Video Laryngoscopy in Modern Anesthesia Practice: Is there a Clear and Safe Advantage?-Slide Deck

Slide Deck

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This comprehensive 2025 presentation by Laura Ardizzone et al., at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Annual Congress, examines the role, advantages, economics, education, and advanced techniques of videolaryngoscopy (VL) in modern anesthesia practice compared to traditional direct laryngoscopy (DL).<br /><br />Key clinical advantages of VL include improved laryngeal views, higher first-pass and overall intubation success rates, decreased intubation time, and reduced incidence of difficult and failed intubations. These benefits translate to fewer complications such as hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and airway trauma associated with difficult intubations. VL is especially useful in high-risk situations: out-of-operating-room intubations, obstetric emergencies, pediatric and neonatal cases, and patients with contaminated airways. VL also supports airway assessment by enabling visualization of vocal cords and confirming endotracheal tube placement, while facilitating early identification of airway pathology or injury.<br /><br />From an economic perspective, despite higher upfront acquisition, disposable blade, and training costs compared to DL, VL demonstrates cost-effectiveness over five years by reducing complication-related expenses substantially—potentially saving over a million dollars by minimizing failed intubations and associated adverse events. VL's improvements in efficiency and patient safety align with healthcare goals of quality care and financial stewardship.<br /><br />Educationally, VL enhances airway management training by providing shared visualization for educators and learners, improving hand-eye coordination, and supporting deliberate practice. The presentation highlights advanced VL technologies such as varying blade geometries (standard Macintosh-style vs. hyperangulated), and specialized techniques including awake intubation and handling contaminated airways using suction-assisted methods.<br /><br />The authors conclude that VL offers clear and safe advantages, recommending its standardization in anesthesia practice. The evidence supports VL's clinical superiority, economic benefits, and educational value, making it a vital tool in airway management for modern anesthesia providers.

Keywords

videolaryngoscopy

direct laryngoscopy

intubation success

airway management

anesthesia practice

cost-effectiveness

airway assessment

training and education

advanced VL techniques

patient safety