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A video laryngoscope is an airway device with a camera that helps clinicians see the throat, vocal cords, and airway structures during intubation. It is used to guide placement of an endotracheal tube into the trachea. The image appears on a screen instead of relying only on a direct line of sight. Trained staff use it in operating rooms, emergency departments, intensive care units, and transport settings.
read more about video laryngoscope ...The blade is placed into the mouth to lift or position airway tissues so the camera can view the glottis. The screen helps the clinician guide the breathing tube toward the trachea. Some models have reusable handles with disposable blades, while others are single-use. Fogging, secretions, blood, poor positioning, or a dirty lens can make the view harder to use.
A video laryngoscope can be used for routine intubation or when a difficult airway is expected. It can help when mouth opening, neck movement, anatomy, swelling, or previous intubation history raises concern. The device can also help teams teach airway techniques because others can see the screen. The best airway tool depends on the patient, urgency, clinician skill, and available equipment.
Video laryngoscopy can improve the view of the vocal cords in selected patients. It can also help reduce repeated attempts when used by trained clinicians. It still does not guarantee successful intubation because tube passage, secretions, bleeding, and patient condition can create challenges. Backup airway plans should still be ready.
Reusable parts need cleaning and disinfection or sterilization based on the device maker's instructions. The screen, handle, camera, blade, battery, and light should be checked before use. Damaged blades, weak batteries, or poor image quality can delay airway care. Staff should confirm tube placement after intubation using clinical checks and carbon dioxide monitoring when available.
No. A regular direct laryngoscope relies on direct viewing, while a video laryngoscope uses a camera and screen. Both are used by trained clinicians to help place breathing tubes.
It can improve the airway view and support first-pass success in selected cases. Safety still depends on patient condition, clinician skill, equipment readiness, and backup planning.
Yes. Video laryngoscopes are used in emergency departments, intensive care units, operating rooms, and transport settings. The care team chooses the airway tool that fits the situation.
Blood, secretions, fogging, lens contamination, or poor positioning can block the camera view. Staff may need suction, repositioning, or another airway method.
How To Do Orotracheal Intubation Using Video Laryngoscopy. MSD Manual Professional Edition. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/critical-care-medicine/how-to-do-other-airway-procedures/how-to-do-orotracheal-intubation-using-video-laryngoscopy. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Video Laryngoscopes to Help Intubation in People With Difficult Airways. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/mib167/resources/video-laryngoscopes-to-help-intubation-in-people-with-difficult-airways-pdf-2285963582135749. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Video Laryngoscopy vs Direct Laryngoscopy for Endotracheal Intubation. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10949146/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Airway Management: The Current Role of Videolaryngoscopy. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10532647/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.
Direct Laryngoscopy. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513224/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.