Surgical blades come in different shapes and sizes. Some need to be attached to a handle and some are pre-attached in a disposable set.
The endotracheal tube is pictured for reference.
Drag the blade size to the correct area on the image, then select Submit.
The incision needs to be large enough to easily pass the tube.
Size 10 and 22 blades have large, curved cutting edges. The size 22 blade makes a wider incision and may make tube insertion easier.
Size 23 and 11 blades have sharper points and are more suited to stab incisions. These are less suitable for cricothyroidotomy as there is probably an increased risk of damaging the posterior tracheal wall and other deeper structures.
The size 15 blade is small and more suited to small, precise incisions.