Types of Laryngoscope Blades
MacIntosh->curved
The MacIntosh series laryngoscopes, predominant choice of the curved blade types.
Miller->straight
Developed in conjunction with the late Dr. Robert A. Miller of San Antonio, Texas. It is the most popular of the straight blade types.
McCoy
blade with adjustable hinged tip which improve visualisation of the cords in the setting of a difficult intubation
Wisconsin (Wis-Foregger)->straight
The Wisconsin blade with a straight spatula and flange that extends slightly toward the distal portion of the blade. The distal portion of the blade is wider and formed slightly to the right to better adapt it to lifting the epiglottis.
Wis-Hipple->straight
A modification of the Wisconsin blade with a straight flat spatula tip and a large circular flange.
E-MacIntosh
Hand crafted in a soft matte finish surgical steel to virtually eliminate reflection and glare. The lamps are pre-focused to eliminate light splay. All blades will fit standard hook-on handles.
Reduced Flange (RF Mac)->curved reduced flange at heel
A modification of the “English” style MacIntosh laryngoscope blade. A channel in the blade provides a means through which an endotracheal tube may be inserted after visualizing the cords. The anterior flange has been reduced to decrease the force upon patient’s maxillary incisors. A new parabolic reflector lamp provides four times more light.
Cranwall->straight, No flange
While retaining the extended curved tip to facilitate lifting the epiglottis, the Cranwall™ blade has dramatically reduced the flange to allow insertion through a restricted opening and decreases the potential for damage to the upper teeth. This blade has the flange removed directly below the light carrier.
Snow
A modification which includes the Miller Spatula and the Wes-Foregger (Wisconsin modification) flange to reduce trauma during intubation. Curving back from the distal end, it provides a convenient visual field.
Phillips->straight
The Phillips blade integrates the preferred straight Jackson blade design with the curved distal tip Miller design providing greater visibility and an almost direct line approach to the trachea during intubation. Unique lamp mounting provides deep illumination downward and inward, while the low profile flange reduces the risk of oral damage.
Siker->curved, with integrated mirror
The basic portion of the blade makes an angle of 135° with a stainless steel mirror located at that angle on the flange facing the spatula. The distal portion of the blade is three inches long. Because the mirror inverts the reflected image, the operator should exercise caution until familiar with its use. A curved stylette is recommended for use with the Siker blade. Placing the blade in a warm water bath for ten minutes before use will avoid any mirror fogging problems.
Soper->straight
The broad flat shape makes it easier to restrict the neonate and premature infants tongue movement.
Robertshaw->straight
This blade for infants and children is gently curved over the distal third and is designed to lift the epiglottis indirectly in the manner of the MacIntosh blade. The blade section permits binocular vision thus allowing better judgment of depth and consequently less risk of trauma.
Seward->straight
Originally produced as an infant blade for use in asphyxia neonatorum, this pattern is available in two sizes extending its usefulness to older children.
SunFlex EC MAC
This flexible tip blade has a satin finish, extra bright reflector lamp, English channel to help visualize the epiglottis, stainless steel construction and precise control to elevate the epiglottis.
Shapira
The Schapira blade was designed without a vertical component to simplify insertion and limit the danger to the upper teeth. The blade’s curvature facilitates intubation by cradling the tongue and pushing it to the left side of the mouth. Elevation and control of the epiglottis is enhanced by the blade’s tip which collects and centralizes the glottis with its unique concave design.
Polio
A modification of the MacIntosh blade which is offset from the handle at an obtuse angle to allow intubation of patients on respirators, in body jackets and other difficult situations. It is a curved blade type for indirect laryngoscopy.
Oxford
Suitable for premature infants, babies and children up to the age of four. There is sufficient overhang on the open side. It prevents the lips from obscuring vision and the broad, flat lower surface is a help in the small child with an extreme degree of cleft palate.
Howland Lock
Natural lifting action simplifies laryngeal exposure, making intubation possible even in the most difficult cases (receding chin, anterior larynx, protruding teeth, bull neck, facial fractures, decreased jaw mobility, etc.). Built-in leverage prevents prying and reduces possibility of broken teeth. Adapts to all hook-on laryngoscope handles and blades. Can often make an otherwise certain tracheotomy unnecessary.
Guedel
The Guedel blade is another original straight blade that has been modified by angling the blade 28° on its base toward the handle. This helps to promote lifting without using the teeth as a fulcrum. The Guedel blade was one of the first blades designed specifically for use with cuffed endotracheal tubes. The distal tip has slightly more angulation than the Flagg to assist in the compression of the epiglottis.
Flangeless Mac
A modification of the MacIntosh blade with the upper flange removed. This blade is especially well suited for use in patients with a limited mouth opening, prominent incisors, receding mandible short thick neck, or having the larynx in an extreme anterior anatomical position. The absence of the flange greatly reduces the chance of trauma during laryngoscopy.
Blechman
This modification of the MacIntosh style blade is designed with the tip angled to further elevate the epiglottis in a patient of short spine, and sweep the tongue to the left with the ability to tip the blade upward with the handle between the teeth while viewing from the right side. The viewing is further enhanced due to the modification of the flange.
