Evaluating the mechanics of laryngoscopy: A review

The management of many serious respiratory conditions requires tracheal intubation. This is accomplished after direct visualization of the larynx using a laryngoscope. Learning techniques to visualize the larynx is often challenging as a result of patient variability and the significant time pressure during the intubation process. We surmise that appropriate training, augmented with feedback of objective metrics of intubation, including force and motion, will optimize skill acquisition. To this end, this article provides a review of published metrics of laryngoscopy. Findings show the ranges of forces encountered on soft tissue and on the maxillary incisors during intubation and microlaryngoscopy.