Introduction
reduced muscle tone, palate, epiglottis, airway obstruction
AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
Managing difficult airways is one of the most essential and challenging tasks for anesthesiologistsSecuring an open airway is important for successful FOI. In anesthetized patients with reduced muscle tone, a downward shift of the soft palate, tongue, and epiglottis close to the posterior pharyngeal wall results in narrowing of the oropharyngeal space. Partial or complete airway obstruction makes the bronchoscope difficult to be handle and located at the glottisClearing the airway during FOI involves several maneuvers, such as jaw-thrust and lingual traction, and airway devices, including intubating airways and direct laryngoscopesThe McIvor blade is a tongue retractor with a thin blade and flat handle. It is widely used during pharyngeal surgeries, such as tonsillectomy, to secure the operation field by pressing the tongue body/base and retracting them forward. The blade has also been reported to facilitate laryngeal mask airway insertion by providing additional airway space