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Laryngoscope blades designed for use as a detachable component of a fiberoptic laryngoscope; the blade unit is intended to provide illumination and to displace the lower pharynx, larynx, and upper trachea. These blades 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 a fiberoptic illumination system. The blade is usually hooked onto the laryngoscope handle; it may fold for storage, simultaneously switching off the light. Fiberoptic laryngoscope blades are available in several sizes for adult and pediatric use; they are also available as nonfoldable, integral parts of plastic fiberoptic laryngoscopes. With the exception of the illumination system component, plastic fiberoptic laryngoscopes are usually single-use devices.
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