Videolaryngoscopes: The solution for difficult airway management or just another strategy? Non-systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionDifficult airway management remains a challenge and is a pillar of anesthesia training. At present, unsuccessful management of the difficult airway is a leading cause of complications in the practice of anesthesia, something that has led to regular updates to the management algorithms and the development of new technologies. ObjectivesTo review the current state of videolaryngoscopy and its impact on difficult airway management. MethodsWith the keywords Videotape Recording; Laryngoscopy; Airway Management; Intubation; Intratracheal; Obesity; Anesthesia. A non-systematic review in the following databases was conducted: Pubmed/Medline, SciElo, LILACS). ResultsVideolaryngoscopes are a new technology for the management of difficult airways that so far have not replaced the standard airway management algorithm devices. Its main impact is better visualization of the laryngeal structures. However, there are still controversies regarding the ease and success of tracheal intubation. Evidence of its usefulness in difficult airway management is weak. ConclusionKnowledge of these devices and their limitations is an alternative in difficult airway scenario, but its real value and safety for the patient is still not defined and continues to be researched.