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

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The presentation discusses the evolving role and benefits of video laryngoscopy (VL) in anesthesia practice. Initially, experienced clinicians were skeptical about VL, prioritizing traditional direct laryngoscopy (DL) due to familiarity and confidence in their skills. However, research has shown that VL improves intubation success rates, especially first-pass success, reduces complications, and lessens airway trauma by requiring less force, important for vulnerable patients with cardiac or neurological issues.<br /><br />VL offers unique advantages for assessing airway pathology, documenting pre-existing conditions, and preventing severe injuries like arytenoid dislocation. Its utility extends to difficult intubations, out-of-hour emergencies, obstetric and pediatric populations, and during the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing greater distance between clinician and airway, reducing infection risk.<br /><br />Economically, VL devices have higher upfront costs compared to disposable DL but lead to significant cost savings over time by reducing intubation attempts, complications, and OR delays. Cost analyses suggest VL can save hospitals millions over five years due to fewer airway injuries and improved efficiency.<br /><br />VL also revolutionizes airway education by externalizing the airway view, allowing simultaneous visualization for the learner and educator, enhancing communication and feedback through deliberate practice. Digital-native learners benefit from this tech-based, interactive modality, achieving competency in fewer attempts than DL.<br /><br />Advanced VL techniques include managing contaminated airways with suction-assisted methods and awake intubations using VL alone or combined with flexible scopes. Evidence supports the safety and efficacy of VL in these complex scenarios.<br /><br />Overall, VL enhances clinical safety, education, and cost-effectiveness in modern anesthesia, advocating for its standardized adoption in practice.

Keywords

video laryngoscopy

anesthesia practice

intubation success

airway trauma reduction

difficult intubation

COVID-19 airway management

cost-effectiveness

airway education

advanced VL techniques

clinical safety