved Macintosh blade and the straight Miller (or Robertshaw) blade. The Macintosh blade sits anterior to the epiglottis and raises it out of the visual pathway, while the Miller blade sits posterior to the epiglottis, trapping it while exposing the glottis and vocal cords. Incorrect usage can cause trauma to the front Incisor teeth; the correct technique is to lift the chin upwards and forward at the same time, not to use the blade as a lever with the teeth serving as the fulcrum.

The Miller and Robertshaw blades are usually used for infants, this is due to the larger comparative size of the epiglottis, which makes the Macintosh blade less effective.

Direct laryngoscopy, generally performed by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat, head and neck surgeon) is carried out (usually) with the patient lying on his or her back; the laryngoscope is inserted into the mouth on the right side and flipped to the left to trap and move the tongue out of the line of sight, and, depending on the type of blade used, either inserted anterior or posterior to the epiglottis and then lifted with an upwards and forward motion. This move makes a view of the glottis is possible. There are at least ten different types of laryngoscope used for this procedure, each of which has a specialized use for the otolaryngologist. This procedure is most often employed in direct diagnostic laryngoscopy with biopsy. It is extremely uncomfortable and is not performed on conscious patients, or on patients with an intact gag reflex.

Laryngoscopy is performed to facilitate endotracheal intubation as part of general anesthesia or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) during cardiac arrest, or, more specifically, for procedures on the larynx or other parts of the upper aerodigestive tract.

The invention of the laryngoscope is hotly disputed; some claim it was invented by Manuel García, Professor of Music, and singing teacher for Jenny Lind, the "Swedish Nightingale"; whilst other medical giants (Morell Mackenzie writing in 1865) claim it was Benjamin Guy Babington.

Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscope

A transnasal flexible laryngoscope can be used for office-based diagnostics. The patient remains wide awake during the procedure, so the vocal cords can be observed during speech or singing. Surgical instruments passed through the scope can be used for performing procedures such as biopsies of suspicious masses.

External links

• Photos of Flexible Laryngoscopy and Its Variations

References

• Yahoo Health on Laryngoscopy
• Transnasal Flexible Laryngoscopy (TFL)