EXPERIENCE OF VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPY DURING TRACHEAL INTUBATION FOR EMERGENCY INDICATIONS IN THE PRACTICE OF AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST AND RESUSCITATOR

Objectives. To assess the advantages and disadvantages of videolaryngoscopy as one of methods of tracheal intubation which is being widely used as an alternative to direct laryngoscopy in anesthesiologist’s practice.Material and methods. Over 100 of tracheal intubations were conducted with the use of videolaryngoscope, along with a routine use of the direct laryngoscopy. The results of 48 intubations are discussed. 4 clinical cases are presented in this article.Results. Cormack-Lehane grade I view was obtained in 39 cases (81,3%), Cormack-Lehane grade II - in 9 patients (18,8%). First attempt intubation was performed in 43 cases (89,6%), in 4 cases intubation was successful after second attempt (8,3%), failed intubation was in 1 case (2,1%). The mean duration of successful intubation was 36,9 sec. Certain difficulties occured during intubation related with the advancement of the endotracheal tube. Technical solutions are given for some of intraprocedural conditions.Conclusions. Videolaryngoscopy is a safe and effective method of tracheal intubation. Although this method is not lacking in disadvantages it has a number of advantages, main of which is the improved larynx visualization. In our opinion, this method can not completely replace direct laryngoscopy in anesthesiolodist’s practice, but may serve as an adjuvant in case of difficult intubation.