Laryngoscopic tracheal intubation is a medical procedure used during general anesthesia, and in emergency and critical care medicine. Conventional laryngoscopes consist of a handle containing batteries that power a light and a set of interchangeable blades, which are either straight or curved. These devices are designed to allow for direct viewing of the larynx. Failure to intubate the trachea and secure the airway is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in operative and emergency settings. Consequently, airway devices that facilitate tracheal intubation, particularly in settings where laryngoscopy is likely to be difficult due to anatomical or other abnormalities, can have a positive clinical impact.