Once the epiglottis is found, the operator may use one of 2 techniques to lift it: Typical straight blade approach: The operator picks up the epiglottis with the tip of the laryngoscope blade Typical curved blade approach: The operator indirectly lifts the epiglottis and moves it out of the line of site by advancing the blade into the vallecula and pressing against the hyoepiglottic ligament Success with the curved blade depends on the proper positioning of the blade tip in the vallecula and the direction of the lifting force (see figure).