Category
Airway Management
Typical Use
Facilitate awake or difficult endotracheal intubation under direct visualization.
Description
A flexible fiberoptic endoscope with a working channel and light source used to visualize the upper airway and guide endotracheal tube placement in patients with anticipated difficult airways, limited neck mobility, or distorted anatomy; it enables awake intubation with topical anesthesia and sedation when appropriate. The scope provides high resolution images of the glottic structures and allows suctioning, oxygen insufflation, and passage of instruments through the working channel, improving first pass success in experienced hands. Proper cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of fiberoptic scopes are essential to prevent infection and preserve image quality, and operator training in scope manipulation, topical anesthesia techniques, and troubleshooting is critical for safe use. Integration with adjuncts such as oral airways, bite blocks, and bougies enhances versatility across airway scenarios.