BET 2: Video laryngoscopy for patients requiring endotracheal intubation in the emergency department

Emerg Med J. 2020 Jun;37(6):381-383. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2020-209962.3.

Abstract

A short-cut review of the literature was carried out to examine whether video laryngoscopy (VL) could improve first-pass success and reduce complication rates in ED patients requiring endotracheal intubation, when compared with direct laryngoscopy. Four papers were identified as suitable for inclusion using the reported search strategy. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of the best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that current evidence suggests VL is likely to improve first-pass success and reduce oesophageal intubation rates, but there is no evidence at present that it improves clinically relevant outcomes. In addition, no difference was found between first-pass success rates in senior/experienced operators, who should use techniques with which they are familiar.

Keywords: emergency department.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / trends
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / instrumentation*
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / methods
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / standards*
  • Laryngoscopy / methods
  • Laryngoscopy / standards*
  • Laryngoscopy / statistics & numerical data
  • Video Recording / instrumentation*
  • Video Recording / methods
  • Video Recording / trends