[The usefulness of the processed nasal airway for fiberscope guided nasotracheal intubation]

Abstract

Background: The fiberscopy has become an essential tool for tracheal intubation. As we realized that nasal airway acts like a conduit to guide a fiberscope toward the larynx, we have devised a unique nasal airway named "Osaka airway" which is suitable for fiberoptic naso-tracheal intubation. This airway has two pre-cut line from the head to the tip which can be peeled off easily after the insertion of fiberscope. To verify this advantages, we measured the length of nares-vocal cords and assessed the fiberoptic visibility of vocal cords under the aid of nasal airway.

Methods: At the end of operation, 54 patients were extubated and nasal airway was inserted to measure the length of nares-vocal cords and to observe vocal cords and epiglottis. Then, in another series, two beginners conducted fiberoptic intubation on several cases with the aid of Osaka airway.

Results: The length of nares-vocal cords of male was 20.2 +/- 1.0 S.D.cm, and that of female 17.3 +/- 1.1 S.D.cm. The length correlated with the body height. In 34 patient, we could see vocal cords just below the airway tip. Two beginners could complete the intubation within 2 min in almost all cases.

Conclusion: Osaka airway was a help for fiberoptic naso-tracheal intubation for beginners.