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Book

Direct Laryngoscopy

Katherine Peterson  1 , Jacob G. Ginglen  2 , Ninad M. Desai  3 , Nilmarie Guzman  4
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Direct Laryngoscopy

Katherine Peterson et al.
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Excerpt

A direct laryngoscopy allows visualization of the larynx. It is used during general anesthesia, surgical procedures around the larynx, and resuscitation. This tool is useful in multiple hospital settings, from the emergency department to the intensive care unit and the operating room. By visualizing the larynx, endotracheal intubation is facilitated. This is an important step for a range of patients who are unable to secure their own airway, including those with altered mental status and those who are undergoing a surgical procedure. When using direct laryngoscopy to secure a patient's airway, the physician must be well acquainted with the anatomy, indications, contraindications, preparation, equipment, proper technique, personnel, and complications of the procedure for successful endotracheal intubation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Katherine Peterson declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Jacob Ginglen declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Ninad Desai declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Nilmarie Guzman declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

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    1. Xue FS, Shao LJ, Guo RJ. Comparing video and direct laryngoscopy for intubation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Resuscitation. 2019 Mar;136:146-147. - PubMed
    1. Miller AL, Hersh CJ, Johnson KE, Hartnick CJ. Short-term swallowing outcomes following type 1 laryngeal cleft injection. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Jan;116:159-163. - PubMed
    1. Hampton JP. Rapid-sequence intubation and the role of the emergency department pharmacist. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2011 Jul 15;68(14):1320-30. - PubMed
    1. Durbin CG, Bell CT, Shilling AM. Elective intubation. Respir Care. 2014 Jun;59(6):825-46; discussion 847-9. - PubMed

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