Today's review will focus on laryngoscopes. What it is? What features does this device have? We will talk about the types and rules for choosing laryngoscopes below.
Content
Surely, each of us at least once, or maybe more than once, faced such a problem as inflammation of the respiratory tract, in particular, the larynx. All this is accompanied by a sore throat, sore throat and discomfort when swallowing food. Arriving at the doctor's appointment, he begins to conduct a visual examination - pharyngoscopy. But this method is not always effective. For a more in-depth examination of areas that are inaccessible to the human eye, another instrument is required, namely a laryngoscope. Note the fact that this instrument is used not only in the case of diagnosing a patient, but in cases where urgent medical attention is required, when anesthesia is required before surgery.
Thus, the tool we are considering is used when:
The appearance of all models is identical. Those. in most cases, these are two parts, which are represented by the handle and the blade. The handle contains batteries or a rechargeable battery, which facilitate the supply of light. At the top, it ends with a mount. There are special, more advanced models that are capable of conducting research with the translation of the internal state of the respiratory organs on the screen.
The material for the manufacture is different. It can be plastic, then the device will be considered, figuratively speaking, disposable, or it can be steel of various types, here we are already talking about reusable use. The latter, after each application, are subject to a mandatory disinfection procedure.
For storage, a special cover is used to protect the instrument from moisture.
Due to its versatility, the laryngoscope is widely used in medicine. And often, it is included in the list of necessary tools for most therapists and otolaryngologists.
Today, laryngoscopes are manufactured using the latest technologies from leading manufacturers, which allows it to serve for a long time.
It should be noted that the light from the built-in lamp is absolutely safe for the subject, the risk of mucosal burns is excluded.
Below we will consider several representatives of this type of medical instrument.
These samples are used for direct laryngoscopy. Such devices can examine both the throat itself and the vocal cords.Often the doctor resorts to this method when they seek help due to the ingress of some foreign body into the pharynx. Also, direct laryngoscopy is especially effective in the case of examination of oncological neoplasms in the larynx.
This video is a German-made naso-pharyngo-laryngoscope. Here we will start with the fact that the outwardly device is very compact, and its design is very ergonomic. In addition, it is easy to use and does not require complex manipulations with the connection to the monitor. It has a special video chip that transmits high definition images. Good visibility is provided by a special LED located on the handle. It is used to examine not only the throat, but also the ear and nose.
Due to its high-quality performance and versatility, the price was set at around 674,077 rubles.
This model includes a thin optical fiber, developed according to the latest system. The sealed packaging reliably protects the device from any kind of damage. What distinguishes this sample from many others is the thin tube, which makes it possible for a specialist to work with children.
The device is powered by a halogen light source. It has an angle of view of 75 degrees and a working length of 30 centimeters, which is typical for these models.
The manufacturer, and here he is Japanese, took into account all the nuances that affect the patient's comfort during the study. In addition to the fact that there are no discomfort when inserting the instrument inside, the risk of injury is also minimized.
This option is not much cheaper than the previous one, namely, 579 thousand rubles.
Another representative of German production, which is very popular in its field.
Here is a wide-angle camera that transmits a picture, so to speak, natural, i.e. clear, without distortion. If the previous sample had an angle of view of 75 degrees, then here it is already 80, but the length is identical.
As for the installation of this equipment, you can use one of several options, namely:
The price is 750 thousand.
Here we are talking about the indirect method of laryngoscopy. We are already talking about the introduction of special mirrors. The specialist sits right in front of the subject, puts a mirror on his head, which is capable of reflecting light from the laryngoscope. It is it that is able to illuminate the larynx cavity well. But, despite its high efficiency, this method is not often used. Let's consider several examples of devices related to this classification. It is also worth noting that this type of tool is much cheaper than the previous type.
The manufacturer of this model is Pakistan. The product is made of stainless steel and has a matte finish.It is this that helps prevent the reflection of the light beam, along with this the device provides an excellent level of illumination. During use, there is no unnecessary magnetization effect that can complicate the examination.
The material is resistant to any kind of damage when working with other medical instruments.
In addition to the handle, the kit includes 3 blades. All this is securely packed in a case, and the price of all this is just over 10 thousand rubles.
What makes this model different from the previous ones? There is a vacuum-type light source here that can illuminate the cavity being examined well. The lamp located on the front of the blade can be removed without any problems. The robust design allows long-term daily use of the device. Autoclave sterilization is acceptable.
Let's turn to the blade itself. The material was chosen for it - stainless steel, it is easy to clean due to a specially treated coating.
The whole structure is powered by batteries that are on the handle.
It uses xenon light for bright, cool lighting. The lamp itself is in the handle, here are the metal contacts. All this is hermetically sealed and no damage occurs during sterilization in an autoclave.
The blades are all made of the same stainless steel with a treated surface.
Suitable for examining the vocal cords, epiglottis. Provides intubation tube insertion without discomfort for the subject.
This set is already slightly more expensive than its predecessors, namely 43 600 rubles.
This is a variant of the rigid type of laryngoscope and it is one of its dear representatives. The kit will cost a little more than 150 thousand rubles.
Also, it is a Mage Blade type fiber optic tool. The case contains four blades and a handle with batteries. This product is considered a novelty on the market of its counterparts. The charge is enough for two hours of work, and uninterrupted. The set includes a charger, which ensures uninterrupted operation without changing the batteries.
In this case, we can notice excellent lighting quality that similar tools cannot provide.
When sterilizing the device, there is no need to disassemble the handle and remove the optical fiber bundle, everything is safely hidden and there will be no damage. Sterilization can take place in any way, but one feature is still there - you must not allow bleach, oxidizer or chlorine to get on the surface. These substances can damage the surface.
The entire set is made entirely of French-made stainless steel.
This option is slightly cheaper than the previous one, its price is 77.5 thousand rubles. It is sold in a set that includes three reusable blades. This model is designed for examination and examination of children and is applicable even to babies. Due to its smooth surface, the device is easy to clean and disinfect.
By purchasing this set, we receive a case in which three blades are neatly packed, a handle that contains battery power.When this module reaches the end of its service life, it is always possible to replace it with a more powerful one.
Quite a budget option, designed to insert an endotracheal tube into the trachea to inspect the pharynx.
Represents the classic version when the battery is in the handle. It can be easily detached for replacement. It is easy to use, therefore it is purchased, often, in some medical or preventive medical institutions.
As we have already said, there are disposable and reusable laryngoscopes, and we have already found out how they differ from each other. Now, let's talk about caring for them.
With a disposable instrument, everything is simple, after one use you need to get rid of the device, and in no case should it be examined again.
The situation is different with reusable samples. Because the instrument is in direct contact with the mucous membranes of a person, then after each contact a very thorough surface treatment is required. Two methods are used for processing:
It is not recommended to disconnect lamps and LEDs during processing. This can be dangerous because the device could fail. All of the above applies to the blade. All batteries and accumulators should be removed from the handle.
Almost all manufacturers indicate in the instructions the recommendations that must be followed during disinfection. The required temperature, the substance that can be used, its concentration, time and so on are prescribed there. If we take the chemical method of processing as an example, then the upper part of the device must be thoroughly cleaned of all substances that may remain on it after the patient. If this is not done, all this can remain on the surface in a dried form. To prevent this from happening, it is enough to rinse the parts in soapy water.
As for the handle, it is enough to simply wipe it several times with medical alcohol and carry out the procedure in an autoclave. To do this, you need to set the temperature at 135 degrees and detect ten minutes.
These are basic guidelines for use. For each model, the manufacturer provides individual usage patterns. They should not be neglected, otherwise the device will simply expire ahead of time.
The device we are considering is an integral part of the activity of an otolaryngologist. Based on what he uses during the examination, the quality of the study and the further recovery process will depend.
Each medical institution has its own types of laryngoscopes. If we are talking about a large clinical center, then, of course, expensive equipment is purchased, which is connected to the monitor and the examination is carried out more thoroughly.
If these are small preventive complexes, where there is a separate ENT office for prof. inspections, then this option, which we considered last, will be enough.
Do not forget that no matter how expensive and high-quality the device is, its durability or, conversely, short-term existence will directly depend on its care and on the proper use by a specialist.
We hope our review was helpful.