What is the major difference between the Macintosh and Miller laryngoscope blades?
The laryngoscope blade’s design has many forms, and the two most commonly used blades are the Macintosh and Miller blades, which are curved and straight, respectively. The Macintosh blade is easier to operate, while the Miller blade provides a better view of the vocal cords.
What is a Miller blade used for?
Description. The Miller laryngoscope is a straight blade designed to obtain a view of the vocal cords by directly lifting the epiglottis. It has useful application in ‘floppy’ airways making it popular within paediatric anaesthesia. The Miller laryngoscope is the most commonly used blade today.
Why Miller blade is used in infants?
The straight Miller laryngoscope blade is traditionally recommended for intubation in infants, due to the large size and flexibility of the infant epiglottis.
What is a Macintosh laryngoscope?
The Macintosh laryngoscope has a curved blade which allows exposure of the larynx by positioning the tip in the vallecula, anterior to the epiglottis, lifting it out of view. Macintosh originally designed the laryngoscope to facilitate intubation in unparalyzed patients.
Where is a Miller blade placed?
The Miller blade is straight, and it is passed so that the tip lies beneath the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis (Fig. 14.4B). The epiglottis is then lifted to expose the vocal cords.
What is a Macintosh blade?
The Macintosh Laryngoscope Blade . . . The Macintosh is the predominate model of the curved blade types. During laryngoscopy, the tip or beak of the blade is compressed into the angle formed by the base of the tongue and the epiglottis, indirectly raising the epiglottis. Some sizes are available flangeless.
At what age is the Macintosh or curved blade recommended over the Miller blade?
The age group of 2–6 years is a transition phase where anatomy is somewhat like infants and adults. Some practitioners use a straight blade for infant laryngoscopy, whereas in older children a curved blade (small Macintosh blade) is sufficient.
What age is Miller blade for?
<2 yr
Abstract. Miller laryngoscope blades are preferred for laryngoscopy in infants and children <2 yr of age.