Data viva — the evidence base for video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy

Stimulus

A table summarises the effect of video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy across four domains: the improvement in Cormack-Lehane grade; the first-attempt failure rate in the predicted difficult airway; the first-attempt failure rate in the routine airway; and the time to intubate in the routine airway. The table shows a large, consistent improvement in the glottic view; a clear reduction in failed intubation in the predicted difficult airway; an inconsistent and sometimes absent improvement in first-attempt success in the routine airway; and a time to intubate that is often no shorter, and sometimes longer, in the routine case. Interpret the data and state where the benefit is greatest.