A videolaryngoscopy technique for the intubation of the newborn: preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
We describe videolaryngoscopy equipment and technique for endotracheal intubation and airway evaluation in the delivery room (DR) and NICU for endotracheal intubation and airway evaluation. We report our first experience of 47 patients.


METHODS
Forty-seven infants who weighed 530 to 6795 g and required endotracheal intubation or airway evaluation were considered for intubation or assessment by using the modified Kaplan-Berci videolaryngoscope. We report quality-improvement data after initial introduction of newly approved technology.


RESULTS
We report results of 48 intubations in 42 patients and videolaryngoscopic inspection without intubation in 5 patients. Five intubation attempts were successful after failed attempts by experienced intubators; 6 attempts by residents were completed with video guidance rather than requiring an additional attempt. Only 3 intubations required more than 2 attempts. Enlarged panoramic view and recording assisted in correct diagnosis of vocal cord paralysis. The features and main advantages are discussed in detail. No complications or difficulties resulting from the technology occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
This new technique and technology show promise to improve airway management, evaluation, and teaching. Future research to validate improved intubation success in difficult airways and in teaching situations is warranted.
Vanderhal
Andre L
AL
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Research, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. vanderhala@gmail.com
Berci
George
G
Simmons
Charles F
CF
Hagiike
Masanobu
M
D003696:Delivery Rooms; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D052577:Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000379:methods*; D007819:Laryngeal Edema / Q000175:diagnosis; D020704:Laryngoscopes; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis