Novel diagnostic device for oral and pharyngeal examinations of children: folding-scope for the oral and pharyngeal cavities.

Although children may dislike and/or resist oral and pharyngeal examination with a tongue depressor, they enjoy lollipops on sticks, eating with spoons, forks, and chopsticks, and brushing their teeth. Many reports have noted this apparent contradiction, since paediatric patients are often treated after toothbrushes or chopsticks penetrate the pharyngeal wall. We therefore developed a novel device to observe the inside of the mouth without using a flashlight, tongue depressor or head mirror. We previously developed the AWS for tracheal intubation through the mouth for anaesthesia and emergency situations, along with a new device to observe the inside of the oral cavity simultaneously. We have developed a new attachment to the AWS for observations inside the oral cavity and pharynx. Our newly developed oral and pharyngeal examination system is a useful tool for diagnostic examinations and may also enable treatment without causing discomfort or distress to patients and their families.