Video technology that makes intubation, the process of keeping a patient’s airway open to allow them to breathe during an operation, much safer has been introduced at the RUH in Bath.
Photo courtesy of the RUH, Bath
The Royal United Hospital is now using video laryngoscopes, a metal tool with an integral camera, to help an anaesthetist place a breathing tube into a patient’s trachea to allow oxygen and other gases to pass into and out of the lungs.
Other hospitals use video laryngoscopes only in extreme circumstances, but the RUH is now the first in the UK to provide the new equipment for all such routine procedures
They will be used in all areas of the hospital including operating theatres, the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department.
RUH Consultant Anaesthetist Professor Tim Cook said: “The new video laryngoscopes are another important step in improving patient safety, both during routine anaesthesia and especially in cases where we’re dealing with a difficult airway.
“The video laryngoscope improves the view of the airway, making this critical procedure more reliable, easier and safer.
“These video laryngoscopes really come into their own when there is difficulty and can change a life-threatening problem into one that can be easily managed.
“By making this technology available in all areas of the hospital – what we call universal video laryngoscopy – I have no doubt that we have increased patient safety.”
RUH Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Fiona Kelly said: “Because the video laryngoscopes are equipped with a camera, the image we need is displayed on a screen which anyone in the room can see – this improves teamwork, training and patient safety.”
Dr Tim Craft, RUH Director of Research and Innovation, said: “The RUH’s anaesthetic department was recently ranked in the three leading research departments in the world.
“This latest innovation illustrates that the department and the Trust are committed to investing in research and innovation that benefits patient safety.”
