Face-to-Face Intubation During a Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: A Case Report

We describe the use of a videolaryngoscope in an unconventional manner, with the provider positioned in front of the patient during intubation. This is called a "face-to-face intubation" technique. During a deep brain stimulation surgery, with the head fixed in a Mayfield frame, the placement of the supraglottic airway was unsuccessful on the induction of general anesthesia due to inadequate formation of a seal. Due to these circumstances, we intubated the patient from the front using the face-to-face intubation technique. We believe that the ability to intubate a patient from the front adds to the anesthesiologist's airway management skills.