[Awake video laryngoscopy - an alternative to awake fiberoptic intubation?]

INTRODUCTION: Awake video laryngoscopy is a novel option in airway management that is drawing more and more attention as an alternative to awake endoscopic guided intubation.Main issues: Intubation under preserved spontaneous breathing is the safest method to secure the expected difficult airway. In direct comparisons to awake flexible endoscopic intubation, awake video laryngoscopy achieves satisfactory intubation times and a high acceptance of patients and anesthesiologists. Specific cases, in particular very limited mouth opening or sub-glottic masses, require awake flexible endoscopic intubation. Sufficient topical anesthesia and a sophisticated sedation protocol are prerequisites for successful awake video laryngoscopy.
CONCLUSION: Awake video laryngoscopy cannot fully replace flexible endoscopic intubation. It is a useful option, but it must be considered that this technique is not suitable for all types of airways, patients or even anesthesiologists. Expertise and adequate practice is mandatory for both techniques. Careful planning, an appropriate blade design and a high expertise in video laryngoscopy are crucial for a successful intubation. © Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.