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Detachable distal components of a rigid laryngoscope designed to provide illumination and displace the lower pharynx, larynx, and upper trachea. These devices typically consist of a spatula to hold the tongue; an angular or curved flange to provide rigidity with an L-shaped or semicircular groove for viewing along its length; and, usually, an illumination system (using either a conventional lamp or a fiberoptic system). The blade is typically hooked onto the laryngoscope handle; it may fold for storage, simultaneously switching off the light. Laryngoscope blades are available in several sizes for adult and pediatric use; they are also available as a nonfoldable, integral part of plastic laryngoscopes. Some laryngoscope blades are designed specifically for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environments, (i.e., MRI-compatible laryngoscope blades), and are made from nonmagnetic materials so that they can be safely used in an MRI suite.
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