5 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U L Y 2 0 1 9
Intubation trouble can
sneak up on even the
most skilled and diligent
anesthesia provider.
Luckily, there's an array
of technology and tools
at their disposal to aid in
difficult airway manage-
ment.
"The game-changers
are the supraglottic air-
ways, including the
laryngeal mask airway,
and video laryngo-
scopes," says Jonathan E. Charnin, MD, an anesthesiologist at the
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Video laryngoscopes let providers guide endotracheal tube
placement with direct views of the glottis, which isn't possible
with a standard laryngoscope, says Dr. Charnin.
Of course, when assessing any proven technology, you need to
make tough choices for your facility. Do your anesthesia
providers really need the latest and greatest model? Are all the
bells and whistles worth the price or can they get by with more
of a bare-bones model? With respect to video laryngoscopes, Dr.
Charnin offers some advice.
First and foremost, he says, your providers should feel comfort-
able with the tool, especially if they're only using it as a rescue
device.
Are These Tools in Your Airway Cart?
GAME-CHANGERS
• DIRECT VIEW Video laryngoscopy is a nearly fool-proof way to secure
even the most difficult airway.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
