Application: Videolaryngoscopes are useful in a number of situations:

Cases of anticipated difficult laryngoscopy or failed laryngoscopy
To assist intubation with flexible fiberoptic scopes or optical stylets by creating a tissue passage in a narrow airway
To document/ photograph upper airway and laryngeal anatomy, e.g. to assess recurrent laryngeal nerve and vocal chord function
As a teaching tool
Some practitioners have advocated for the elective use of VLs in all intubations.

Features: Basic principle of a videolaryngoscope (VL)
By using video laryngoscopes the practitioner views the larynx indirectly, allowing for an 'around-the-corner' view. As no direct line of sight between the practitioner's eye and the larynx has to be achieved, these devices have a role in situations where conventional laryngoscopy is difficult, particularly when the larynx is located anteriorly.

The shifting of the 'point of view' from the anesthesiologist's eye to the laryngoscope blade allows blade designs to be used with VLs which would not work well for direct laryngoscopy, eg the 'D-blade' on the C-Mac® system or the standard Glidescope® blade.