Disposal Oral Bite Block for Endoscopic Procedures

This disposable endoscopic bite block is a novel adaptation of the standard endoscopic bite block typically used for oral endoscopic procedures.

Overview:

Bite blocks prevent costly bite damage to endoscopic and endotracheal scopes during upper endoscopy or endotracheal procedures wherein the physician/endoscopist inserts the endoscope through the mouthpiece towards the esophagus in the stomach. This conceptualized device has 6 parts comprising of 4 ports (endoscopic port, oxygen delivery port, posterior oral-pharyngeal suction port, oral suction port) , flanges for elastic band attachment and an extended platform to guide endoscopic probes to help avoid oral trauma.

Applications:

It has variety of applications and can be used in bronchoscopy, trans esophageal echocardiography, esophago gastroduodenoscopy (EGD), endoscopic bronchoscopic ultrasound and other procedures requiring oral endoscopy.

How it works:

The novel features of this bite block accommodate the following functionalities: (i) a large endoscopic port to accommodate endoscopic probe; (ii) a port for high-flow oxygen delivery; (iii) a port for posterior oral-pharyngeal suction; (iv) an open port for oral suction; (v) flanges for elastic band attachment to secure the device; and (vi) an extended platform to guide endoscopic probes to avoid oral trauma and provide support for oxygen delivery and suction channels.

Benefits:

Modification of the length and curve of the inferior border of the bite block serves to reduce soft tissue obstruction of the oropharynx. The addition of access ports and channels for suction can accommodate a 10 French (or smaller) soft suction catheter and a channel for oxygen delivery to reach the posterior oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and laryngo-pharyngeal region while still allowing a standard Yankauer suction catheter to be utilized through the typical central endoscopic channel or the side channels on the very edges of the device. These descriptors are the hallmarks of this bite block that make it unique from other endoscopic bite blocks that exist for utilization today and create a much safer endoscopy experience for the patient, physicians and staff.

Why it is better:

The degree of flexibility offered by this device is not common in other commercially available bite blocks. These novel modifications create a much safer endoscopy experience for the patient, physicians, and staff.

Additional Details