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. 2010 Jul;59(1):17-21.
doi: 10.4097/kjae.2010.59.1.17. Epub 2010 Jul 21.

Is the Airtraq optical laryngoscope effective in tracheal intubation by novice personnel?

Sang-Jin Park  1 , Won Ki Lee, Deok Hee Lee
Affiliations

Is the Airtraq optical laryngoscope effective in tracheal intubation by novice personnel?

Sang-Jin Park et al. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2010 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Macintosh laryngoscopic intubation is a lifesaving procedure, but a difficult skill to learn. The Airtraq optical laryngoscope (AOL) is a novel intubation device with advantages over the direct laryngoscope for untrained personnel in a manikin study. We compared the effectiveness of AOL with Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation by novice personnel.

Methods: We selected 37 medical students with no prior tracheal intubation experience and educated them on using both laryngoscopes. Seventy-four patients were randomly divided into two groups (group A: AOL, group M: Macintosh laryngoscope). We recorded the tracheal intubation success rate, intubation time, number of attempts, intubation difficulty scale, and adverse effects.

Results: The total success rate was similar in the two groups, but the success rate at first attempt was higher in group A (P < 0.01). Group A also showed reduced duration and attempts at intubation, as well as adverse effects such as oral cavity injury. Additionally, participant reports indicated that using the AOL was easier than the Macintosh laryngoscope (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: The AOL is a more effective instrument for tracheal intubation than Macintosh laryngoscope when used by novice personnel.

Keywords: Airtraq optical laryngoscope; Intubation; Macintosh laryngoscope.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Photograph of the Airtraq optical laryngoscope (AOL). The blade of the AOL is anatomically shaped and consists of two parallel channels. One channel performs as the placing and inserting of the endotracheal tube. The other channel houses a distal lens and LED light. The image of the glottic structures and the tip of the tracheal tube is transferred to a viewfinder.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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