The intubation of small rodents continues to be an obstacle for researchers. A simple, reliable, complete system for intubation of these animals that provides
adequate illumination
is easy to handle
simple to learn
and durable
would make endotracheal intubation a more accessible technique for researchers.
This system does just that!
The key to endotracheal intubation is visibility, which is difficult in the confines of the oral cavity of these animals. External illumination of the oral cavity requires less space and provides adequate intensity, but differentiation of the tiny structures is very difficult. The entire field has a red glow due to the light being transmitted through tissue.
The system (Patent Pending) uses fiberoptics to provide intense white light illumination directly where the user needs it. This is accomplished by combining the stylet, guidewire, and light source into one component. A small diameter fiberoptic is used to transmit focused white light from an illumination source directly through the lumen of the endotracheal tube.
The Fiber Optic Stylet (FOS) serves two distinct purposes: transmission of light for illumination of discrete locations and semi-rigid guidance for intubation of small animals. Light transmission is facilitated by buffer coated fiber optic cabling terminated on one end with a standard SMA connector that couples to the Illuminator (Patent Pending). The delivery end is stripped and bare tipped enabling it to be inserted through IV catheters commonly used as trachea tubes for intubation of small animals. The stripped portion of the delivery end is reinforced to allow flexibility and reduce the fragility in order to prolong the working life of the device.
A coupling adapter is included with each FOS and provides a way to couple the trachea tube to the FOS. One end of the adapter contains a gasket that is used to clamp tight on the fiber. The other end of the adapter has a male luer that mates with the IV catheter holding it securely in place during intubation and allowing quick detachment once the trachea tube is in place. The appropriate catheter size is dependent upon the size of the animal. The appropriate catheter size is included in each intubation kit..
Correct placement can be verified using the lung inflation bulbs through visualization of chest distention. The systm also has an optional intubation stand to aide the user in aligning the animal in an orientation that facilitates intubation.
