The shape of the videolaryngoscope blade is one of the most critical determinants of the technique used to obtain a view of the glottis. At present, blade shape falls mainly into one of two categories for adults: a Macintosh-shaped blade or a hyperangulated blade. In paediatrics, a straight blade is also commonly used.
By focussing on generic blade shape, we can make educated deductions about how the glottic view was obtained and removes the need to be familiar with all videolaryngoscopy devices available.