Video Laryngoscopy
By John Vassiliadis
Video laryngoscopes are exciting pieces of equipment that have changed the game for intubating patients. There has been some controversy in recent years over whether video laryngoscopy should become the standard of care (over direct laryngoscopy) for intubating patients and there are certainly arguments for each side! Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, video laryngoscopy is unquestionably an essential skill for all critical care doctors to have.
In this video demonstration from the 2014 SMACC Gold conference, Dr John Vassiliadis (@johnrachelv), with assistance from Dr Geoff Healy (@drgeoffhealy) and Dr Tim Leeuwenburg (@KangarooBeach), demonstrates his approach to video laryngoscopy. As you will see in the video, he describes a few of the available brands including Pacmed and McGrath. and recommends using VL equipment with a Macintosh blade. He advocates for the routine use of video laryngoscopes but recommends always attempting direct laryngoscopy first before converting to video.
Vassiliadis briefly outlines the steps involved in intubation including the differences between DL and VL and differences between his and Richard Levitan’s practice preferences.
Geoff Healy outlines why VL is not a shortcut for intubation and demonstrates the use of hyperangulated blades which should be reserved for difficult anterior airways only! Finally, Tim Leeuwenburg outlines the Kiwi Technique.
Do you have a preference for direct laryngoscopy or video laryngoscopy? Comment below..
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