critical care medicine
How To Do Orotracheal Intubation Using Video Laryngoscopy
Tips and Tricks for Orotracheal Intubation Using Video Laryngoscopy
With difficult airways, use of traditional intubation techniques, such as sweeping the tongue toward the left and applying slight upward and outward elevation, can help facilitate a better view. If an assistant is available, have the assistant insert a finger into the mouth and pull the cheek laterally; this may provide a better view with more intubating space. When looking at the video screen after inserting the endotracheal tube into the mouth, focus on the vocal cords. The view of the vocal cords should be lost only for a brief second while the tube passes through the cords. The video laryngoscope may also be used to more easily place an orogastric tube after intubation, particularly in patients with difficult anatomy. 