Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

Videolaryngoscope
The videolaryngoscope is an airway device that is used, much like a direct laryngoscope, to
achieve endotracheal intubation. The difference is that rather than having a light at the tip
(like a direct laryngoscope), the videolaryngoscope has a tiny fibreoptic camera at its tip.
The camera gives the operator a view of the anatomy that is at the tip of the scope, and that
view is projected on a small screen. Therefore the operator uses this “indirect” view of the laryngeal
anatomy to guide the placement of the endotracheal tube.
The advantage of the videolaryngoscope is that it improves the view of the structures that
would otherwise be seen through direct laryngoscopy, usually by 1-2 grades.
Although the videolaryngoscope provides a great view of the cords (in most cases), it requires
some skill and practice to place the tube, as one has not necessarily achieved a
“straight line” from mouth to larynx as must happen in the case of direct laryngoscopy.
A videolaryngoscope is useful in the management of the difficult airway. It is usually used
on the anesthetized patient.
The Glidescope and the McGrath are two types of videolaryngoscopes.
Related Glossary Terms
Difficult airway, Direct laryngoscopy, Esophageal intubation, Intubation, Laryngoscope, Macintosh
blade, Magill blade
Index
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Chapter 1 - Airway Management