Video laryngoscopy in neonates has been shown to be more convenient than direct laryngoscopy

A clinical study by Irish scientists led by Colm O'Donnell of University College Dublin has shown that successful intubation on the first attempt occurs more often with video laryngoscopy than with direct laryngoscopy. In addition, successful intubation occurred on average on the second attempt with direct laryngoscopy and on the first attempt with videolaryngoscopy. The result of the study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

The study analyzed the use of different laryngoscopy methods in 214 newborns, 63 of whom were intubated in the delivery room and 151 in the intensive care unit. Successful intubation on the first attempt occurred in 79 of 107 patients in the video laryngoscopy group and in 48 of 107 patients in the direct laryngoscopy group (p < 0.001). Clinicians conclude that the use of videolaryngoscopy may be more convenient and effective for emergency endotracheal intubation in neonates.