Laryngoscopes

Laryngoscopes are, simply put, devices that allow to view the larynx. The larynx can be looked at either directly or indirectly.

Direct laryngoscopes

Devices for direct laryngoscopy essentially establish a direct line of sight between the eye of the practitioner and the larynx. Direct laryngoscopes include the 'standard'/ typical handle and blade assemblies, such as the widely used McIntosh or Miller blades.

In addition, there are direct laryngoscopes which are used by head & neck surgeons during laryngeal or tracheal surgeries.

Indirect laryngoscopes

Indirect laryngoscopes on the other hand use camera with or without fiberoptic technology to view the larynx. These devices include, for example, videolaryngoscopes or optical stylets. Indirect laryngoscopes allow an 'around-the-corner' look at the larynx by moving the point of view downwards along the curved laryngoscope blade closer to the vocal chords.

No one calls these devices 'indirect laryngoscopes' in practice, it is just the principle by which they work.