What is a common adjunct used for airway management in patients with difficult airways?

Video laryngoscopy is a common adjunct used for airway management in patients with difficult airways due to its ability to enhance visualization of the glottis, making intubation easier and more efficient. This technique utilizes a small camera mounted on a blade, which provides a magnified view of the airway structures on a screen, allowing for better guidance during the intubation process.

In cases where traditional intubation methods may fail or where the anatomy is distorted due to certain conditions (like obesity, prior surgeries, or trauma), video laryngoscopy can significantly improve the chances of a successful airway intervention. This technology helps clinicians to overcome limitations associated with conventional laryngoscope blades, making it a valuable tool in scenarios presenting difficult airway challenges.

The other options, while used in airway management, do not specifically address difficult airways in the same way that video laryngoscopy does. An endotracheal tube is a common tool but does not assist with visualization. A tracheostomy tube is used in more extreme situations and requires prior surgical intervention. A bag-mask device provides ventilation but may be challenging to use effectively in a patient with an obstructed airway, thus not specifically aiding in the management of difficult airways.