Successful rescue with videolaryngoscopy after failed fibroscopy in anticipated difficult airway: Case series

Abstract

Introduction: In the management of the anticipated difficult airway (DA), awake intubation is the strategy of choice. In this context, flexible fibroscopy is the tool most widely used as the first choice. However, there is always the rare case where it may fail. Important findings: Six successful rescue cases using videolaryngoscopy following failed fibroscopy in patients with anticipated DA, and 1 case of rescued extubation of an airway previously secured with fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Conclusion: Videolaringoscopy may be an adequate tool to use as a backup plan for the management of an anticipated DA.