Nihon Kohden Launches Video Laryngoscope for Safe Intubation of COVID-19 Patients

Nihon Kohden (Irvine, CA, USA) is now offering the NK AWS-S200 video laryngoscope as part of its critical care portfolio that can help protect clinicians while intubating patients suffering from COVID-19.

Designed for the safe and secure intubation of patients in even the most difficult situations, 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. The lightweight video laryngoscope includes a high-definition color LCD screen and on-screen crosshairs to guide clinicians of all skill levels through an intubation. Studies have demonstrated that the NK AWS-S200 video laryngoscope offers superior laryngeal view and a significantly shorter median time to intubate patients who present with difficult airways. With the NK AWS-S200, clinicians can intubate even difficult airways in 22.9 seconds, well below the 30-second threshold recommended for intubations and up to 33 seconds faster than other devices.


The video laryngoscope also reduces the potential for cross contamination between patients by using sterile NK PBLADE disposable blades, which come in four sizes for use in neonates through adults. NK AWS-S200 is designed to allow clinicians to perform intubation without interrupting CPR, a critical advancement since tracheal intubations account for almost 25% of all CPR interruptions. It can also be used on patients who cannot be moved or have their neck extended because of suspected spinal cord injuries. 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.

“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, DNP, MSHA, RN, CPHQ, vice president of clinical and strategic alliances at Nihon Kohden. “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. It is the embodiment of Nihon Kohden’s commitment to bring exceptional and simple solutions to healthcare providers, and NK-HealthProtect, which is designed to protect the health of those whom we serve.”