A comparison of tracheal intubation using the Airtraq^® or the Macintosh laryngoscope in routine airway management: a randomised, controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Summary The Airtraq® laryngoscope is a novel single use tracheal intubation device. We compared the Airtraq® with the Macintosh laryngoscope in patients deemed at low risk for difficult intubation in a randomised, controlled clinical trial. Sixty consenting patients presenting for surgery requiring tracheal intubation were randomly allocated to undergo intubation using a Macintosh (n = 30) or Airtraq® (n = 30) laryngoscope. All patients were intubated by one of four anaesthetists experienced in the use of both laryngoscopes. No significant differences in demographic or airway variables were observed between the groups. All but one patient, in the Macintosh group, was successfully intubated on the first attempt. There was no difference between groups in the duration of intubation attempts. In comparison to the Macintosh laryngoscope, the Airtraq® resulted in modest improvements in the intubation difficulty score, and in ease of use. Tracheal intubation with the Airtraq® resulted in less alterations in heart rate. These findings demonstrate the utility of the Airtraq® laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in low risk patients.

A comparison of two techniques for inserting the Airtraq™ laryngoscope in morbidly obese patients

“…The Airtraq laryngoscope has been used in normal airways [1] and under simulated difficult airway scenarios [2]. Four experienced anaesthetists in our department received training in the use of the Airtraq laryngoscope using a manikin and unfixed cadavers.…”

Comparison between the Airtraq, X-Lite, and direct laryngoscopes for thyroid surgery: a randomized clinical trial

“…Cet avantage de l'Airtraq a été reconnu dans plusieurs études, avec moins de recours aux manoeuvres alternatives. 14,27,28 Dans notre série, l'Airtraq a permis une meilleure stabilité hémodynamique que le X-Lite et le laryngoscope standard. Les faibles niveaux de pression appliqués sur la langue et la mandibule 37 et surtout l'absence de nécessité d'alignement des trois axes 38 expliquent le retentissement hémodynamique moindre de ce dispositif.…”

“…Par rapport au laryngoscope standard, l'Airtraq offre plusieurs avantages: une meilleure visualisation glottique sans nécessité d'alignement des axes pharyngé, laryngé et oral; moins de force sur la langue et la mandibule; moins de traumatisme; une meilleure réponse hémodynamique pendant la laryngoscopie; et une réduction de la durée de l'intubation. 14,15 Ces caractéristiques en font un outil de choix pour l'intubation trachéale difficile. 16 En chirurgie programmée de la thyroïde, l'apport de ces laryngoscopes indirects reste peu documenté.…”

Airway topicalization during tracheal intubation using the Airtraq® laryngoscope in anesthetized patients

“…This device is easy to use and effective to facilitate tracheal intubation in anesthetized patients with either normal or difficult airways. 4,5 However, when an Airtraq Ò laryngoscope loaded with an endotracheal tube (ETT) is inserted into the anesthetized patient's mouth, it is impossible to use a common atomizer to anesthetize the larynx and trachea because there is limited access to place the atomizer towards the targeted airway area.…”

“…Once the distal end of the Airtraq Ò laryngoscope was positioned in the vallecula with the glottis in the centre of the viewfinder, the ETT was slightly advanced through the lateral channel of the Airtraq Ò laryngoscope until its tip was placed immediately superior to the glottis. 4 At that point, 2 mL of 2% lidocaine was sprayed to anesthetize the larynx and infraglottic area. After a 1-min waiting period, the ETT was passed through the glottis until the tip of the ETT was positioned approximately 1.0 cm below the glottis.…”