Laryngoscopes - Introduction

First introduced by Sir Robert Macintosh and Sir Ivan Magill in the early 1940s, the Laryngoscope has evolved since its inception.
It followed the creation of the Endotracheal tube, Laryngoscopes permit access to push the tongue back and provide light to allow
visualisation of the vocal chords for accurate placement of the airway.

The Classification of Laryngoscopes

Laryngoscopes can be primarily classified into two categories, defined by their light source.

1. Standard Laryngoscopes
The Standard Laryngoscope, also referred to as a
Conventional Laryngoscope, has a light bulb
incorporated into the blade, approximately 1/3 of the
distance from the tip. The light bulb screws into position
and is powered via an integral line that transfers the
power from the source. The power source is located
within the handle in the form of conventional batteries.

2. Fibre Optic Laryngoscopes

The major difference between the Standard Laryngoscope
and the Fibre Optic Laryngoscope is the location of the
bulb. In the Fibre Optic System, the bulb is housed within
the handle with the light transmitted via an optic bundle.
The main advantage that this system presents is that
it transmits light without transferring heat and
thus eliminates the risk of burns within the
patients oral cavity. There is also the added
advantage of one-piece autoclaving.

Disposable Blades
Due to the recent issues involving CJD (prions) where decontamination of the blades could not be ensured, there remains a risk of
cross infection. As a measure to combat the potential risk of cross contamination there has been a move towards Disposable Blades.
Recent studies have also shown that laryngoscope handles are a major source of cross contamination, with few being sterilised as
often as needed.1
The BriteBlade and BriteBlade Pro are disposable fibre optic blades designed for single patient use which eliminates the risk of cross
contamination. They have a unique hinge design that prevents the folded blade from touching the handle. It has been demonstrated
that single patient use Blades are cost effective when in comparison to re-usable blades.

Difficult Intubation
Flexicare also provide Laryngoscopes for difficult intubations. The Flexible blade system clears the tongue further than is possible with
the conventional designed laryngoscopes to allow positive identification of the airway.
D. Williams, J. Dingley, C. Jones, N. Berry
Contamination of laryngoscope handles Journal of hospital infection (2010) 74, 123-128

14

Fibre Optic Reusable Blades

Flexicare has a full range of reusable fibre optic laryngoscope blades and handles conforming to EN ISO 7376. Using the highest
grades of fibre optics provides maximum cold light transfer allowing clinicians to gain an optimum view of the larynx. All reusable
fibre optic blades and handles are fully autoclavable and are supported by a lifetime guarantee.1

Fibre Optic Macintosh Blades

The curved design of the Macintosh Blade allows the tip to be guided to the epiglottic vallecula for direct visualization of the glottis
whilst maintaining the tongue to the side for intubation.

040-831

Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade Number 1

040-832

Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade Number 2

040-833

Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade Number 3

040-834

Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade Number 4

040-835

Flexible Fibre Optic Blade Number 3

040-836

Flexible Fibre Optic Blade Number 4

Fibre Optic Flexible Blades

Fibre Optic Miller Blades

The straight design with a shallow curve of the Miller Blade tip provides greater control in patients whose epiglottis is larger,
as in paediatrics. The infant and neonatal miller blades are also available with a delivery port to provide supplementary oxygen
during laryngoscopy.

040-840

Fibre Optic Oxy Miller Number 00

040-849

Fibre Optic Miller Number 00

040-841

Fibre Optic Oxy Miller Number 0

040-850

Fibre Optic Miller Number 0

040-851

Fibre Optic Miller Number 1

040-852

Fibre Optic Miller Number 2

040-853

Fibre Optic Miller Number 3

040-854

Fibre Optic Miller Number 4

For details of the lifetime guarantee please visit our website

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT 15

IntegraBlade Fibre Optic Laryngoscope Blades

The integrated fibre optic within the body of the IntegraBlade makes the structure seamless, therefore reducing the risks of
contamination or foreign bodies becoming trapped.

Increased Brightness
The Flexicare IntegraBlade range are designed with an
integrated wide profile fibre optic bundle to provide
maximum light transfer.

Rounded Tip
The blade features an atraumatic curved tip which reduces the risk
of tissue damage.

Fully Autoclavable
The 100% stainless steel construction of the blade provides long
life of the blade even during extensive autoclaving.

16

040-911

Integra Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade - No 1

040-912

Integra Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade - No 2

040-913

Integra Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade - No 3

040-914

Integra Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade - No 4

Speciality Blades
Flexicare has a range of fibre optic reusable speciality blades designed to provide clinicians with complete freedom of choice for
specific patient intubation requirements.

Robert Shaw Fibre Optic Blades

Designed for neonatal and Infant use, Robert Shaw blades feature a gentle shallow curvature of the bade to lift the epiglottis
indirectly in a similar way to the Macintosh Blades.

040-930

Robert Shaw Fibre Optic Blade No 0

040-931

Robert Shaw Fibre Optic Blade No 1

Seward Fibre Optic Blades

Designed originally as an infant blade for asphyxia neonatorum, the Seward Blade is also available for paediatrics.

040-951

Seward Fibre Optic Blade No 1

040-952

Seward Fibre Optic Blade No 2

Wisconsin Fibre Optic Blades

Designed for neonatal and infant use, the Wisconsin Blade provides an improved view than a standard Miller Blade, providing greater
control of the epiglottis with a subtly wider distal end.

040-920

Wisconsin Fibre Optic Blade No 0

040-921

Wisconsin Fibre Optic Blade No 1

040-922

Wisconsin Fibre Optic Blade No 2

040-923

Wisconsin Fibre Optic Blade No 3

040-924

Wisconsin Fibre Optic Blade No 4

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT 17

Single Patient Use Metal Fibre Optic Laryngoscopes

The BriteBlade Pro is a 100% Metal Disposable Fibre Optic Blade designed for single patient use which eliminates risk of cross
contamination from both blade and handle. It has a unique hinge design that prevents the folded blade from touching the handle.

Enhanced Vision

Confidence & Control

Bright, focused high intensity illumination

100% metal construction matches the

proven re-usable blade characteristics.

Reduced Risk of
Damaging Patient Teeth
Low profile design on both Mac & Miller
laryngoscope blades.

Eliminate Risk of Cross-Infection

Single-use individually packed
pre-sterilized blade.

Eliminate Risk of Cross-Contamination

Blade stop design in folded position prevents
the blade from touching the handle.1

Fits all Green Specification Handles

Wide Choice at a Low Cost

Full range of Mac & Miller Blades with
a lower overall cost than re-usable
purchase, maintenance, cleaning and
sterilization costs.

BriteBlade Pro shares the same great features and benefits as the BriteBlade but in a metal blade form, providing the same feel as a
re-usable blade and the user with greater confidence.

18

040-711

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade - Size 1

10

040-712

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade - Size 2

10

040-713

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade - Size 3

10

040-714

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade - Size 4

10

040-720N

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Miller Blade - Size 00

10

040-720

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Miller Blade - Size 0

10

040-721

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Miller Blade - Size 1

10

040-722

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Miller Blade - Size 2

10

040-723

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Miller Blade - Size 3

10

040-724

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Miller Blade - Size 4

10

040-730

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Oxy Miller Blade - Size 0

10

040-731

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Oxy Miller Blade - Size 00

10

040-733

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade Flexible -Size 3

10

040-734

BriteBlade Pro Fibre Optic Macintosh Blade Flexible -Size 4

10

Single Patient Use Fibre Optic Laryngoscopes

BriteBlade Evo is a fibre optic hybrid metal laryngoscope blade, with a reinforced nylon base locking system designed for single
patient use to fit all green specification handles.

Reduced Risk of Soft Tissues Injury

Rounded tip and edges provides gentle
touch on patients soft tissues.

Positive Locking System

The triple sprung ball bearing design creates
a secure and strong fit to all green spec
handles

Reduced Risk of
Damaging Patient Teeth
Low profile design on both
Mac & Miller blades.

Eliminates Risk of Cross-Infection

Single use individual sterile pack.

Wide Choice
Enhanced Vision
Bright focused high intensity illumination
with a true fibre optic shrouded bundle.

Full range of Mac & Miller Blades with

a lower overall cost than reusable
purchase, maintenance, cleaning and
sterilization costs.

040-751

BriteBlade Evo Macintosh - Size 1

10

040-752

BriteBlade Evo Macintosh - Size 2

10

040-753

BriteBlade Evo Macintosh - Size 3

10

040-754

BriteBlade Evo Macintosh - Size 4

10

040-761

BriteBlade Evo Miller - Size 1

10

040-762

BriteBlade Evo Miller - Size 2

10

040-763

BriteBlade Evo Miller - Size 3

10

040-764

BriteBlade Evo Miller - Size 4

10

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT 19

Fibre Optic Re-Usable Laryngoscope Handles & Box Sets

All handles are Bipolar, allowing the Laryngoscope to function irrespective of the way the batteries are inserted. The handles can be
opened from either end in order to remove swelled batteries with ease.

Mini

Mini

Standard

Standard

Stubby

Stubby

Fibre Optic Laryngoscope Box Set

Available in Two Surface Finishes

Box Sets

The range of Laryngoscope handles are

available in a smooth or knurled finish.

A range of box sets are available, with

combinations of 3 or 4 blades.
Smooth

Knurled

Fibre Optic Handles

040-811

Standard Size Fibre Optic Handle - Knurled Finish

040-821

Standard Size Fibre Optic Handle - Satin Finish

040-812

Mini Size Fibre Optic Handle - Knurled Finish

040-822

Mini Size Fibre Optic Handle - Satin Finish

040-823

Stubby Size Fibre Optic Handle - Knurled Finish

040-824

Stubby Size Fibre Optic Handle - Satin Finish

041-601

Halogen Bulb (for use with Fibre Optic Handles)

041-606

Halogen Bulb (for use with Fibre Optic Handles)

040-860

Standard Size Handle - Knurled, with 3 Macintosh Blades Nos 1, 2 and 3

040-861

Standard Size Handle - Knurled, with 4 Macintosh Blades Nos 1, 2, 3 and 4

040-862

Standard Size Handle - Knurled, with 3 Macintosh Blades Nos 2, 3 and 4

Halogen Bulbs

Fibre Optic Box Sets

20

LED Handles
Flexicare has introduced a range of handles which are capable of delivering a high illumination and are compatible with all fibre optic
blades conforming to EN ISO 7376. BritePro Max uses the latest in LED technology to provide an electroluminescence which is a
strong white light allowing clinicians to have a clearer view of the larynx and a truer view of tissue viability or lesions.

Energy Efficient

Green System Identification

Delivers over 25,000 hours of light without

the need to replace the bulb.

BritePro Max has the universally accepted

colour identification green band to signify
that the handle will fit fibre optic blade
systems.

Compatible with all Fibre Optic Blades

Lower Battery Cost

BritePro Max is compatible with all fibre

optic blades conforming to ISO EN 7376
includes, the BriteBlade Pro, EVO and
reusable fibre optic blades.

The energy efficiency of LED technology

uses less power from the batteries than
conventional halogen or krypton bulbs
therefore reducing the need for frequent
battery replacement.

True White Light

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

BritePro Max achieves an optimum white light within the wavelength range by utilizing a UV diode with a yellow phosphor
semiconductor. The visible light achieved enables clinicians to view the oropharyngeal space clearly without other colour
temperatures within the spectrum detracting from visualization of the vocal chords during intubation.
The typical life span of the LED is in excess of 25,000 hours with the added benefit of maintaining its light output and efficiency
throughout its term. As an energy efficient technology, BritePro Max will use less power from the batteries in comparison to halogen
or krypton bulbs providing up to 5,000 intubations per set of battery cells without loss of its high light output.
040-813

BritePro Max LED Handle

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT 21

Single Patient Use Fibre Optic Laryngoscope Handle

BritePro is a single patient use fibre optic handle system which comprises of a disposable handle and a reusable light source utilizing
the latest in LED technology providing clinicians with a complete system.

Single Patient Use

Rotating Metal Hinge

Clearly marked to ensure that the

handle is only used as intended.

A freely rotating metal hinge allows the

blade to be inserted easily whilst providing
a positive locking mechanism when moved
into the closed position.

Comfort Grip
The main body of the handle incorporates
a green textured grip which provides
excellent control and feel even when
wearing gloves. Green colour coding
clearly identifies the handle as fibre optic.

Eliminate Risk of Cross-Contamination

Fully Encased Handle

BritePro features a completely unique
encased mechanism which prevents
any possibility of cross contamination.
Incorporated within the encased handle
is a freely moving light intensifier which
maximises the transfer of light from the
LightSource through to the tip of the fibre
optic blade.

Single use individually packed

pre-sterilized handle.

BritePro Handle
040-791

BritePro Handle

20

To be used with lightsource only

Light Source
040-792

LightSource

040-794

BritePro Handle and Light Source

20

040-795

BritePro Handle and Light Source with Battery

20

040-771

BritePro Handle and BriteBlade Evo Macintosh Size 1

10

040-772

BritePro Handle and BriteBlade Evo Macintosh Size 2

10

040-773

BritePro Handle and BriteBlade Evo Macintosh Size 3

10

040-774

BritePro Handle and BriteBlade Evo Macintosh Size 4

10

040-776

BritePro Handle and BriteBlade Evo Miller Size 1

10

040-777

BritePro Handle and BriteBlade Evo Miller Size 2

10

040-778

BritePro Handle and BriteBlade Evo Miller Size 3

10

040-779

BritePro Handle and BriteBlade Evo Miller Size 4

10

BritePro Handle & Light Source

BritePro Handle & Blade

To be used with lightsource only

22

Britepro Light Source

LightSource is the reusable element of the BritePro system which contains the lithium battery and LED.

The latest technology has been used to develop an efficient LED whilst providing a white light within the colour spectrum ensuring
that there is no bias between blue or red light which could make visualization of the vocal chords harder.
The benefits of this system is that there is no contamination as the light source is protected.
The LED lightsource provides cool illumination for up to 10 hours and is energy efficient
giving long lasting power, reducing the cost of expensive battery replacement while
also being more environmentally friendly.

- Long life Battery

- Packed with Battery
- Reusable Light Source
- LED Light Output at over 1000 LUX
at the tip of the blade
There are five options available when purchasing BritePro.
LightSource: Single unit complete with battery.
BritePro Handle: Comes packaged in a box of 20.
BritePro Handle & Blade: BritePro handle with a choice of blade.
BritePro Handle & LightSource: BritePro Handle and LightSource with optional battery.
BritePro Complete: Contains all elements required to use the BritePro immediately, pre-assembled for testing in the packaging.

Front

Back

Testing Lightsource

BritePro Complete
Our packaging design enables the
user to test the pre-assembled
Britepro without removing it from
the packaging.

BritePro Complete
040-701

BritePro Complete with BriteBlade Evo Macintosh Size 1

10

040-702

BritePro Complete with BriteBlade Evo Macintosh Size 2

10

040-703

BritePro Complete with BriteBlade Evo Macintosh Size 3

10

040-704

BritePro Complete with BriteBlade Evo Macintosh Size 4

10

040-706

BritePro Complete with BriteBlade Evo Miller Size 1

10

040-707

BritePro Complete with BriteBlade Evo Miller Size 2

10

040-708

BritePro Complete with BriteBlade Evo Miller Size 3

10

040-709

BritePro Complete with BriteBlade Evo Miller Size 4

10

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT 23

Standard Laryngoscope Blades

The standard range of laryngoscopes are manufactured from high quality stainless steel supported by a lifetime guarantee1. The light
bulb in the blade can easily be changed and the distance from the bulb to the blade tip will protect the patient from accidental burns,
whilst providing a high level of illumination.

High Quality Stainless Steal Fully Autoclavable Blades Full Range of Blade Sizes Conforming to EN ISO 7376
Standard Macintosh Blades

040-110

Standard Macintosh Blade No 1

040-111

Standard Macintosh Blade No 2

040-112

Standard Macintosh Blade No 3

040-113

Standard Macintosh Blade No 4

040-127

Standard Oxy Miller No 00

040-129

Standard Miller No 00

040-128

Standard Oxy Miller No 0

040-130

Standard Miller No 0

040-131

Standard Miller No 1

040-132

Standard Miller No 2

040-133

Standard Miller No 3

040-134

Standard Miller No 4

Standard Miller Blades

24

For details of the lifetime guarantee please visit our website

Speciality Blades
Flexicare has a range of conventional reusable speciality blades designed to provide clinicians with complete freedom of choice for
specific patient intubation requirements.

Robert Shaw Conventional Blades

Designed for neonatal and Infant use, Robert Shaw blades feature a gentle shallow curvature of the blade to lift the epiglottis
indirectly in a similar way to the Macintosh Blades.

040-230

Robert Shaw Conventional Blade No 0

040-231

Robert Shaw Conventional Blade No 1

Seward Conventional Blades

Designed originally as an infant blade for asphyxia neonatorum, Seward Blades are also available for paediatrics.

040-261

Seward Conventional Blade No 1

040-262

Seward Conventional Blade No 2

Wisconsin Conventional Blades

Designed for neonatal and infant use, Wisconsin Blades provide an improved view than a standard Miller Blade and also greater
control of the epiglottis with the subtly wider distal end of the blade.

040-250

Wisconsin Conventional Blade No 0

040-251

Wisconsin Conventional Blade No 1

040-252

Wisconsin Conventional Blade No 3

040-253

Wisconsin Conventional Blade No 4

040-254

Wisconsin Conventional Blade No 5

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT 25

Disposable Metal Blades & Handles

Flexicare offers a standard illumination disposable metal blade providing all the benefits in a single patient use form, negating the
need for costly sterilisation.

True Macintosh Curve

Provides maximum view.

Visible Markings
Each blade is clearly marked as Single
Patient Use, avoiding the possibility of
confusion with Reusable Blades.

Halogen bulb

Low Profile Design

The distance from the bulb to the blade

tip will protect the patient from accidental
burns, whilst providing a high level of
illumination.

Reduces the risk of accidental pressure or

damage to the upper teeth.

Cost Effective

Reduce the Risk of Cross

Contamination

The blade can be re-used for re-intubation

of the same patient therefore eliminating
the need for a new blade.

The standard bulb disposable metal

laryngoscope range is designed and
manufactured for Single Patient Use.

The disposable Laryngoscopes are an economical option for routine intubations, saving time and labour by requiring no sterilization,
disinfecting or maintenance. Flexicares disposable laryngoscopes help to eliminate the concern of possible cross-contamination from
hepatitis, AIDS and other infectious diseases.
Standard Disposable Metal Blades are available in all Macintosh sizes and can be used with either a reusable standard handle or for a
total single patient use solution, a disposable standard metal handle is available.

26

040-431

Disposable Metal Macintosh No 1

10

040-432

Disposable Metal Macintosh No 2

10

040-433

Disposable Metal Macintosh No 3

10

040-434

Disposable Metal Macintosh No 4

10

040-430

Disposable Metal Handle

10

Standard Re-Usable Laryngoscope Handles & Box Sets

All handles are Bipolar, allowing the Laryngoscope to function irrespective of the way the batteries are inserted. The handles can be
opened at either end in order to remove swelled batteries with ease.

Mini

Mini

Standard

Standard

Stubby

Stubby

Standard Laryngoscope Box Set

Available in Two Surfaces Finishes

Box Sets

The range of Laryngoscope handles are

available in a smooth or knurled finish.

A range of box sets are available, with

combinations of 3 or 4 blades.
Smooth

Knurled

Standard Handles
040-021

Standard Size Standard Handle - Knurled Finish

040-011

Standard Size Standard Handle - Satin Finish

040-022

Mini Size Standard Handle - Knurled Finish

040-012

Mini Size Standard Handle - Satin Finish

040-023

Stubby Size Standard Handle - Knurled Finish

040-013

Stubby Size Standard Handle - Satin Finish

041-401

Small Kryton Bulb (for use with Standard Miller Blades Nos 00, 0 and 1)

041-402

Standard Kryton Bulb (for use with Standard Blades)

040-239

Standard Size Handle - Knurled, with 3 Macintosh Blades Nos 2, 3 and 4

040-240

Standard Size Handle - Knurled, with 3 Macintosh Blades Nos 1, 2 and 3

040-241

Standard Size Handle - Knurled, with 4 Macintosh Blades Nos 1, 2, 3 and 4

Kryton Bulbs

Standard Box Sets

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT 27

Packs & Magill Forceps

Packs
In addition to the Fibre Optic and Standard Reusable Laryngoscope Box Sets which are readily available, Flexicare offer a customisation
option whereby clinicians can choose a combination of handles and blades for a bespoke intubation pack. The handles and blades are
protected by the outer casing as well as being securely
held in place within designated foam inner compartments.
For further information please contact us to discuss
your requirements.

Magill Forceps
Flexicare offers a range of Magill Forceps which are designed to allow clinicians to guide tracheal tubes into the larynx or aid
nasogastric tubes into the oesophagus whilst maintaining an uninterrupted view from the laryngoscope. The stainless steel single
patient use forceps are available in 3 sizes to meet specific patients requirements.

Single Patient Use

High quality forceps which look and feel like their
re-usable counterparts but without the risk of cross
infection and the costs and reliability associated
with autoclavable.

Precision Engineered Interlocking Teeth

Made from high grade stainless steel, the fine
attention to detail makes these forceps ideal for use
during difficult procedures. The interlocking teeth
provide excellent grip with minimum effort.

Patient Specific
Available in three sizes, these forceps are designed
with every patient in mind.

28

042-411

Magill Forceps Adult

10

042-412

Magill Forceps Child

10

042-413

Magill Forceps Infant

10