Learning Intubation with Video-Assisted Optical Devices and with Direct Laryngoscopy - Differences in the Success of Intubation and Learning Curves

Rapid laryngoscopy and intubation are essential for maintaining the airway in the management of patients with impaired consciousness, in patients during induction of anesthesia, and in intensive care units. By examining the patient in advance and using rating scales, it is possible to predict who will have difficulty with laryngoscopy and intubation. Special types of laryngoscopes are among the equipment necessary for difficult airway management. The choice of equipment contributes to successful intubations and fewer attempts. One of the most widely used devices is certainly the video laryngoscope, which comes in different variants. Studies on models in prehospital and hospital settings have shown that video laryngoscopy shortens the time to visualize the vocal cords and increases the success of intubation on the first attempt. The paper briefly describes the most commonly used devices for video-assisted intubation and presents results from studies comparing intubation success with different devices. Keywords: laryngoscopy; intubation, intratracheal; learning curve; video assisted techniques and procedures