Tongue Displacement

GMCmedic

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I just saw a funny looking blade diagram that shows MSc, Miller and Hyperangulated. Has anyone heard of the last or seen it used?
For the McGrath that would be an X-blade. It's not my favorite, I practice with it but with a patient I'm using a Mac 3.
 
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VentMonkey

VentMonkey

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What's the real benefit?
VL offers direct visualization by multiple providers. Some can even record real time ETI and be uploaded to said agency’s QA/ QI department.

DL still very much has its place and advantages. Again, all situational and patient dependent.

Each blade requires the provider to be familiar with its benefits as well as drawbacks.

Each blade also requires different manipulation techniques, to include tongue displacement, hence this thread.

Isn’t learning fun?...
 

DragonClaw

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VL offers direct visualization by multiple providers. Some can even record real time ETI and be uploaded to said agency’s QA/ QI department.

DL still very much has its place and advantages. Again, all situational and patient dependent.

Each blade requires the provider to be familiar with its benefits as well as drawbacks.

Each blade also requires different manipulation techniques, to include tongue displacement, hence this thread.

Isn’t learning fun?...

Oh I meant the particular blade type. We carried McGrath, saw it used once. Had to check the battery every shift.
 
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VentMonkey

VentMonkey

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Oh I meant the particular blade type. We carried McGrath, saw it used once.
Yes, I understood what you were asking. My previous post applies to all blades—shapes, sizes, colors, makers, genders, etc.
 

StCEMT

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For the McGrath that would be an X-blade. It's not my favorite, I practice with it but with a patient I'm using a Mac 3.
What steers you away from the X blade? I know we all settle into our own styles for our own reasons, but I like to hear from others experience.
 

GMCmedic

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What steers you away from the X blade? I know we all settle into our own styles for our own reasons, but I like to hear from others experience.
Experience mostly. We didn't get the X blade till after I had become comfortable with the Mac 3. I've found that the Mac 3 with a copilot stylet is pretty hard to beat, and with 15 or so straight first pass successes, I haven't gathered the nerve to change it up.

If I'm on fred the head I'll only use the x blade with a bougie. I keep telling myself I'll change it up on the next intubation.

I recognize the advantage of being competent with both, but I also recognize the advantage of optimizing my first pass success.
 

silver

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What steers you away from the X blade? I know we all settle into our own styles for our own reasons, but I like to hear from others experience.

You can get burned by trying to use a hyperangulated blade when not necessary.

The angulation means you need to use a rigid stylet, which maybe not align correctly to pass through the vocal cords.
 
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VentMonkey

VentMonkey

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You can get burned by trying to use a hyperangulated blade when not necessary.
Truth. This is why I, personally, believe in familiarization with all of the blades in my airway kit.

Again, just my approach.
 
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