title: Comparison of video laryngoscopes with direct laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation:  a meta-analysis of randomised trials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Video laryngoscopes have been introduced in recent years as an alternative choice to facilitate tracheal intubation. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess their value when compared with direct laryngoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed and EMBASE were searched up until 24 September 2010. Randomised trials that reported data on the comparison of video laryngoscopes with direct laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven trials with a total of 1196 participants were identified. During tracheal intubation, video laryngoscopes can achieve a better view of the glottis and have a similar success rate [rate ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99-1.01]. Overall, the time to tracheal intubation was not different between the video laryngoscopes and direct laryngoscopy (standardised mean difference 0.19; 95% CI -0.37-0.75). However, in a subgroup analysis, video laryngoscopes shortened the time taken for difficult intubation (standardised mean difference, -0.75; 95% CI -1.24 to -0.25).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Video laryngoscopes are a good alternative to direct laryngoscopy during tracheal intubation. The advantage seems to be more prominent when difficult intubation is encountered.
authors: Emergency Department, Buddhist Tzu Chi Dalin General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
authors: Yung-Cheng
authors: YC
authors: Su
authors: Chien-Chih
authors: CC
authors: Chen
authors: Yi-Kung
authors: YK
authors: Lee
authors: Jae-Yeon
authors: JY
authors: Lee
authors: Kueiyu Joshua
authors: KJ
authors: Lin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004867:Equipment Design; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D020704:Laryngoscopes / Q000009:adverse effects; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D014741:Video Recording