Evaluation of a novel, low-cost, 3D printed video laryngoscope with borescope in anesthetized Beagle dogs

To develop and evaluate a low-cost three-dimensional (3D)-printed video laryngoscope (VL_VET) for use with a commercial borescope.

Instrument development and pilot study.

A total of six adult male Beagle dogs.

The VL_VET consisted of a laryngoscope handle and a Miller-type blade, and a detachable camera holder that attached to various locations along the blade. The laryngoscope and camera holder were 3D-printed using black polylactic acid filament. Dogs were premedicated with intravenous (IV) medetomidine (15 μg kg^-1) and anesthesia induced with IV alfaxalone (1.5 mg kg^-1). The VL_VET, combined with a borescope, was used for laryngeal visualization and intubation. Performance was evaluated by comparing direct and video-assisted views in sternal recumbency. The borescope camera was sequentially positioned at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm from the blade tip (distance_LARYNX-CAM), which was placed on the epiglottis during intubation or laryngoscopy. At the 10 cm distance_LARYNX-CAM, laryngeal visualization was sequentially scored at inter-incisor gaps of 10, 8, 6, 4 and 2 cm. Laryngeal visualization scores (0-3 range, with 0 = obstructed and 3 = unobstructed views) were statistically analyzed using the Friedman's test.

Under direct visualization, the 2 cm distance_LARYNX-CAM had a significantly lower score compared with all other distance_LARYNX-CAM (all p = 0.014) because the view was obstructed by the camera holder and borescope camera. With both direct and camera-assisted views, visualization scores were higher at inter-incisor gaps ≥ 4 cm compared with 2 cm (all p < 0.05).

During laryngoscopy and intubation, the VL_VET and borescope facilitated both direct and video laryngoscopy at distance_LARYNX-CAM in Beagle dogs when inter-incisor gaps were ≥ 4 cm.