Table of Contents
What is the difference between a Miller blade and a Macintosh blade?
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.
Why is Miller blade used in paediatrics?
Similar laryngeal views were achieved with both devices. The straight Miller laryngoscope blade is traditionally recommended for intubation in infants, due to the large size and flexibility of the infant epiglottis.
What age is Miller blade for?
Miller laryngoscope blades are preferred for laryngoscopy in infants and children <2 yr of age. Despite their long history, the laryngeal view with the Miller blade size 1 has never been compared with that with the Macintosh (MAC) blade in children.
How do you use Miller blade anesthesia?
Procedure (Miller Blade)
- Place patient into sniffing position.
- Use “scissor” technique with right hand to open mouth.
- Insert laryngoscope blade into right side of mouth.
- Slowly advance blade into mouth while performing “tongue sweep”
- Identify epiglottis and gently lift with tip of blade.
Where is the 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).
What blade do you use to intubate an infant?
It is common practice to use a straight laryngoscope blade such as the Miller 0 or 1, or the Wis-Hippel 1.5, to intubate the trachea of an infant or a child up to school age. A curved laryngoscope blade with a wider spatula, such as the Macintosh blade may be advantageous to control the tongue of an older child.
How do you sweep your tongue with Miller blade?
If using the Miller blade, then advance to the epiglottis and place the tip of your blade on the epiglottis. Then you sweep the tongue to the left and pull your blade towards your patient’s feet, lifting the epiglottis.