Anesthesiology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Anesthesiology, including details on clinical anesthesiology, evidence based practice, techniques.

The use of the BERCI DCI Video Laryngoscope for teaching novices direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

Low D, Healy D, Rasburn N

Department of Anaesthesia, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK. Daniel.low1@mac.com

Traditional teaching of laryngoscopy is difficult due to the trainer and trainee lacking a shared view. The Karl Storz BERCI DCI Video Laryngoscope provides a video image for the trainer and a direct view identical to that of a standard laryngoscope for the trainee. Forty-nine novice subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 24) taught using a standard Macintosh laryngoscope or a study group (n = 25) taught using the Video Laryngoscope. Following training all subjects were assessed using a standard laryngoscope. Under simulated difficult airway conditions the study group performed better in terms of number of attempts (p = 0.02), number of repositioning manoeuvres required (p = 0.046) and teeth trauma (p = 0.034). The study group were more confident of the success of their tube placement (p = 0.035), found it easier than the control group (p = 0.042) and had improved knowledge of airway anatomy (p = 0.011). We conclude that video laryngoscopy confers benefits in the teaching of tracheal intubation.

Published 23 January 2008 in Anaesthesia, 63(2): 195-201.
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