A 68-year-old woman with a history of laryngeal papillomatosis and multiple previous failed intubations is scheduled for diagnostic laryngoscopy. Awake fiberoptic intubation is planned. After positioning supine and applying topical 4% lidocaine to the nasopharynx and oropharynx, the fiberoptic scope is advanced through the nose. At the level of the epiglottis, the operator notes complete visualization of the vocal cords, but the scope cannot be advanced further due to severe anterior laryngeal stenosis. The patient is breathing spontaneously and maintaining oxygen saturation of 98% on room air. What is the most appropriate next step?