Videolaryngoscopy: the new standard for double-lumen tube placement?

Abstract

Videolaryngoscopy has consistently shown advantages over direct laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation, yet its role in technically demanding procedures such as double-lumen tube placement has remained less clear. The multicentre DOLVI trial provides robust evidence that videolaryngoscopy improves first-pass success and reduces oesophageal intubation and tube malposition during lung isolation. We place these findings in context, highlight the importance of patient-centred airway outcomes, and consider whether videolaryngoscopy should be the preferred initial approach for double-lumen tube placement.