[Video/endoscope assisted intubation: recent advancement in airway management]

Abstract

The Macintosh laryngoscope has been a gold standard for endotracheal intubation over 60 years. However, even with optimum technique used, the glottis can not be seen in 1-3% of the cases with Macintosh blade resulting in difficult intubation. ASA guideline recommend not to insist using same laryngoscope, but to use alternative approach to solve difficult airway. However, many of these alternative approach use blind/semi-blind technique which also may compromise the airway. Recently, supported by advancement of optical technology, many intubation devices combined with endoscope, fiber optics or video system have become commercially available. These devices can visualize the vocal cord to facilitate intubation These new video/endoscopy assisted airway devices are introduced in this review.