Comparison between direct and video-assisted laryngoscopy for intubations in a pediatric emergency department

Abstract

Objective

To compare video-assisted laryngoscopy (VAL) to direct laryngoscopy (DL) on success rate and complication rate of intubations performed in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of attempted intubations of children aged 0-18 years in a pediatric ED between 2004 and 2014 with first attempt by an ED provider. In VAL, the laryngoscopist attempts direct visualization of the glottis with a C-MAC video laryngoscope while the video monitor is used for real-time guidance by a supervisor, back-up visualization for the laryngoscopist should the direct view be inadequate, and confirmation of endotracheal tube passage through the vocal cords. We performed univariate comparisons of intubations using DL to intubations using VAL on rates of first-pass success, complications and whether the patient was successfully intubated by an ED provider. We then created a logistic regression model to adjust for provider experience level, difficult airway characteristics and indications for intubation in order to compare intubations using DL to intubations using VAL for each outcome.

Results

We identified 452 endotracheal intubations of 422 unique patients, of which 445 intubations had a first attempt by an ED provider. 6 intubations were excluded due to insufficient information available in the record. Of the included intubations, 240 (55%) were attempted with DL and 199 (45%) with VAL. The overall first-pass success rate was 71% in the DL group and 72% in the VAL group. After adjustment for covariates, the first-pass success rate was similar between laryngoscopy approaches (adjusted odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 0.78-1.94).

Conclusions

We found no difference between DL and VAL with regard to first-pass intubation success rate, complication rate or rate of successful intubation by ED providers for children undergoing intubation in a pediatric ED.

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