Video Laryngoscopy

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VL Fundamentals - Scope Savvy Start

  • Definition: Video Laryngoscopy (VL) is indirect laryngoscopy via a camera on the blade.
  • Basic Principle: A camera at the blade's tip transmits the laryngeal image to an external screen.
  • Main Advantage: Offers superior glottic visualization, particularly useful in difficult airway scenarios.

    ⭐ Video laryngoscopy frequently improves a poor Cormack-Lehane (C-L) grade view (e.g., Grade III or IV) from direct laryngoscopy to a Grade I or II view. Video Laryngoscopy Setup and Intubation Sequence

VL Arsenal - Blades & Brands

  • Blade Classification:
    • Standard Geometry (Mac-like): Familiar technique, less angulation (e.g., C-MAC MAC).
    • Hyperangulated: ↑Steep curve (e.g., GlideScope D-Blade); specific stylet technique.
    • Channeled: Integrated ETT guide (e.g., King Vision channeled).
    • Non-Channeled: Separate ETT manipulation with stylet.
  • Popular Brands: GlideScope, C-MAC, McGrath, Airtraq, King Vision.

Video Laryngoscope Systems and Blades

Table: Standard vs. Hyperangulated Blades

FeatureStandard GeometryHyperangulated
ShapeMacintosh-likeAcute curve (~60°)
InsertionDL-like techniqueMidline, screen-focused, no leverage
StyletOptional, malleableRigid, bent 60-90° (hockey-stick)
UseRoutine, familiarDifficult airway, C-spine

VL Wins & Woes - Pros & Cons Panorama

  • Indications:
    • Anticipated difficult airway (↑Mallampati, obesity, C-spine immobility, limited mouth opening)
    • Failed Direct Laryngoscopy (DL)
    • Teaching tool
  • Advantages (vs. DL):
    • Improved glottic view (↓C-L grade)
    • ↑ First-pass success (difficult airways)
    • ↓ C-spine movement
    • Better teaching/recording
  • Disadvantages/Limitations:
    • Higher cost
    • Difficult tube passage despite good view ("see but can't intubate")
    • Screen reliance, fogging, battery issues
    • Pharyngeal trauma risk
  • Contraindications:
    • Few absolute
    • Relative: Secretions/blood (obscures camera); severe trismus (some blades)

⭐ Video laryngoscopy is particularly advantageous in patients with predicted difficult airways, such as those with high Mallampati scores (Class III or IV), obesity, or limited cervical spine mobility.

VL Technique - Pixel-Perfect Placement

  • Preparation:
    • Device: Check light, battery, screen.
    • Apply anti-fog.
    • Stylet: Shape (e.g., 'hockey-stick' for hyperangulated blades).
  • Blade Insertion & View:
    • Technique: Midline (Macintosh-like) or paraglossal (hyperangulated).
    • Optimize: Lift anteriorly (no rocking). Use External Laryngeal Manipulation (ELM).
  • ETT Passage: 📌 VL STEP: Screen focus, Tube prepared, Elevate epiglottis, Pass tube.
    • 'Watch the screen' for ETT advancement.
    • Timed stylet withdrawal; ETT rotation if needed.
  • Troubleshooting:
    • Fogging/Secretions: Anti-fog, suction.
    • 'Can see, can't intubate': Adjust stylet/ETT, ELM, consider different blade/VL.

⭐ > A common mantra for successful video laryngoscopy, especially with hyperangulated blades, is to 'look at the screen, not in the mouth' during endotracheal tube advancement.

Video Laryngoscopy: ETT Passage with Hyperangulated Blade

VL Complications & Comparisons - Risks & Rivals

  • Oropharyngeal/dental trauma.
  • Esophageal intubation.
  • Barotrauma (jet).
FeatureVLDL
ViewImprovedDirect
Success (DA)
C-spine Movement
Learning CurveShorterSteeper
CostHigherLower

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Video laryngoscopy (VL) provides superior glottic views, especially in anticipated difficult airways.
  • Minimizes cervical spine movement, crucial in trauma or unstable necks.
  • Common types include channeled (e.g., Airtraq) and non-channeled (e.g., GlideScope, C-MAC).
  • Hyperangulated blades (D-Blade) aid intubation in anterior airways.
  • Essential for failed intubation rescue and difficult airway algorithms.
  • Requires specific hand-eye coordination and careful technique to avoid trauma_._

Practice Questions: Video Laryngoscopy

Test your understanding with these related questions

All of the following are advantages of LMA except:

1 of 5

Flashcards: Video Laryngoscopy

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Which teeth are most commonly injured during laryngoscopy?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Which teeth are most commonly injured during laryngoscopy?_____

Upper central incisors

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