A Preliminary Case Report of a High-Quality Cost-effective Rigid Laryngoscopy Setup.

Abstract

To evaluate a cost-effective modified rigid laryngoscopy setup with a portable light source and high-resolution commercially available digital camera for use in smaller otolaryngology and family practice clinics. The modified setup was used to obtain images of the larynx using both a traditional light source and a portable light source. Varying shutter speeds and ISOs were evaluated, and the optimal settings were determined for the modified setup. Picture quality was adequate, and the portable light source was bright enough. ISO from 640 to 1600 with shutter speeds ranging from 1/60 to 1/160 are ideal under the normal light source, while it is better to set the ISO between 4000 and 10 000 with shutter speeds from 1/60 to 1/100 under the portable light source. Picture quality was adequate with a resolution of 2768 pixels × 1848 pixels with 350 dpi × 350 dpi. Results show that the modified setup obtains images of adequate quality for use in the clinic. Additionally, since the larynx requires the most illumination for endoscopic imaging, a similar setup would work for imaging the ear and nose. This setup may make laryngoscopic exams more accessible to patients at smaller laryngoscopy clinics or family practice providers.