Hooded Hypopharyngeal Videoendoscope with a Rotary T-Shaped Adapter for Continuous Airflow

Abstract

Focusing problems during hypopharyngeal fiberscopic examinations are caused by membranes and secretions present at a distance shorter than the fiberscope's minimum depth of field.
To obtain a more distinct image, a hypopharyngeal videoendoscope (PENTAX^®) with an effective length of 500 mm has been developed by attaching a clear hood to the tip of an existing laryngeal videoendoscope with a Y-shaped manipulating channel divided into a forceps inlet and a suction nipple.
1. The image of this endoscope is extremely sharp and focusing problems do not occur, except during suctioning.
2. A continuous airflow of 300-500 ml/min facilitates the opening of the inlet of the esophagus.
3. A rotary T-shaped adapter divided into a forceps inlet and a tube inlet for the continuous airflow is attached to the forceps inlet.
4. Since the backflow of liquid towards the airflow tube can occur during water injection or suction, a valve to prevent such backflow was added to the rotary T-shaped adapter.
5. Suctioning in the lumen of the esophagus is still insufficient and must be improved.
6. The hypopharyngeal endoscope must be alternately inserted from either side of the recesses piriformis, because the opposite side cannot be observed when the endoscope is only inserted on the other side.