Use of Video Assisted Laryngoscope in Difficult Airway Management

Abstract

Background: Endotracheal intubation is the most important and crucial step during administration of
general anesthesia. It helps in maintaining the airway patency, makes procedure safe and also protects the
lungs from aspiration. Difficult tracheal intubation can be defined as one that requires multiple attempts,
multiple operators, multiple devices, excessive lifting force, or external laryngeal manipulation,
Performing tracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy uses a series of maneuvers, such as extending the
head, opening the mouth, displacing and compressing the tongue, and lifting the mandible forward, in
order to directly visualize the vocal cords and place a flexible polyvinyl chloride tube into the trachea.
Video assisted laryngoscope requires the application of less force (5-14 N) to the base of the tongue,
therefore is less likely to stimulate stress response or induce local tissue injury. It also produces less
cervical movement when compared to conventional Macintosh laryngoscope, whereas some devices
feature a conventional Macintosh blade form, others show a distinct blade design.