Endotracheal Intubation In Pediatric Patients Using Video Laryngoscopy: An Evidence-Based Review.

Endotracheal intubation of pediatric patients is an infrequent, though high-risk, procedure in emergency medicine. Emergency clinicians should be aware of available approaches to assist with successful intubation in pediatric patients. Video laryngoscopy involves the utilization of optical and video technology to facilitate indirect visualization of laryngeal structures during intubation. This technology can be advantageous when intubating patients with normal or difficult airways, and it is increasingly being used in the care of patients in the emergency department. A number of pediatric devices are now available, each with benefits as well as limitations and nuances in technique for use. This evidence-based review describes the emergence of video laryngoscopy into the pediatric and emergency medicine settings. A summary of the existing data on video laryngoscopy use in routine and difficult airways is included, and practical instruction on the use of 3 specific devices approved for use in pediatric patients is provided.