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V I D E O
L A R Y N G O S C O P Y
er use of a video laryngoscope is easily
learned because the technique is basically the
same as performing standard laryngoscopy,"
says Charles A. DeFrancesco, MD, staff anesthesiologist at Delmont Surgery Center in
Greensburg, Pa.
Some providers prefer the portability of
small, pocket-sized scopes, but the devices
can be a challenge to keep track of and are
easy to misplace, says Dr. Doyle. He likes that
the viewing units of his hospital's video scopes
are housed on stands that roll easily from
room to room.
Dr. Stevens recommends scopes with adequately sized viewing screens, especially in
teaching institutions or in facilities where
MDs supervise CRNAs. "The screen provides
better views of the laryngoscopy, thereby
facilitating teamwork during intubation," he
says. "Since I can see what the CRNA is seeing, I can better assist and offer feedback. It
makes me feel more involved, rather than
relying on what someone else is seeing, and
what they're telling me."
Some video laryngoscopes have channels
for placing the endotracheal tube through, but
the devices aren't necessarily as easy to use
as conventional video scopes, says Dr. Doyle.
"With non-channeled devices, providers can
independently manipulate the laryngoscope
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | O C T O B E R 2013
