Verathon Inc., a Bothell, Washington company, formerly known as Diagnostic Ultrasound Corp., has just released its GlideScope® Ranger, a portable video laryngoscope, designed for military use.
“I believe that [the GlideScope® Ranger] has a potential role with many of our deployed medical units and may be an excellent adjunct when non-expert airway managers are available,” said Col. Tom Grissom USAF, who tested the Ranger at the R. Adam Crowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. “The relatively short learning curve has also been beneficial since we have a large number of personnel that train with us for airway management.”
The GlideScope® Ranger provides a clear picture of the larynx and vocal cords on a display monitor, enabling visual control of the endotracheal tube in its trajectory toward the airway. With its patented 50 to 60 degree viewing range, integrated camera, and patented anti-fogging mechanism, the Ranger facilitates fast, accurate ETT placement even in difficult airways, and helps prevent improper ETT placement and related complications in emergency, out-of-hospital situations. The GlideScope® Ranger is compact for easy carrying and storage, measuring only 7 1/4 x 6 3/8 inches and weighing less than two pounds, and is operational in seconds. With its rugged, high-impact plastic construction, the Ranger was designed to be dependable in an array of field conditions, including temperatures of -4 degrees to +122 degrees F, humidity up to 100 percent, and altitude up to 20,000 feet. The integrated, rechargeable lithium polymer battery provides a minimum 90-minute continuous- use autonomy and allows for approximately 20 intubations per battery cycle (depending on usage).
“As a young soldier in Vietnam, I was inspired by the military doctors I saw working in the field,” said Gerald McMorrow, CEO, Founder & Chairman of the Board of Verathon Inc. “They work in extreme conditions to save the lives of our soldiers, and they deserve the best support we can offer them. We designed the Ranger with their specific requirements in mind.”
Like other GlideScope® instruments, the Ranger does not require “line of sight” for view and takes less force than traditional methods, helping eliminate trauma to patients.(iii) GlideScope® Video Laryngoscopes (GVL®) provide a C/L Grade I or II view 99% of the time, even in difficult airways.(iv)
The GlideScope® Ranger provides a clear picture of the larynx and vocal cords on a display monitor, enabling visual control of the endotracheal tube in its trajectory toward the airway. With its patented 50 to 60 degree viewing range, integrated camera, and patented anti-fogging mechanism, the Ranger facilitates fast, accurate ETT placement even in difficult airways, and helps prevent improper ETT placement and related complications in emergency, out-of-hospital situations. The GlideScope® Ranger is compact for easy carrying and storage, measuring only 7 1/4 x 6 3/8 inches and weighing less than two pounds, and is operational in seconds. With its rugged, high-impact plastic construction, the Ranger was designed to be dependable in an array of field conditions, including temperatures of -4 degrees to +122 degrees F, humidity up to 100 percent, and altitude up to 20,000 feet. The integrated, rechargeable lithium polymer battery provides a minimum 90-minute continuous- use autonomy and allows for approximately 20 intubations per battery cycle (depending on usage).C/L Grade refers to Cormack-Lehane classification of vocal cords visualisation during laryngoscopy, of course.
Complete press release (.pdf) with references…
Product page…