A pediatric flexible fiberoptic endoscope.
Clinical experience with a flexible fiberoptic endoscope constructed for children is described. The endoscope fits through a 3.5 mm endotracheal tube without removing the tube adaptor. The endoscope was used on artificially ventilated newborns and infants for determining the position of the endotracheal tube, the integrity of the tracheal mucosal wall, and possible obstruction of the endotracheal tube. Visualization of the interior of the tube and the airways can be performed without moving the infant from the incubator. The instrument aids in the management of children requiring prolonged respiratory support. The most common lesion detected was trauma to the tracheal mucosal wall by the suction catheter.
D002648:Child; D019723:Endoscopes; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000295:instrumentation*