Video laryngoscopy: a double-edged sword

Taizoon Q. Dhoon; Linsey Wilson; Govind RC Rajan

doi:10.35975/apic.v27i3.2219

Author(s)

Taizoon Q. Dhoon Department of Anesthesiology Intensive Care, The University of California, Irvine Medical Center,101 The City Dr S, Orange, CA ,United States

Linsey Wilson The University of California,San Francisco,United States

Govind RC Rajan The University of California,San Francisco,United States

Abstract

Endotracheal intubation revolutionized anesthesia and allowed prolonged surgical procedures to be performed. It also made positive pressure ventilation possible in patients in respiratory insufficiency and being managed in intensive care units. But successful intubation required the development of laryngoscopes. A variety of blades were developed to be used in different sets of patients. A laryngoscope came to be known as a symbol of the specialty of anesthesiology. But it was not always safe, nor successful, necessitating more sophisticated instruments. Video laryngoscopes were introduced with a sigh of relief for the anesthesiologists in difficult airway cases. Many variations of video laryngoscopes with slight differences have been marketed. But cases of video laryngoscope related injuries have been reported. This paper gives an over-view of the possible mechanism and preventive measures.

Publication Details

Page(s) 413-416

DOI 10.35975/apic.v27i3.2219

Published Journal: Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, Volume: 27, Issue: 3, Year: 2023

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Keywords

Laryngoscopy, laryngoscope, Endotracheal, Intubation, Airway Management, Instrumentation