Tele-Flexible Laryngoscopy Enables Remote Specialty Airway Evaluation in Rural Emergency Department.

Abstract

This case report describes "tele-flexible laryngoscopy," a novel telemedicine approach for rural emergency departments (EDs) without otolaryngology coverage. A 60-year-old male with progressive voice changes and dyspnea underwent flexible laryngoscopy by an emergency physician, with video captured via smartphone and reviewed asynchronously by an otolaryngologist. This method eliminated the need for patient transfer, demonstrating its potential to improve rural access to specialty care and highlighting the need for further research on training and standardization.