Direct Laryngoscopy vs Video Laryngoscopy – The Great Airway Debate

Direct laryngoscopy vs. video laryngoscopy — which one should be the standard?

In this lively and highly practical clinical debate, Sharon and Jeremy are joined by CRNA leaders Laura Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA and Karen Maresch, DNAP, CRNA to explore the evidence, training differences, outcomes, technology trends, and real-world experiences behind DL and VL.

We’re going to dig into everything from first-pass success rates and airway injuries to teaching techniques, skill deterioration, and why newer providers often learn differently than seasoned clinicians. Is one truly better than the other? We’ll weigh both sides to try to answer that question today.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🔍 DL vs. VL Basics – The core differences and why clinicians care.

👀 Training & Teaching – How VL improves education and real-time coaching.

🩺 Safety & First-Pass Success – Why VL boosts outcomes, especially in difficult airways.

🧠 Skill Retention – Why DL skills fade without practice — and VL isn’t immune either.

🤖 The Future: Tech & AI – How imaging, documentation, and decision support will reshape airway management.

 

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