To tackle that problem, the College of Veterinary Medicine’s large-animal anesthesia team teamed up with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering to develop a low-cost, camera-equipped, 3D-printed laryngoscope that displays the procedure in real time.
The animal’s small mouth and airway can make the procedure tricky and nearly impossible for a room full of students to observe.
Veterinary technician Katie Ray has coached hundreds of veterinary students through their first large-animal intubations using traditional metal laryngoscopes.
Having seen how video laryngoscopes improve visibility and guide tube placement in human medicine, Ray wondered if a similar tool could help veterinary students.
But there wasn’t an equivalent product on the market for ruminants.
Ray needed footage of an intubation to include in a continuing education presentation and decided to get creative.
She bought a $30 borescope camera, connected it to her phone and used it alongside a traditional laryngoscope to film the procedure.
She was impressed by the results and started using it to give students a better view during labs.
The project gained momentum when anesthesia resident Dr.
Nassim Bouhabib joined the team and modified the prototype by attaching the camera directly to the laryngoscope.
Recognizing the potential for a more refined solution, Ray and Bouhabib partnered with the College of Engineering to develop a device specifically catered to their needs.
The report adds to ongoing university-led research relevant to veterinary medicine, animal health, and clinical decision-making.
university website: Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
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