Video Laryngoscopy Does Not Improve First-Pass Success in ICU Patients

In a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials, rates of first-pass success and most complications were not significantly better with video laryngoscopy compared with direct laryngoscopy.

These authors performed a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials to evaluate the utility of video laryngoscopy (VL) versus direct laryngoscopy (DL) for intubation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Five trials involving 1301 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these trials, two were performed in medical ICUs, two in combined medical-surgical ICUs, and one in a surgical ICU. GlideScope VL was used in three trials, McGrath MAC VL in one, and a combination of the two methods in one.

In pooled analysis, the first-pass success rate was not improved in the VL group compared with the DL group (relative risk, 1.08). Time to intubation, mortality rate, incidence of difficult intubation, and incidence of hypoxemia were not statistically dif…

Reviewing Author

Richard L. Byyny, MD, MSc, FACEP

Disclosures

EquityZimmer; Aetna

Editorial BoardsAmerican College of Emergency Physicians Clinical Policies Committee

Richard L. Byyny, MD, MSc, FACEP

Disclosures

EquityZimmer; Aetna

Editorial BoardsAmerican College of Emergency Physicians Clinical Policies Committee

Video Laryngoscopy Does Not Improve First-Pass Success in ICU Patients

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Reviewing Author