Direct laryngoscopy using a curved blade

Direct laryngoscopy using a curved blade. The blade is inserted under direct vision until the tip is positioned in the vallecula. Pulling upward on the laryngoscope handle at 45-degree angle retracts the tongue and at the same time elevates the epiglottis, revealing the vocal cords and glottis. Selection of the appropriate laryngoscope blade is especially important with this technique. A blade that is too small will impinge on the midportion of the tongue, potentially obscuring the landmarks, whereas a blade that is too large can displace the epiglottis posteriorly over the glottic opening.