摘要 |
A dilating laryngoscope which allows for dilation of a human airway (e.g., the laryngopharynx) is provided. The dilating laryngoscope includes a speculum having a pair of handles interconnected with a pair of arms and joined at a hinge. A pair of flanges are provided at the ends of the arms. An annular balloon is provided about the pair of arms, proximal to the pair of flanges. The annular balloon is connected to an air source, such as a handheld inflator connected the annular balloon by an air tube, so that the annular balloon can be inflated as desired to dilate an airway. The speculum can be manipulated by moving the handles, so that the balloon can be positioned at a desired location in the airway, and removed therefrom.
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