The new Timesco XLED – a new generation of laryngoscope – has been designed to give users the best possible level of “luminance” (measured brightness of a surface as seen by the human eye), thus enhancing the laryngeal view.
The human eye is generally most sensitive to light in the blue and green area of the spectrum (400-550 nm). This natural response is called the Photopic Response. Research, carried out in the field of laser surgery,1 in respect of LED vs Incandescent bulbs2 and in a manikin study of preferred light levels among anaesthetists3 confirms that luminance, illuminance and wavelength are critically important factors. Successful laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation depend on obtaining sufficient laryngeal view and on the right levels of illumination; more recent literature has confirmed the aforementioned research, stating: “LEDs appear to have better light emission spectra for our eyes to see airway structures more clearly and they are cooler therefore should not cause airway burns, resulting in improved patient safety”.4 With the additional advantages of a cooler light source and lower energy consumption, the Timesco XLED laryngoscope has been developed to enable current users to economically upgrade their current laryngoscope handles to a better and brighter system that is fully autoclaveable. It seems that some LED handle systems are not fully autoclaveable, thus creating additional challenges for those NHS staff involved in the management of strict infection control policies. Current ongoing research and guidance from Infection Control In Anaesthesia (2nd Edition 2008), published by the Association of Anaesthetists Great Britain and Ireland, states: “Laryngoscope handles also become contaminated with microorganisms and blood during use and they should be washed/disinfected, and, if suitable, sterilised by SSD after every use. The knurled handles of laryngoscopes cannot be cleaned reliably manually if covered in blood or body fluids.” Currently available LED systems require users to purchase a completely separate “new” handle from the one they currently use. Indeed this approach may well introduce compatibility issues with other non LED systems. Many NHS Trusts will have upward of 300- 400 handles in circulation at any one time and in light of limited current NHS resources, any move to switch to LED could prove to be costly. In addition to this cost, additional expensive systems may have to be put in place to ensure adequate cleaning of laryngoscope handles and other components.
Cost-effective
With the arrival of the new XLED, Timesco is making the switch to LED a simple and more cost-effective one. Its new XLED handle is fully compatible with the existing Optima XL Medium C handle system. This means that users have a choice of either a direct purchase of new XLED handles or an agreed upgrade path from their existing Optima XL handles. As with the company’s existing Optima XL series of handles, it has made the new XLED system fully autoclaveable. Timesco will be demonstrating its new LED technology at this year’s Medica show in Dusseldorf, Germany, at its usual stand J74 in Hall 11. The show takes place from 18-21 November. The company will also have a focus on other products in its anaesthesia range – such as its paediatric product line, including specialised blades in the smallest of sizes. In the UK, Timesco will be showcasing its laryngoscope and surgical ranges at AfPP, the UK’s biggest healthcare event, taking place at the Harrogate International Centre from 13-15 October. Timesco invites delegates to visit the company on stand B64. For up to date, detailed information on the exhibitions that Timesco is attending this year, please visit: www.timesco.com If you wish to receive further details of the new XLED range please email: sales@timesco.com or alternatively contact the sales support team on 01268 297710.
References
1 An Initial Assessment of the Optical Properties of Human Laryngeal Tissue. ORL 2001, 63;372-378. 2 Optimal Spectral Irradiance for Laryngoscopy. Paediatric Anaesthesia 2007,17; 6;606-607. 3 Minimum and optimum light output of Mackintosh size 3 laryngoscopy blades: a manikin study. Anaesthesia 2007, 62: 163-168. 4 Laryngoscope Light Output. Anaesthesia 2009, 64, p689.
