Here’s What To Focus On

Here are the key HAVL skills you’ll want to sharpen. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist: practice, gaze focus, blade insertion, dialing in that ideal 50/50 view, and stylet manipulation to ensure a smooth tube delivery.

NOTE: This content assumes you’re already familiar with direct or video laryngoscopy. If you’ve never intubated before, we recommend starting with our laryngoscopy essentials before diving in here.

Review of the Key Steps

1. Midline Blade Insertion
   Look directly into the mouth.
2. Advance: Looking at the Screen
   To guide the blade.
3. Identify Anatomic Landmarks
   Recognize the uvula and epiglottis.
4. Position the Blade in the Vallecula to elevate the epiglottis and expose the glottis (not too close).
5. Optimize the Glottic View
   Aim for that 50/50 view with “back/lift/tilt” maneuvers.
6. Insert the ETT with a Rigid Stylet
   Look in the mouth to insert the tube, then shift back to the screen.
7. Advance Slowly and Deliberately
   Pause at the glottic opening, then retract the stylet to soften the tube before advancing.

Step Into the Training Lab

This guide is part of our digitally enhanced, hands-on curriculum built to help you master hyperangulated video laryngoscopy. Step up to the practice station, place your mobile device in the holder, and use voice commands to move through the training at your own pace. Practice core skills as many times as you need—in a judgment-free zone designed for learning. There’s no better way to improve than by getting in the reps and troubleshooting independently. When you’re ready, check in with one of our expert faculty for real-time feedback and a final review of your technique.

Guided Video

Practice At Your Pace

It’s time to focus on establishing the key skills you need for success. Review, practice, and repeat, then proceed to the expert coach when you’re ready!

• Step up to the hands-on station.
• Place your mobile device in holder.
• Start the video.
• Use hands-free commands.
• Pause and practice key skills.

Guided Audio

Try this hands-free audio guide for focused, distraction-free learning. Sometimes videos can pull your attention away from the task—this guided audio keeps you immersed in deliberate practice. It’s like having an expert in your ear. Just start the audio, use your mobile device’s voice controls to pause, repeat, or rewind, and follow along until you feel confident in your technique.

Listen Here

• Place your mobile device in the holder.
• Use voice commands.
• Walk through the self-guided practice.

Microskills: Breaking It Down

Skill 1: How to Hold the Blade & ETT With Rigid Stylet

Skill 2: Insertion into the Mouth

Skill 3: Finding the Epiglottis

Skill 4: Optimizing Your View

Skill 5: Accessing the Trachea

Subskill A: Stop

Subskill B: Pop

Subskill C: Drop

Subskill D: Lift

Checklist:

• Vallecula was identified and engaged.
• Adjustments (pull back / tilt/lift) are used as needed.
• Glottic opening 50% visible and centered in the top 50%of the screen

Avoiding Dental Trauma

Different blades require slightly different grips to align the vectors of force simultaneously towards the vallecula and away from upper teeth. Let’s talk about it.

Dr. Rich Levitan, the inventor of the Airway Cam and a leading authority in video laryngoscopy, demonstrates his hyperangulated blade technique and guides you through a successful intubation.

Two giants in airway education, Cliff Reid and Nicholas Chrimes, team up for this great review of the hyperangulated blade technique.

Have a Seat & Grab a Coffee

Got a little extra time? Do you want to geek out on HAVL? Professor Richard Cooper @gaspasser is a Canadian anesthesiologist who has performed around 6000 videolaryngoscopic intubations and is one of the world’s leading experts in hyperangulated videolaryngoscopy. Nicolas Chrimes, MD @chrimesy.com, is an anesthesiologist in Australia, creator of the Vortex Approach, and another airway educator you should definitely add to your learning network.