Contraindications for Orotracheal Intubation Using Video Laryngoscopy Absolute contraindications There is no medical contraindication to providing ventilatory support to a patient; however, a legal contraindication (do-not-resuscitate order or specific advance directive) may be in force Restricted mouth opening that blocks tube insertion (nasotracheal intubation or a surgical airway would be indicated in this case) Impassable upper airway obstruction (surgical airway would be indicated in this case) Relative contraindications Consciousness or presence of a gag reflex (patients should be unconscious or receive one or more drugs to aid intubation before ET tube insertion) If orotracheal intubation is not contraindicated, there are no additional contraindications to the use of video assistance.