| Abstract: | Conventional direct laryngoscopy with the curved Macintosh blade is a fundamental skill for all anaesthetists and has been the cornerstone of airway management for many years. This technique relies upon the operator aligning the oro-pharyngo-laryngeal structures and inserting a tracheal tube into the trachea under direct vision. However, there is a recognized failure rate with this technique, thus alternative techniques for tracheal intubation are available and should be considered. Awake fibreoptic intubation remains the ‘gold standard’ method for securing the airway in an anticipated difficult airway. Advances in optical technology over recent years have led to the development of several rigid indirect devices, which improve glottic visualization by enabling the operator to ‘see around the corner’. With improved views at laryngoscopy these devices have emerged as important tools in airway management and are useful teaching and training aids. |
