Benefits of Visual Endotracheal Intubation in Elderly Patients with Difficult Airways

Video-assisted tracheal intubation (VATI) involves the use of a high-resolution camera embedded in the front end of the intubation tube, allowing for real-time visualization of the airway during intubation. Compared to other intubation devices without visual capabilities, VATI has significant advantages. As clinical experience with VATI has grown, it has become clear that this technology will become the mainstream product.

Professor Zuoming Zhang and his team at Beijing Hospital compared the use of VATI and regular tracheal intubation in 40 elderly patients aged 65-86 years with difficult airways. The study demonstrated that VATI had a higher success rate and caused less airway injury than regular intubation. Elderly patients often suffer from multiple chronic diseases and are at a high risk for difficult airway management. Therefore, using VATI can increase the success rate of first-time intubation, avoiding clinical risks caused by unsuccessful intubation attempts.

Benefits of VATI in Elderly Patients:

1. Increased success rate of first-time intubation: VATI allows for real-time visualization of the airway, making it easier to achieve successful intubation on the first attempt.
2. Reduced airway injury: VATI reduces the risk of airway injury during intubation, lowering the incidence of complications such as hoarseness, laryngeal edema, and traumatic injury.
3. Improved safety: VATI is a safer option for elderly patients with difficult airways, as it provides a clear visual of the airway, reducing the risk of accidental esophageal intubation.
4. Reduced clinical risk: Using VATI can reduce clinical risk associated with unsuccessful intubation attempts, such as hypoxemia and cardiac arrest.
5. Enhanced patient comfort: VATI can increase patient comfort during intubation, as it reduces the need for multiple attempts and minimizes the risk of complications associated with blind intubation.

In conclusion, the use of VATI in elderly patients with difficult airways has significant advantages, including increased success rates, reduced airway injury, improved safety, reduced clinical risk, and enhanced patient comfort. As clinical experience with VATI continues to grow, it is expected to become the mainstream product in airway management.