title: Fibre-optically lit laryngoscope.
abstract: The light from a battery-powered laryngoscope with a fibreoptic blade is limited by the 3-V battery and deteriorates with use, as the optic fibres break. A laryngoscope handle is described in which the bulb is replaced by a fibreoptic cable connecting to a mains, halogen light source. This laryngoscope gives 6000 Cd.m(-2) light at the centre of the field compared with 800 Cd.m(-2) for the battery. The field of illumination is also improved from 1600 Cd.m(-2) 20 mm from the centre compared with 120 Cd.m(-2) for the battery handle. The fibre optic cable is attached at the side of the handle and does not interfere with intubation. The mains-powered light source has the advantages of being reliable with the ability to switch immediately to a second bulb; low running costs; improved light for intubation and it makes it possible to use a dental mirror for indirect laryngoscopy in difficult intubations.
authors.affiliation: Consultant Anaesthetist, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Croesnewydd Road, Wrexham, Clwyd LL13 7TD, UK.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Arthurs
mesh_terms: D004560:Electricity; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D020704:Laryngoscopes; D008029:Lighting / Q000379:methods*