There are many commercially available video laryngoscopes (such as Verathon’s GlideScope) to assist with improved airway view and tube placement during intubation.

They often sit in over inĀ  the corner of the resuscitation room sadly forgotten between intubation events.
It would be useful to value add to these expensive devices….and I have an idea that might just do that.

What I would like to see is a modified device that could be fitted over the video batton to assist with visualising the urethra during female catheterisation.
No, I’m serious.

How often are you faced with catheterising a female patient with decreased range of movement in her legs ( Fractured neck of femur, for example) or is anatomically difficult due to obesity.
Have you ever unintentionally caused trauma to the labia whilst separating them, or just plain fumbled around with multiple catheter attempts due to poor lighting or unavailability of assistance?

I would envisage some sort of small disposable bowl shaped, clear plastic shield that would be lubricated and gently pressed up against the vagina separating the labia and providing well a well illuminated picture on the video screen.
There would be a hole in the shield that could be manipulated over the urethral meatus, and then the catheter could be easily passed.

I think this might be a great extra use for the video laryngoscoe that would improve patient comfort and decrease the number of failed difficult catheter attempts. Does anyone else see potential here?

(And I am happy to consult with any medial companies wishing to peruse the idea. As long as I get to name it. )

2 Responses to “Use of video laryngoscopes for difficult female catheterisation?”

  1. I would buy stock in your company if you made that! And if you could have a way to get the lidocaine gel into the urethra before inserting the foley would be fantastic.
    Am still having nightmares after urology ordered a 20 Fr Foley inserted into my dialysis dependent pt, and then they walked away. Ugh….

  2. This idea is brilliant ! I work as a midwife, and it only gets harder when you need to insert a catheter
    after childbirth, with swelling and stitches to obscure the view more …

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