V-Tach 359

I have used the Intubrite system on 2 patients so far. The Intubrite people say it's a "hypervisualization" system - allowing you to visualize more easily (handles) and see more clearly (LED and black light). It's not supposed to take the place of video systems (GlideScope, McGrath, etc), but it is supposed to replace your normal laryngoscope handles/blades. Based on my two uses, I can say it does everything they say it's supposed to do. It was easy to visualize, and the anatomy was much clearer (kinda neat how the vocal cords illuminated). I normally use a Mac 3 blade, occasionally switching to Miller depending on the patient. On one use, I used Intubrite's "straight" handle with a Mac 3; the other use a Miller 3 with their most "curved" handle. If you'd like to use the curved handles, I recommend you practice a lot on a manikin before using it on a patient. While it does allow you to visualize with less lifting, your hand position is different than the way most people seem to intubate with a standard handle. Not bad, just different. The "straight" Intubrite handle was fine with no technique change. I think this would be a good system to switch to - especially for people without a great deal of wrist/forearm strength. We're buying the handles for about $95.00 each and the blades for under $12.00 each. Not a bad deal if our intubation rate increases.