The American journal of emergency medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Assisted head extension minimizes the frequency of dental contact with laryngoscopic blade during tracheal intubation.
We hypothesized that the assisted maintenance of head extension would reduce the frequency of direct contact between the laryngoscope blade and the maxillary incisors during tracheal intubation. ⋯ The assisted maintenance of head extension during the simulation of tracheal intubation reduced the frequency of dental contact with the laryngoscopic blade without compromising the laryngoscopic views. The results of this study suggest that assisted head extension during tracheal intubation may reduce the possibility of unexpected dental injury.