Sir Ivan W. Magill (1888-1986), a British anesthesiologist, collaborated with remarkable energy and ingenuity with plastic surgeons in treating facial and jaw injuries sustained during World War I. Together with his colleague Dr. Stanley Rowe Botham (1890-1979), he developed new techniques that led to the current popularity of endotracheal anesthesia.
Botham introduced the technique of blind intubation (insertion of an endotracheal tube through the nose into the larynx without a laryngoscope) and perfected instruments: easier-to-use intubation Magill Forceps and nasal cannulas. They are still in use today. Magill described forceps in 1920. Previously, a flexible metal rod (stylet) was used to insert the airway.
The rounded ends of the new forceps caused less damage to the tissues of the nose and throat than the stylet, and the tube could be held firmly in place. By bending the handles, the user took his own hand to the side, making the process clearly visible.
Forceps became popular for other purposes as well. Dr. Magill’s skill and active leadership in this area earned him many awards. In 1946, he was knighted for services to the royal house.
Magill’s forceps
SOURCES OF USE
Assistance in the insertion of an endotracheal tube into the larynx (e.g., nasal intubation).
Assisting in the insertion of a gastric tube into the esophagus.
Removal of foreign bodies from the airway/pharyngeal cavity.
Installation of a pharyngeal gland (e.g., in case of bleeding).
IMAGES
Lingual forceps with double-edged end
Handles for user grip
angle between handles and blades so as not to interfere with the view of the airway during use.
Reusable or disposable (usually stainless steel).
Sizes for infants, children, and adults
Matte and polished surfaces
Open and closed head design for easy gripping of various materials
Magill Pliers
PLACEMENT/USE METHOD
used for grasping objects in a direct line of sight
in conjunction with the laryngoscope provides an optimal view of the larynx and moves the soft tissue forward to provide space for manipulation.
CONCLUSIONS
Local injuries.
Rupture of mucous membranes
Failure to grasp small objects (e.g., coins) when open forceps are accidentally used.
Named after its developer, Sir Ivan Whiteside Magill (1888-1986), a pioneer of anesthesia of Irish descent.
It was originally designed and described in 1920.
