Polio Blades

I would not have polio blade on my trolley anymore. Video laryngoscopes can do that job well.
Even before the days of videolaryngoscopes I have not used the polio blade. 
 

I havent seen polio blade being used for a long while. Short handle is still needed at least in the Obstetric theatre

We've removed them from all our difficult airway trolleys, replaced with stubby handle and videolaryngoscopy.

I see no benefit in reaching for a device in an emergency which is NOT a part of routine useage or experience.

However, desipte being unable to give me any examples of a situation where a Polio blade has either been used or was the sole solution (above VL) for an airway issue, our obstetric anaesthetists remain keen to keep them "just in case".

Our trainees have no experience in their use, I've only used one once.

Hi there, I have just completed my ST training & my experience with the polio blade has been only once in a difficult obstetric case.
The actual handling of the blade with it's angulation was certainly not the most comfortable but it was effective.
Perhaps a comparative study between the polio blade & other devices in a specific group of patients (where polio blades have been used) may help to answer the question. Though there may need to be a period of familiarisation & practice before study commencement?
look forward to any comments?
Regards
Hussein

I use a polio blade as my routine blade for all GAs in obs as I was taught in obs at UHCW Dr Radhakrishna. It makes getting past boobs and cricoid much easier than a short handled blade and even if it has never been used before its use is intuitive unlike a videolaryngoscope which needs training and regular use. We have kept it on the difficult airway in obstetrics at Nottingham