Endoscopes

A Flexible Fiber Optic Laryngoscope is a flexible endoscope (2-5 mm diameter, 30-60 cm working length) with fiber optic image transmission and steerable tip (120-180° angulation) for visualization of the upper airway and facilitation of difficult intubations. Features include control handle with angulation lever, working channel (1-2 mm) for suction or oxygen, external light source (halogen/xenon/LED), and optional camera for video display. Primary clinical applications include awake intubation in difficult airway management (limited mouth opening, cervical spine instability, obstructing pathology), nasotracheal intubation for oral surgery or maxillofacial trauma, intubation with cervical spine precautions (minimal neck movement), diagnostic airway assessment (stridor, hoarseness, vocal cord dysfunction, masses), double-lumen tube placement for thoracic surgery, pediatric difficult airway management, and tracheostomy tube placement guidance. Class II medical device requiring FDA clearance. Critical safety considerations include mandatory leak testing before immersion, antifog preparation, gentle insertion technique, airway maintenance with oxygen, topical anesthesia for patient comfort, suction availability, backup airway device, and strict infection control with validated reprocessing protocols.