Tag Archives: rule of three

VLVids: Intubation in Spinal Immobilisation

Clinical video demonstrating a collection of techniques to facilitate elective intubation for a patient with an unstable cervical spinal injury in caliper traction.  Note the sideways introduction of the VL blade due to limited space for the VL handle, optimisation of the view (‘Rule of 3’), use of a coude-tipped bougie (introducer), and the 3-part technique to advance the endotracheal tube when it catches on the arytenoid cartilage (pull tube back to disengage, rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise, advance tube).

Straightforward AirTraq Intubation

A video example of performing a straightforward intubation using the AirTraq optical laryngoscope, here coupled with the WiFi-enabled camera unit to allow image capture.  Note the optimal positioning (“Rule of 3”):

  1. Epiglottis visible at the top of the screen
  2. Vocal cords central in the vertical axis
  3. Interarytenoid cleft in the lower half of the screen.

This intubation is using a reinforced (“armored”) endotracheal tube, which is sometimes more difficult than a standard ETT, as it is a little floppier.  The AirTraq makes it simple in this instance.  The reinforced ETT was used to facilitate patient positioning for a neurosurgical case.