Videolaryngoscope: Uses in different clinical settings

Abstract

Background: Complications originated in the handling of the airway represent an important cause of morbimortality associated to anesthesia. Is possible that Videolaryngoscopes make this handling easier in some specific scenarios could be better than direct laryngoscopy. The aim of this study is to present a narrative review of the different indications of use of videolaryngoscope in a variety of clinical settings. Methods: We made a nonsystematic review of literature using the Pubmed/MEDLINE database; to search studies that had as a central topic the use of videolaryngoscopes in difficult airway. Results: 21 articles were included in the final review process. Specific situations in which the videolaryngoscope becomes important were found, such as predicted difficult intubation using airway evaluation scales, patients with morbid-obesity, ICU patients, those with cervical immobilization indications and as a rescue in failed intubations using direct laryngoscopy. In addition, we found that videolaryngoscopes have a high rate of success when used by untrained and inexperienced personnel in airway handling. Conclusion: Videolaryngoscope provided greater benefits when used in specific clinical scenarios. A rigorous review is necessary to recommend the use of this new technology.

Keywords

• Vía aérea difícil, videolaringoscopia, videolaringoscopio