How to Build a Low-Cost Video-Assisted Laryngoscopy Suite for Airway Management Training.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Emergency Medicine Education

Background:

• Video-assisted airway management is crucial for emergency physicians, especially in difficult airways.
• Traditional simulation tools are often expensive, proprietary, and limited in scope for educational use.
• High cost and space limitations of clinical video laryngoscopes hinder widespread adoption in training environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a low-cost borescope laryngoscope for airway simulation training.
• To enable residents and medical students to practice video-assisted airway management in a safe, simulated environment.
• To provide an accessible and effective training tool for diverse learning settings.

Main Methods:

• A novel, low-cost borescope laryngoscope utilizing a video borescope camera and single-use blade was developed.
• Learners (residents and medical students) used the device during high-fidelity airway simulation sessions.
• Training focused on proper positioning, landmark identification, and successful endotracheal intubation.

Main Results:

• The borescope laryngoscope effectively visualized critical airway structures, achieving Cormack-Lehane Grade 1 views.
• Learners successfully visualized airway anatomy and passed endotracheal tubes in simulated scenarios.
• The device provided a comparable user experience to expensive clinical equipment.

Conclusions:

• The developed borescope laryngoscope is an effective and significantly less expensive alternative for airway simulation training.
• This tool facilitates teaching video laryngoscopy without reliance on costly clinical equipment.
• Widespread use can expand high-fidelity airway simulation training, particularly in resource-limited settings.