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The Storz C-MAC video laryngoscope system consists of stainless steel, reusable blades that house a CMOS camera chip and high-output LED light, an interchangeable powered coupling, video screen, and mobile tower (see Fig. 22.52). Available blades are similar in size and shape to the Mac 2, Mac 3, Mac 4, Miller 0, Miller 1, and a D-blade designed for patients with difficult airway anatomy. The near-standard shape of the blade allows direct laryngoscopy for glottic visualization as well as video laryngoscopy.
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The blade connected to the power coupling should be handled like a standard laryngoscope blade (see Fig. 22.53). It should be inserted just to the right of midline of the tongue with the handle pointing toward the feet. As the tip of the blade advances downward along the tongue base and into vallecula, the tongue is swept slightly to the left to increase the amount of workspace. When fully inserted into the vallecula, the angle of the handle is now approximately 40 degrees from horizontal with lifting forces directed upward and forward. At any time, the laryngoscopist can switch from a standard direct laryngoscopy to a video laryngoscopy; however, once changed to video laryngoscopy, it is best not to switch back and forth from video to direct laryngoscopy.
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