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Reducing injury during video‐assisted endotracheal intubation: The “Smart Stylet” concept
Author(s) -
Weissbrod Philip A.,
Merati Albert L.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.22167
Subject(s) - stylet , intubation , endotracheal intubation , endotracheal tube , medicine , anesthesiology , anesthesia , surgery
Objectives: Video‐assisted endoscopic intubation (VAEI) has gained wide use in anesthesiology when difficult intubation is encountered. Even when excellent visualization of the larynx is achieved with VAEI, successful intubation can be difficult and/or traumatic due to awkward angles and rigid stylets. Presented is a modification of standard VAEI procedure that allows for minimization of intubation trauma. Methods: Technical description of VAEI with “smart stylet” for laryngeal surgical patients. Results: For difficult intubations, a GlideScope™, a type of VAEI, is used in combination with a flexible bronchoscope acting as a “smart” stylet. The bronchoscope is not used for its light or fiberoptic capacity, but rather as a manipulatable stylet for the endotracheal tube. The technical description of this technique is presented with illustrative images and online video content. Conclusions: The “smart stylet” concept allows for successful and safe endotracheal intubation when used with the Glidescope™.