Inexpensive video-laryngoscopy guided intubation using a personal computer: initial experience of a novel technique

J Clin Monit Comput. 2014 Jun;28(3):261-4. doi: 10.1007/s10877-013-9522-x. Epub 2013 Oct 17.

Abstract

Video-laryngoscopy may provide an enhanced view of laryngeal structures compared to direct visualization. Commercial video-laryngoscopes are often expensive, limiting its adoption for routine use. We describe our initial experience using an inexpensive custom made device. Patients >15 years age, were randomly chosen, after informed consent, for video-laryngoscopy. A custom device easily assembled using an USB endoscopic camera, a conventional Macintosh laryngoscope blade size 3 or 4, and a personal computer was used. Patients with Mallampati class 1-3 were chosen. Video-laryngoscopy was recorded and reviewed. Twenty-four patients aged 16-68 years, of mean weight 58.46 ± 12.54 (40-86) kg were studied. The glottis could be visualized and intubation could be performed in all patients with 22/24 patients on first attempt. Mean duration of laryngoscopy was 22.17 ± 12.78 (7-59) s. Time taken for intubation, was mean of 28.58 ± 21.01 (9-89) s. Three patients with anticipated difficult airways could be intubated on the first attempt. Minor blood staining of the airway was seen in the video in two patients. Cormack-Lehane laryngoscopy grade visualized was 1 in 9/24, 2 in 15/24 patients. Percentage of glottic opening score was 62.29 ± 28.40 (20-100) %. Real-time video could be captured in all cases. The custom-made, inexpensive, video-laryngoscopy device is safe and reliable for clinical use. Real-time visualization and endotracheal intubation were successful in all patients, including those with anticipated difficult airway. Further, this device helps in archiving the video of intubation.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • India
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / economics
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / instrumentation*
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / methods
  • Laryngoscopes / economics
  • Laryngoscopy / economics
  • Laryngoscopy / instrumentation*
  • Laryngoscopy / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Video Recording / economics
  • Video Recording / instrumentation*
  • Young Adult