Video laryngoscopy: the new standard for endotracheal intubation

Are you dealing with a standard intubation or difficult airways? Nowadays, video laryngoscopy is the state-of-the-art technique for anticipated and unanticipated difficult airways. And there are many compelling reasons for using video laryngoscopy in standard intubation situations too.

Dr Jim DuCanto, an anaesthetist and expert in airways management and training (S.A.L.A.D. technique), spoke to us about the benefits of video laryngoscopy and explained why he believes it is the new standard for endotracheal intubation.

Intubation with a video laryngoscope is beneficial for patients, doctors and medical staff alike. In addition to the greater likelihood of swift, successful intubation of the patient, medical professionals benefit from improved visibility and easier teamwork, as they can better monitor progress in securing the airways. 

No need for a new intubation technique with the HEINE visionPRO video laryngoscope

Experts often argue that switching from direct laryngoscopy to video laryngoscopy also requires practitioners to change intubation technique. But this is not necessarily the case. With the HEINE visionPRO video laryngoscope, it is possible to use the same technique as applied when performing direct intubation with a Macintosh blade. 

While the first generation of video laryngoscopes was very costly and was more suited to difficult airways as opposed to standard intubations, the HEINE visionPRO was specifically developed for everyday use. 

Incidentally, the single-use blades are made from upcycled material – so they are more environmentally compatible.

Watch the original interview here: 

• What are the main benefits of video laryngoscopy compared to direct laryngoscopy?
  
   
• Is the trend heading in the direction of video laryngoscopy being standard practice for every intubation procedure?  
  
   
• What obstacles do you see in the widespread use of video laryngoscopes?  
  
   
• What do you believe is the added value in using a video laryngoscope like the HEINE visionPRO?

As an expert in airways management, Dr DuCanto has developed a special intubation technique for difficult airways that he holds international training courses for: SALAD – Suction Assisted Laryngoscopy Airway Decontamination. This is an intubation technique with suction assistance that is used if the likes of aspiration or bleeding occurs during airways management.