Abstract
Videolaryngoscopy is a technique of tracheal intubation that uses indirect laryngoscopy. The laryngeal inlet is displayed on the monitor of the device.
Videolaryngoscopes can be divided according to whether they contain a tracheal tube insertion channel or according the shape and angle of a laryngoscopic blade. Videolaryngoscopy improves the clarity of laryngeal view in adults during induction to general anaesthesia with orotracheal intubation, and reduces the risk of injury compared to classical laryngoscopy, particularly in patients with difficult airways.
There is no evidence of reduction in intubation attempts, decrease of intubation time or reduction of incidence of hypoxia. Videolaryngoscopes may shorten time and improve intubation scores in nasotracheal intubation.
The Airtraq videolaryngoscope may improve intubation conditions in patients with immobilisation of the cervical spine. There is no clear evidence for the use of videolaryngoscopy in obese, pregnant patients and for introducing the double-lumen tube, as well as for paediatric patients.