Failure of a Laryngoscope Blade

Unexpected laryngoscope failure

“…Repeated cleaning and sterilization contribute to accelerated corrosion. 3 Metal fatigue from chronic use can result in sudden and unexpected breakage. [3][4][5] The Welch Allyn laryngoscope handle and Macintosh #3 blade ( Figure) were checked prior to the induction of anesthesia for the first patient of the day.…”

“…Age and frequency of use have been implicated as factors contributing to the structural failure of laryngoscopes. 3 Not only should the electrical integrity of the laryngoscope be checked but routine stress testing of the blade and handle as well as a careful visual inspection of older laryngoscope handles and blades are necessary. 1,5 During a rapid sequence induction, neglecting these precautions could be disastrous.…”

“…Propofol is now widely used in neurosurgical anesthesia because of its rapid emergence from anesthesia. 1,3 However, too rapid an emergence might cause POA if pain relief is insufficient and/or brain swelling is present postoperatively. We hypothesized that propofol anesthesia would be associated with more agitation during the first 24 postoperative hours than isoflurane anesthesia.…”

An unusual failure of a laryngoscope handle

“…1 In another report, blade disruption also occurred during laryngoscopy and led to separation of the attachment hinge. 2 Incorrect assembly of the laryngoscope has placed the light source on the wrong side of the blade. 3 In another case, the hinge pin on the handle that the blade hooks onto was reported missing, hence, the blade failed to attach properly.…”