The use of the BERCI DCI® Video Laryngoscope for teaching novices direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation

• Published in: Anaesthesia Vol. 63; no. 2; pp. 195 - 201
• Main Authors: Low, D., Healy, D., Rasburn, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.02.2008; Blackwell
• Subjects: Airway management; Allied Health Personnel - education; Anesthesia; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Anesthesiology; Anesthesiology - education; Biological and medical sciences; Clinical Competence; Education, Medical, Undergraduate - methods; Equipment Design; Health education; Humans; Intubation; Intubation, Intratracheal - adverse effects; Intubation, Intratracheal - instrumentation; Intubation, Intratracheal - methods; Laryngoscopes; Laryngoscopy; Manikins; Medical sciences; Medical technology; Tooth Injuries - etiology; Video; Anesthesia; Intubation; Laryngoscope; Direct laryngoscopy; Teaching
• ISSN: 0003-2409; 1365-2044; 1365-2044
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2007.05323.x

Summary Traditional teaching of laryngoscopy is difficult due to the trainer and trainee lacking a shared view. The Karl Storz BERCI DCI® Video Laryngoscope provides a video image for the trainer and a direct view identical to that of a standard laryngoscope for the trainee. Forty‐nine novice subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 24) taught using a standard Macintosh laryngoscope or a study group (n = 25) taught using the Video Laryngoscope. Following training all subjects were assessed using a standard laryngoscope. Under simulated difficult airway conditions the study group performed better in terms of number of attempts (p = 0.02), number of repositioning manoeuvres required (p = 0.046) and teeth trauma (p = 0.034). The study group were more confident of the success of their tube placement (p = 0.035), found it easier than the control group (p = 0.042) and had improved knowledge of airway anatomy (p = 0.011). We conclude that video laryngoscopy confers benefits in the teaching of tracheal intubation.