A periscope-based, 3D printed indirect laryngoscope for resource limited settings: a non-randomized observational manikin trial
Dublin Core
Title
A periscope-based, 3D printed indirect laryngoscope for resource limited settings: a non-randomized observational manikin trial
Subject
Intubation, Laryngoscopes, Video laryngoscopes, Low-cost medical devices, Low-resource intubation, 3D
printed laryngoscope
printed laryngoscope
Description
Abstract
Background In the United States and other resource-rich settings, video laryngoscopy is often favored for
emergency intubation over direct laryngoscopy due to ease of use and improved performance in difficult airways.
Video laryngoscopes pose a significant cost barrier against adoption in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In
this study, we designed and tested a low-cost, 3D printable, periscope-based laryngoscope that achieves an indirect
view of the vocal cords without the use of a video camera. The absence of expensive video components allows this
device to be manufactured for $4.41 USD, making it well-suited for resource-limited settings.
Methods The periscope-based laryngoscope was manufactured from polylactic acid (PLA) filament using a
3D printer. Manikin testing of the laryngoscope was performed by providers ranging from medical students to
experienced physicians using the high fidelity Laerdal SimMan®. The novel laryngoscope was compared to commonly
available direct and video laryngoscopes, and intubation times and first-pass success rates were recorded.
Results A total of 121 trials were performed. In experienced intubators, faster intubation times were seen in the
direct and periscope-based laryngoscopes compared to video laryngoscopes. Mean intubation times for experienced
intubators were as follows: Direct Laryngoscope=17.45 s, Video Laryngoscope=23.34 s, and Novel Periscope-based
Laryngoscope=11.31 s, with statistical significance (p<0.001) found between the Video and Periscope-based
laryngoscope times. 100% of trials resulted in successful intubation of the trachea.
Conclusion The periscope-based laryngoscope yielded intubation times and first-pass success rates that compare
favorably to direct and video laryngoscopes, and it can be readily manufactured in multiple environments at a
low price point without proprietary industrial technology. Next steps include human clinical trials and regulatory
approvals prior to clinical adoption of the novel device.
Keywords Intubation, Laryngoscopes, Video laryngoscopes, Low-cost medical devices, Low-resource intubation, 3D
printed laryngoscope
Background In the United States and other resource-rich settings, video laryngoscopy is often favored for
emergency intubation over direct laryngoscopy due to ease of use and improved performance in difficult airways.
Video laryngoscopes pose a significant cost barrier against adoption in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In
this study, we designed and tested a low-cost, 3D printable, periscope-based laryngoscope that achieves an indirect
view of the vocal cords without the use of a video camera. The absence of expensive video components allows this
device to be manufactured for $4.41 USD, making it well-suited for resource-limited settings.
Methods The periscope-based laryngoscope was manufactured from polylactic acid (PLA) filament using a
3D printer. Manikin testing of the laryngoscope was performed by providers ranging from medical students to
experienced physicians using the high fidelity Laerdal SimMan®. The novel laryngoscope was compared to commonly
available direct and video laryngoscopes, and intubation times and first-pass success rates were recorded.
Results A total of 121 trials were performed. In experienced intubators, faster intubation times were seen in the
direct and periscope-based laryngoscopes compared to video laryngoscopes. Mean intubation times for experienced
intubators were as follows: Direct Laryngoscope=17.45 s, Video Laryngoscope=23.34 s, and Novel Periscope-based
Laryngoscope=11.31 s, with statistical significance (p<0.001) found between the Video and Periscope-based
laryngoscope times. 100% of trials resulted in successful intubation of the trachea.
Conclusion The periscope-based laryngoscope yielded intubation times and first-pass success rates that compare
favorably to direct and video laryngoscopes, and it can be readily manufactured in multiple environments at a
low price point without proprietary industrial technology. Next steps include human clinical trials and regulatory
approvals prior to clinical adoption of the novel device.
Keywords Intubation, Laryngoscopes, Video laryngoscopes, Low-cost medical devices, Low-resource intubation, 3D
printed laryngoscope
Creator
Phillip R. Schmitt1*, Samantha Maguire1
, Eliza Sternlicht2
, Austin M. Quinn3
, Whit Fisher1
and Andrew Beck1
, Eliza Sternlicht2
, Austin M. Quinn3
, Whit Fisher1
and Andrew Beck1
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Phillip R. Schmitt1*, Samantha Maguire1
, Eliza Sternlicht2
, Austin M. Quinn3
, Whit Fisher1
and Andrew Beck1, “A periscope-based, 3D printed indirect laryngoscope for resource limited settings: a non-randomized observational manikin trial,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 22, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/13258.