Changes in the light intensity of the fiberoptic laryngoscope blade by steam sterilization.

Abstract

I investigated the effects of steam sterilization on light intensity of reusable fiberoptic laryngoscope blades. Six new reusable fiberoptic Macintosh laryngoscope blades were steam sterilized. The light intensity was measured, the tip of the blades was photographed, and the light intensity of six new plastic disposable Macintosh laryngoscope blades was also measured. The light intensity of reusable blades exceeded that of the disposable blades after 20 sterilizations, but was significantly lower after 80 sterilizations. The photographs showed irregular lighting of the blades, which increased with repeated sterilization. Disposable plastic blades provide more illumination than reusable fiberoptic blades subjected to repeated sterilization.