What types of curved laryngoscope blade are commonly available?
Macintosh
  • The most commonly used blade in the UK
  • A gentle curve from the tip to the proximal end
  • Large 'reverse-Z' flange designed to sweep the tongue to the left of the mouth
  • Light source pierces the blade towards the tip so as not to interfere with the view
McCoy
  • A modification of a Macintosh blade
  • Has a hinged tip which can be lifted using the lever attached to the handle
  • Designed to lift the epiglottis with less force than a standard mackintosh
  • Can be useful in achieving a better view than a standard Macintosh blade particularly in cervical spine injury
Robertshaw
  • Gently curved over the distal third
  • Designed to indirectly lift the epiglottis like a Macintosh blade
  • Generally used in infants and children
  • Allows binocular vision by removing the lateral flange
Polio
  • A modification of the Macintosh blade
  • Mounted on the handle at 135° rather than 90°
  • Initially used in polio patients ventilated with an iron lung but now occasionally used in conjunction with a stubby handle in patients with large breasts or restricted neck movement
What types of straight laryngoscope blade are commonly available?
Miller
  • The most commonly used straight blade in the UK
  • The small tongue does not allow a sweep of the tongue but is designed to be directed along the right side of the mouth and re angled once passed the base of tongue
Seward
  • Originally designed for use in neonates
  • Incorporates a low profile flange
Wisconsin
  • Has a flange that expands slightly toward the distal portion of the blade
  • Increases the visual field and possibly reduces trauma
What are the different types of laryngoscope handles available?
Standard
Standard
  • Designed for use with adult blades
  • Has a hinge pin for the attachment of the blade and a barrel to store batteries and a light
Penlight
Penlight
  • Designed for improved balance with paediatric blades
Stubby
Stubby
  • Designed to reduce the obstruction caused by large breasts or a barrel chest