Successful intubation using retrograde trans-tracheal illumination after laryngoscope light source failure.

Properly functioning equipment is critical during direct laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation. When the light source on a laryngoscope fails, proper visualization of the glottic opening is then extremely difficult in the then dark vault of the oropharynx, and alternative endotracheal intubation techniques must often be employed in a time sensitive manor. Laryngoscopic light source failure may be more common in certain practice environments where equipment is prone to damage, improper maintenance, or scarcity (i.e. pre-hospital care, code blue carts, remote care facilities).