5 priceless video laryngoscopy expert tips

Do you already own a video laryngoscope or would you like to purchase one? Our experienced anesthesia experts will be happy to explain how to use a video laryngoscope correctly. Even though many colleagues might think that video laryngoscopes are self-explanatory, there are a few pitfalls that need to be taken into account. We have summarized 5 important points for you to consider when using a video laryngoscope.

Here are 5 expert tips you need to know

1. failure is possible despite modern technology

We keep hearing that "every" patient can now be safely intubated thanks to video laryngoscopy. If this were the case, anesthetists would hardly be needed any more and no patient would die from a difficult airway. So please remember the following sentence: Even a video laryngoscope cannot solve every airway problem!

Although the video laryngoscope is now firmly established in the airway algorithm, it is "only" one of many options that should not be left unused in a "cannot ventilate, cannot intubate" situation, for example. Tonsil bleeding, for example, is still a major problem for video laryngoscopes, because as soon as you immerse the camera in the "lake of blood" in the throat, you can no longer recognize any anatomical structures. Even modern video laryngoscopes such as the MAC video laryngoscope McGrath cannot solve this problem. In this case, you have to aspirate the blood or secretions and, with a lot of luck and skill, possibly even intubate fiberoptically.

2. bright sunlight can become a problem

If you have ever had to intubate someone on a glacier at an altitude of 3000m in the best weather, then you know what we are talking about. It is so bright that it is almost impossible to recognize any anatomical structures even on the brightest LED display in the world. You have to get creative here and create darkness around the patient's head by using scarves and jackets. However, if you don't have any helping hands with you, it will be almost impossible to cope with this situation on your own. In this case, you will always need a classic laryngoscope rather than a video laryngoscope.

3. disposable videolaryngoscope vs. reusable videolaryngoscope

Which video laryngoscope is the best? We are often asked this question. The honest answer is: there are many good ones. video laryngoscopesbut you can't really say which one is "the best". There are many advantages and disadvantages to each manufacturer, which you have to weigh up personally. We have summarized the most important points for you:

There are many manufacturers that produce disposable video laryngoscopes. The most prominent representative in recent years has been the Airtraq. One of the first video laryngoscopes available for purchase. This disposable video laryngoscope has always served well, but has been replaced in many clinics by more modern developments. The advantage of a disposable video laryngoscope is obvious: it is cheap, offers good value for money and provides good service.

Reusable video laryngoscopes usually have very high-quality integrated camera systems and deliver excellent images. Unfortunately, these devices are more expensive to purchase than disposable video laryngoscopes and must be sterilized after use. This not only incurs costs, but the potentially life-saving device can no longer be accessed during this time.

Today, the industry offers us many "hybrid variants" between disposable and reusable video laryngoscopes. The MAC video laryngoscope McGrath for example, is a good example where reusability and the "disposable system" have been linked together: the MAC Videolaryngoscope McGrath for example, a very high-quality camera, a super-bright large LED display and a long-lasting battery. These components can be reused for hundreds of applications. The blades or components that have been in contact with the patient are disposable products that can be removed and discarded after each use. The fact that there are several special blades and different attachments for the MAC Videolaryngoscope McGrath increases flexibility and often makes intubation possible even under difficult conditions.

MAC Videolaryngoscope McGrath - click here for more information

4. integrated display vs. external monitor

However, you still need to ask yourself one question before you buy: do you prefer an external monitor, i.e. you hold the video laryngoscope in your hands while you receive a camera image on a large external monitor? Or would you prefer the video laryngoscope in your hands while looking directly at an LED display? This is much smaller than external monitors, but you don't have to turn your head away, so you can intubate in the traditional way and always have everything in view:

Integrated display, e.g. for MAC Videolaryngoscope McGrath:

(c) medtronic.com

External monitor e.g. for Ambu Ascope:

(c) ambu.com

5. what does a video laryngoscope cost?

How much does a car cost? 🙂 Exactly - anything is possible. Even for experienced buyers, it is always a challenge to calculate correctly. What's more, price isn't everything. Longevity is at least as important as good support. It is obvious that the market offers both expensive video laryngoscopes and cheap no-name products. Please always be careful when choosing a suitable product. We will be happy to advise you by phone or email if you are undecided. Meinarztbedarf.com now offers a wide range of video laryngoscopes for you, including optional training by qualified experts.

The following is a sample calculation for the MAC video laryngoscope McGrath:

• Purchase of device from 1629 Euro net per unit
• Replacement battery (250 minutes of use) 62,90 Euro per piece
• Spatula attachments size 1-4 per piece in pack of 50 from 6.89 euros net

One intubation costs you 6.89 euros for the disposable blade. If you now consider that you need 3 minutes for intubation and can intubate approx. 80 times with one battery, then the battery costs just 0.26 euros per intubation. After 1000 intubations, the device MAC Videolaryngoscope McGrath costs just €1.60 per intubation. Added together (1.60 + 6.89 + 0.26 = 8.75 €), an intubation with the MAC Videolaryngoscope McGrath will cost you around 9 € in the long term. However, if you now consider that the use of a video laryngoscope can reduce late intubation complications and also demonstrably minimize the risk of infection, then the price is absolutely justified. Many hospitals, rescue services and emergency doctors have recognized this fact and have been enjoying their own video laryngoscope for years, which can also create psychological safety and well-being for doctors who rarely have to intubate.

MAC Videolaryngoscope McGrath - click here for more information