What is a McGRATH blade?

Author: Emmalee Reilly DDS  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 26, 2025

The McGRATH™ MAC video laryngoscope features five sterile, disposable blade size options to support pediatric to adult patients, routine and difficult airways: McGRATH™ MAC blades size 1 and 2 are for smaller patients, feature a Macintosh style curvature, and are designed for routine use.

What is a McGRATH laryngoscope used for?

The McGRATH® MAC Video Laryngoscope (McGRATH® MAC or the device) is a tool used to aid the intubation of the trachea.

What are the three types of laryngoscope blades?

  • Various types of blades. — Macintosh (commonest; blade attaches to handle at 90 degrees) — Kessel (like the Macintosh but the blade attaches at 110 degrees) ...
  • Disposable metal and plastic blades available.
  • Right-handed blades available for left handed people.

Do you sweep the tongue with a McGRATH?

In the MVL group, McGrath MAC 4 disposable laryngoscope blade was used for intubation, following manufacturer's instructions. [23] The patient's mouth was opened and the laryngoscope blade was inserted into the right side of the mouth, the device was moved to a central location, sweeping the tongue to the left.

What is the best blade for intubation?

The most common laryngoscope blade used for intubation in adults is the curved Macintosh blade (Figure 34-4). This is inserted into the right side of the mouth to displace the tongue laterally. The tip of the blade sits in the vallecula and is lifted forward to elevate the epiglottis and expose the laryngeal inlet.

How to intubate with McGrath™ MAC Video Laryngoscopy using the X-Blade

What is the most commonly used blade in general surgery?

Curved Blades: Examples include the #10 and #15. These are excellent for smooth, sweeping cuts and are commonly used in general surgeries.

When to use Mac vs Miller Blade?

Many articles have published reports that the use of a Miller blade enables better visualization of the glottis than the use of the Macintosh blade [16]. Authors suggest that less tissue needs to be displaced to obtain an adequate view of the glottis when using the Miller blade.

What is a bougie used for in intubation?

A bougie is a thin plastic rod that is passed into the trachea, over which the endotracheal tube is inserted. Historically, most emergency tracheal intubations in the US have been performed using a stylet, with use of a bougie reserved for difficult intubations.

What is the most Utilised blade for adult laryngoscopy?

Tracheal intubation (TI) is a common procedure in critical care, often performed with a Macintosh curved blade used for direct laryngoscopy (DL).

What laryngoscope is used for difficult intubation?

Direct laryngoscopy is a crucial medical procedure that involves using a laryngoscope to directly visualize the vocal cords and the entrance to the trachea. This technique is essential for performing tracheal intubation, commonly required in anesthesia and emergency settings to secure the airway.

What is an ET tube used for?

In its simplest form, the endotracheal tube is a tube constructed of polyvinyl chloride that is placed between the vocal cords through the trachea. It provides oxygen and inhaled gases to the lungs and protects them from contamination, such as gastric contents or blood.

What are the problems with the McGRATH video laryngoscope?

The use of a defective McGRATH™ MAC video laryngoscope may result in patient harm, including failed laryngoscopy and/or intubation, potentially resulting in respiratory failure (including hypercarbia), hypoxia (leading to bradycardia, dysrhythmias), hypercapnia, tissue damage/tissue trauma and/or a delay to treatment ( ...

How to clean McGRATH?

Medtronic recommends that McGRATH™ MAC video laryngoscopes be cleaned and low-level disinfected using a sequence of 70% IPA or equivalent wipes. The first cycle should clean and de-soil the device, followed by a second cycle to disinfect the exposed surfaces.

What size blade is a McGRATH video laryngoscope?

Disposable blade options

McGRATH™ MAC blades size 1 and 2 are for smaller patients, feature a Macintosh style curvature, and are designed for routine use. McGRATH™ MAC blades size 3 and 4 are for adult patients, feature a Macintosh style curvature, and are designed for routine use.

What is the 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 is the Mac blade curved?

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.

What is the rule of three intubation?

The 3-3-2 rule involves measuring 3 different distances in the patient's neck using the clinician's fingers. These measurements aid in predicting the ease or difficulty of intubation. Additional tools such as the LEMON scale and the Mallampati scoring system also play a valuable role in the evaluation of the airway.

What is a McGRATH laryngoscope?

The McGRATH™ MAC video laryngoscope is a device that combines the benefits of both direct laryngoscopy (DL) and video laryngoscopy (VL). DL - familiar technique of a Macintosh direct laryngoscope. VL - video laryngoscope technology.

Why can't nurses intubate?

The major takeaway is that intubation is a high-risk procedure reserved for certain situations. It requires specialized knowledge and skills by a qualified medical professional. Even advanced nurses with specialty certifications must stay current on evidence-based practice and care standards.

Why is it called a ten-blade?

Surgical blades come in sterile packaging and the number on a surgical blade communicates both its size and its shape. Some common types and numbers of blades include the following: The #10 – A large curved cutting edge, which represents a more traditional blade shape.

What is the sharpest surgical blade?

Carbon Steel: Known for their sharpness and precision, carbon steel blades are the preferred choice for surgeries demanding high precision. These blades are also a cost-effective choice for disposable scalpels.

What is a surgeon blade called?

Scalpel is an essential dermatological tool used “for making skin incisions, tissue dissections, and a variety of surgical approaches since the onset of 'modern' surgery.” Scalpel blades come in different sizes, identified by a blade number, and each serving a different purpose.

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