Videolaryngoscopy as a new standard of care

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Abstract
For almost 60 yr, direct laryngoscopy was the sole method used by anaesthesiologists to insert a tracheal tube into the trachea. The search for a bigger and better angle of view during difficult intubations led to the development of devices using video assistance. The first generation of videolaryngoscopes was developed based on the technology used in rigid fibreoptic laryngoscopes.1 The need of long training periods and the high incidence of complications did not make the first generation of videolaryngoscopes popular.2 In 2001, a new type of videolaryngoscopes arrived in the shape of the glidescope® (Verathon Company, USA). The glidescope® used a high-resolution digital camera placed at the tip of an improved Macintosh laryngoscope blade, attached to a high-definition screen. The device also featured the advantage of an anti-fogging system.3 The glidescope® is able to help anaesthesiologists to obtain improved Cormack and Lehane views in comparison with standard direct laryngoscopy.4 Other types of videolaryngoscopes were then developed; all have been shown to improve the view of the vocal cords.5

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