Objectives: Video-assisted endoscopic intubation (VAEI) has gained wide use in anesthesiology when difficult intubation is encountered. Even when excellent visualization of the larynx is achieved with VAEI, successful intubation can be difficult and/or traumatic due to awkward angles and rigid stylets. Presented is a modification of standard VAEI procedure that allows for minimization of intubation trauma.
Methods: Technical description of VAEI with "smart stylet" for laryngeal surgical patients.
Results: For difficult intubations, a GlideScope™, a type of VAEI, is used in combination with a flexible bronchoscope acting as a "smart" stylet. The bronchoscope is not used for its light or fiberoptic capacity, but rather as a manipulatable stylet for the endotracheal tube. The technical description of this technique is presented with illustrative images and online video content.
Conclusions: The "smart stylet" concept allows for successful and safe endotracheal intubation when used with the Glidescope™.
Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.