Anaesthesia
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
The use of the BERCI DCI Video Laryngoscope for teaching novices direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
Traditional teaching of laryngoscopy is difficult due to the trainer and trainee lacking a shared view. The Karl Storz BERCI DCI Video Laryngoscope provides a video image for the trainer and a direct view identical to that of a standard laryngoscope for the trainee. Forty-nine novice subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 24) taught using a standard Macintosh laryngoscope or a study group (n = 25) taught using the Video Laryngoscope. ⋯ Under simulated difficult airway conditions the study group performed better in terms of number of attempts (p = 0.02), number of repositioning manoeuvres required (p = 0.046) and teeth trauma (p = 0.034). The study group were more confident of the success of their tube placement (p = 0.035), found it easier than the control group (p = 0.042) and had improved knowledge of airway anatomy (p = 0.011). We conclude that video laryngoscopy confers benefits in the teaching of tracheal intubation.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Evaluation of the Airtraq and Macintosh laryngoscopes in patients at increased risk for difficult tracheal intubation.
The Airtraq, a novel single use indirect laryngoscope, has demonstrated promise in the normal and simulated difficult airway. We compared the ease of intubation using the Airtraq with the Macintosh laryngoscope, in patients at increased risk for difficult tracheal intubation, in a randomised, controlled clinical trial. Forty consenting patients presenting for surgery requiring tracheal intubation, who were deemed to possess at least three characteristics indicating an increased risk for difficulty in tracheal intubation, were randomly assigned to undergo tracheal intubation using a Macintosh (n = 20) or Airtraq (n = 20) laryngoscope. ⋯ Four patients were not successfully intubated with the Macintosh laryngoscope, but were intubated successfully with the Airtraq. The Airtraq reduced the duration of intubation attempts (mean (SD); 13.4 (6.3) vs 47.7 (8.5) s), the need for additional manoeuvres, and the intubation difficulty score (0.4 (0.8) vs 7.7 (3.0)). Tracheal intubation with the Airtraq also reduced the degree of haemodynamic stimulation and minor trauma compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope.