The Efficacy of Using Video Laryngoscopy on Tracheal Intubation by Novice Physicians

The first successful attempt at tracheal intubation with minimal complications is crucial for emergency physicians. The aim of this study was to compare endotracheal intubation using video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy in the emergency department by emergency medicine residents.  

In this randomized clinical trial, 70 patients requiring laryngeal intubation were randomly enrolled in direct and video laryngoscopy groups. The first attempt success rate, frequency of attempts, complications, and hemodynamic changes after laryngoscopy were assessed. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square, independent t-test, and Fisher's exact test.  

The results showed a significant increase in heart rate, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure after both direct and video laryngoscopy (p <0.001). However, this increase was more severe in the video laryngoscopy group (p <0.001).  

Although the use of both devices had similar success rate, if orotracheal intubation is performed by a novice emergency medicine residents, direct laryngoscopy causes fewer hemodynamic effects on patients, compared to video laryngoscopy.