McCoy laryngoscope blades (flexible tip)
A McCoy laryngoscope blade, or flexible tip blade, is a curved Macintosh blade with a hinged tip. Pressing a lever on the back of the blade raises the tip, which lifts the epiglottis further without extra force on the handle. GERATI makes 16 reusable flexible tip blades in sizes 1 to 4, in conventional and three fiber optic versions.
- 16 blade references
- Sizes 1 to 4
- AISI 304 stainless steel
- ISO 7376 hook-on fitting
Parts of a flexible tip blade
- 1Hinged tip. Rises when the lever is pressed.
- 2Hinge. The joint between blade and tip.
- 3Light window. Where light leaves the fiber channel.
- 4Lever. Pressed toward the handle to raise the tip.
- 5Hook-on fitting. ISO 7376, same as standard blades.
- 6Green ring. Marks a fiber optic handle.
Lever pressed against the handle: the tip rises.
How a McCoy laryngoscope blade works
- The blade is inserted like a standard Macintosh, with the tip in the vallecula.
- If the view is limited, the clinician presses the lever toward the handle with the thumb.
- The hinged tip rises and lifts the epiglottis further, without levering the handle or applying more lifting force.
- When the lever is released, the tip returns to the standard Macintosh curve.
Clinicians often keep a flexible tip blade for cases where a standard Macintosh gives a limited view, for example when neck movement must be limited. Technique and blade choice are always clinical decisions.
Four versions
All versions have the same hinged tip and lever. They differ in where the lamp sits and how light reaches the tip. Conventional blades fit conventional handles; the three fiber optic versions fit green-system handles.
GA 301
Conventional
A 2.5 V LED lamp sits on the blade and takes power through the handle contact. Lowest cost. Remove the lamp before reprocessing.
- Sizes
- 1 to 4
- Handles
- GB 200, 202, 203
GA 302
Fiber optic, interchangeable
The lamp is in the handle. A fiber light guide carries light to the tip and can be removed from the blade for cleaning or replacement.
- Sizes
- 1 to 4
- Handles
- GB 300, 302, 303
GA 303
Fiber optic, fixed channel
The lamp is in the handle and the fiber light guide is fixed to the blade, with no removable light parts.
- Sizes
- 1 to 4
- Handles
- GB 300, 302, 303
GA 304
Fiber optic, integrated
The fiber channel is built into the blade body. Light leaves through a window just before the hinge, so the tip can move freely.
- Sizes
- 1 to 4
- Handles
- GB 300, 302, 303
Flexible tip blade sizes and product codes
Each cell shows the product code and working length. Working lengths differ between versions, so check the version as well as the size.
| Size | Typical patient group | GA 301 Conventional | GA 302 Fiber optic, interchangeable | GA 303 Fiber optic, fixed channel | GA 304 Fiber optic, integrated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mac 1 | Infants | GA 301-01 · 92 mm | GA 302-01 · 80 mm | GA 303-01 · 70 mm | GA 304-01 · 72 mm |
| Mac 2 | Children | GA 301-02 · 113 mm | GA 302-02 · 92 mm | GA 303-02 · 88 mm | GA 304-02 · 88 mm |
| Mac 3 | Most adults | GA 301-03 · 135 mm | GA 302-03 · 116 mm | GA 303-03 · 112 mm | GA 304-03 · 112 mm |
| Mac 4 | Larger adults | GA 301-04 · 155 mm | GA 302-04 · 135 mm | GA 303-04 · 134 mm | GA 304-04 · 134 mm |
Patient groups are general guidance only. Blade selection is always a clinical decision.
GA 304 integrated blades, sizes 1 to 4.
Flexible tip sets
Each set contains an adult battery handle, blades 2, 3 and 4, 2 spare LED lamps and a hard case.
| Set | Version |
|---|---|
| GA 301-30 | Conventional |
| GA 302-30 | Fiber optic, interchangeable |
| GA 303-30 | Fiber optic, fixed channel |
| GA 304-30 | Fiber optic, integrated |
Size 1 blades are supplied separately. See all laryngoscope sets
Flexible tip or standard Macintosh?
| Flexible tip (McCoy-type) | Standard Macintosh | |
|---|---|---|
| Tip | Hinged, raised by a lever | Fixed |
| Lifting the epiglottis | Indirectly from the vallecula, with extra lift from the tip | Indirectly from the vallecula |
| Typical use | Kept for cases where a standard blade gives a limited view | Routine adult intubation |
| GERATI sizes | 1 to 4 | 00 to 5 |
| GERATI codes | GA 301 to 304 | GA 101 to 104 |
| Handle | Same handle for both. Match conventional to conventional and fiber optic to fiber optic. | |
See the Macintosh blades page and the Miller blades page.
Specifications
- AISI 304 stainless steel, satin anti-glare finish
- 2.5 V LED light: on the blade (conventional) or in the handle (fiber optic)
- Hook-on fitting to ISO 7376 dimensions
- Steam autoclave up to 134 °C or high-level disinfection
- 5-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects
- CE marked, Class I, made under an ISO 13485 quality system
Match the blade to the handle: conventional blades with conventional handles, fiber optic blades with green-system handles.
Flexible tip blades under your brand
Every flexible tip version can carry your logo, reference and lot number by laser marking, with your choice of finish, case and packaging. Private label starts at 50 units per model.
See the OEM programmeLearn more
- Complete guide to laryngoscope bladesAll blade types compared
- Macintosh laryngoscope bladesUses, sizes and technique
- Fiber optic vs standard bladesWhich light system to choose
Frequently asked questions
What is a flexible tip laryngoscope blade?
It is a curved Macintosh blade with a hinged tip. Pressing a lever on the back of the blade raises the tip, which lifts the epiglottis further without extra force on the handle. It is often called a McCoy blade.
What is the difference between a McCoy and a Macintosh blade?
Both have the same curved shape and are placed in the vallecula. The McCoy-type blade adds a hinged tip and a lever, so the clinician can raise the tip during laryngoscopy. A standard Macintosh blade has a fixed tip.
When is a flexible tip blade used?
Clinicians often keep one for cases where a standard Macintosh gives a limited view of the vocal cords, for example when neck movement must be limited. Blade choice is always a clinical decision.
Is a flexible tip blade the same as a flexible laryngoscope?
No. A flexible laryngoscope is a flexible endoscope, usually passed through the nose. A flexible tip blade is a rigid metal blade with a hinged tip. GERATI makes rigid blades only.
Does a flexible tip blade fit a standard laryngoscope handle?
Yes. It uses the same ISO 7376 hook-on fitting as standard blades. Conventional versions need a conventional handle and fiber optic versions need a green-system fiber optic handle.
What sizes do GERATI flexible tip blades come in?
Sizes 1, 2, 3 and 4, in four versions: conventional (GA 301), fiber optic interchangeable (GA 302), fiber optic fixed channel (GA 303) and fiber optic integrated (GA 304).
How are flexible tip blades reprocessed?
Clean with an enzymatic cleaner and soft brushes, paying attention to the hinge and lever, then steam sterilize up to 134 °C or use high-level disinfection. Remove the lamp first on conventional blades. Follow the instructions for use.
Order flexible tip blades or request samples
Tell us the versions, sizes and quantities you need. We reply with prices, lead times and the documents available for your market.
Email sales@gerati.com WhatsApp +92 300 8610614- 16 flexible tip references, sizes 1 to 4
- Conventional and three fiber optic versions
- Sets with 2 spare LED lamps and hard case
- ISO 13485 quality system, CE marked, Class I
- OEM and private label from 50 units per model