Indications for Orotracheal Intubation Using Video Laryngoscopy Orotracheal intubation, with or without the assistance of video laryngoscopy, is indicated for patients with: Hypoxia or hypoventilation requiring assisted ventilation to maintain oxygenation and ventilation Apnea or impending respiratory arrest (initial emergency treatment) Elective anesthesia (selected cases) Need for prolonged mechanical ventilation Situations where bag-valve-mask ventilation is difficult or impossible (eg, in patients with severe facial deformity, thick beard, or other factors that interfere with the face mask seal) or upper airway obstruction due to soft tissues Need to prevent aspiration (eg, in obtunded or comatose patients) or for repeated airway suction Video assistance should be used when available, and it is particularly useful when anatomic factors make direct laryngoscopy difficult and / or when injuries preclude the head and neck movement required for proper positioning.