The laryngoscope is an illuminating medical tool used by healthcare providers to allow visualization of a patient’s pharynx and throat. The pharynx is the area directly behind the nose and mouth; and the larynx is better known as the soundbox. The laryngoscope is specially designed to fit the patient’s airway to enable a procedure known as thoracal intubation; in which a tube is inserted into the trachea or windpipe orally to provide oxygen and medicine and allow deep suction.

This device has two components: the laryngoscope sword and the handle. The handle contains the batteries needed for lighting; and the blade placed in the airway has a bulb at the end; where a bright light shines during use. These blades are not sharp and do not cut the skin in any way. Laryngoscope blades are of different sizes; 0 is the smallest; and 4 is the largest. The size of the patient to be intubated determines the size of the knife that the healthcare provider will use.

Laryngoscope

The handle and sword of the typical laryngoscope are two separate parts that must be assembled before each use; but this can be carried out in a few seconds; allowing doctors and medics to use this tool in respiratory emergencies requiring orotracheal intubation. The laryngoscope is not a large tool; the handle is approximately the size of a door handle; and the blade is slightly shorter than the handle. There are two types of laryngoscope blades: curved and straight. Both are deeply inserted into a patient’s airway.

A flat knife is used to remove a leaf-shaped structure called epiglot; which serves to prevent food and foreign substances from entering the windpipe; and such blades are often preferred when a pediatric patient is intubated. A curved knife is preferred when an adult patient is intubated. It is not epiglot; which is removed with a curved knife introduced into another structure called molecules. Regardless of the type of knife used; the purpose is the same; this is to enable the visualization of the vocal cords; through which the endotroprateal tube can be transferred to the trachea. The importance of seeing the vocal cords is vital in that the doctor or paramedic performing thoracal intubation allows the tube to be inserted into the trachea; not the esophagus.