2. Affordability
Cost is no longer a significant barrier to widespread use of video-
assisted intubation. Even just 5 years ago, high-end devices cost
between $10,000 and $13,000. Now, similar models can be purchased
for as little as $1,000 to $2,000. That low price tag means you can
place the devices in each of your ORs. Even when facilities choose
not to invest in the technology, the significant drop in cost means indi-
vidual providers can purchase their own. In fact, some of my col-
leagues have bought portable devices that they use to intubate
patients every time they administer general anesthesia.
3. Airway documentation
When faced with reports of past intubation problems, providers are
often left to wonder about the specific issues the previous anesthetist
faced. Why was an intubation deemed "difficult?" The definition is
often subjective and challenging to communicate to subsequent
providers, especially when patients seek surgical care at other facili-
ties perhaps years after the initial incident. Were the past issues
because the previous provider lacked adequate intubation skills? Did
a resident attempt to secure the airway? Providers are often unsure of
the specific issues they'll face when patients' records simply note that
their intubations were challenging during previous surgeries.
Although researchers have suggested that anesthetists note the diffi-
culties they faced in a document addressed to future anesthesia
providers, a survey of anesthesia professionals revealed most feel that
method is insufficient to avoid potential intubation mishaps during sub-
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Reviewing digital images of patients' airways
could be part of routine pre-op screening.
