Video laryngoscope versus USB borescope-aided endotracheal intubation in adults with anticipated difficult airway: a prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: Video laryngoscopes are approved equipment for difficult airway intubations. The borescope, which was introduced during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, is placed over a direct laryngoscope blade to provide an economical video laryngoscope. In the current study, we investigated the use of an endotracheal tube mounted over a USB borescope versus a video laryngoscope in patients with suspected difficult airways. METHODS: After obtaining informed consent, 120 adult patients with suspected difficult airways undergoing elective surgery were included in this study. Patients were randomized into the USB borescope and video laryngoscope groups. The primary outcome was time to successful intubation. The secondary outcomes included hemodynamic changes, anesthetist’s satisfaction, and the incidence of complications. RESULTS: Intubation time was comparable between the two groups (video laryngoscope: 30.63 s and borescope: 28.35 s; P = 0.166). However, the view was clearer (P = 0.026) and the incidence of fogging was lower (P = 0.015) with the video laryngoscope compared to the borescope. Conversely, anesthetist’s satisfaction frequency was higher with the borescope than with the video laryngoscope (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The video laryngoscope provided a better view and less fogging with an intubation time that was comparable to that of the borescope; however, the higher cost of the video laryngoscope limits its availability. Therefore, the borescope is a low-cost, readily available device that can be used for intubating patients with potentially difficult airways.