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THINKING OF BUYING ...
clearer view. Smaller screens on ultra-portable handheld devices can
impair picture clarity and, as a result, a provider's confidence in attaining proper endotracheal tube placement. Several devices offer integration with existing video imaging hardware and monitors that may
already be installed in your ORs. This can be a big selling point and
advantage to visualization if the airway device will be used in those
rooms.
3
Portability
Where will your anesthesia providers use the video laryngoscope?
A device whose compact size and easy assembly lends itself to
enhanced portability can serve the needs of many care settings. But
this may subject the instrument — some models of which can cost as
much as a flexible endoscope — to loss, misplacement or damage.
4
Cost
One big question is, how much of a role will video laryngoscopy play
in your facility? Is it going to be used as an emergency backup when
attempts at traditional intubation methods have failed? Or are your
anesthesia providers planning to use fiber-optic visualization for all
airways? Single-use devices are becoming much more popular, offering the dual advantages of preventing cross contamination and eliminating the need to reprocess them, but their costs may escalate with
frequent use.
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