Nihon Kohden today announced that it has launched the NK AWS-S200 video laryngoscope as part of its critical care portfolio for COVID-19 patients and others who need intubation.
The NK AWS-S200 may reduce the exposure to aerosolized particles, which can help protect clinicians while intubating patients suffering from COVID-19 or other respiratory infections, according to the company. It includes a high-definition color LCD screen and on-screen crosshairs to guide clinicians through an intubation. The company cited studies that showed the laryngoscope offers a better view of patient anatomy and a significantly shorter median time to intubate patients who present with difficult airways.
The NK AWS-S200 video laryngoscope is designed to allow clinicians to perform intubation without interrupting CPR. It can also be used on patients who cannot be moved or have their neck extended because of suspected spinal cord injuries, according to Nihon Kohden. With a built-in channel to guide the endotracheal tube and the ability to continuously observe the intubation procedure, the video laryngoscope can reduce the risk of oral and pharyngeal injury, including mild mucosal bleeding and sore throat, the company added.
“Whether dealing with COVID-19 or another critical illness, it is imperative that healthcare providers have tools that can help them quickly and easily establish an airway,” said Genoveffa Devers, VP of clinical and strategic alliances at Nihon Kohden, in a news release. “The NK AWS-S200 video laryngoscope is designed to accomplish this while also keeping clinicians safe because they don’t have to lean in to visualize the vocal cords and larynx.”
The NK AWS-S200 video laryngoscope is sold under the name Pentax AWS-S200 outside the U.S., and is now available directly from Nihon Kohden (Irvine, Calif.).