Video screen visualization patterns when using a video laryngoscope for tracheal intubation: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Video laryngoscopy (VL) is increasingly used for tracheal intubation.
• Published studies often lack clear definitions and consistent reporting of VL techniques.
• Screen visualization is a key component of VL use, yet its documentation is inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review published studies on video laryngoscopy.
• To determine the frequency of reporting on video screen visualization in these studies.
• To assess the methodology and data collection related to screen visualization.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of interventional and observational studies using standard geometry blade video laryngoscopes for tracheal intubation.
• Searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases.
• Primary outcome: data on video laryngoscope screen visualization; Secondary outcomes: explicit methodology for screen visualization.

Main Results:

• 207 studies were included (120 interventional, 87 observational).
• Only 10% (21/207) reported any data on screen visualization by the proceduralist.
• Most studies lacked detailed methodology or data collection on screen interaction, with high risk of bias.

Conclusions:

• Published video laryngoscopy studies, including clinical trials, seldom report on screen visualization.
• This deficiency critically limits understanding the treatment effect of VL in clinical practice.
• Future research must address screen visualization reporting to accurately assess VL efficacy.