Airtraq^® optical laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in patients with severe ankylosing spondylitis: A report of two cases

Abstract

Airway management in patients of ankylosing spondylitis remains a challenge for anaesthesiologists. Many new airway devices have been used for securing airway in these patients. The Airtraq® optical laryngoscope is one of the new rigid laryngoscopes with a proximal view finder that reflects an image transferred from the distal tip of the blade through a series of lenses, prisms and mirrors. We report two cases of ankylosing spondylitis who were scheduled for total hip replacement and subtotal thyroidectomy and were successfully intubated using the Airtraq® laryngoscope.

King vision video laryngoscope: A suitable device for severe ankylosing spondylitis

“…However the utility and effectiveness of supraglottic devices in patients of limited neck extension are not guaranteed [7]. We have successfully used AirtraqÒ optical laryngoscope in two patients of AS who presented with limited neck extension restricted mouth opening [8]. Videolaryngoscopes are a new class of airway devices recently introduced and are amongst the most innovative advancement in current day practice.…”

Comparison of Airtraq and Trueview EVO2 with Macintosh Laryngoscope for Endotracheal Intubation by Experienced Anaesthesiologists: A Controlled Clinical Trial

“…Many clinical and manikin trials conducted till date have taken glottic view as the most important parameter for comparing new laryngoscopic devices [3,5,9]. A unique combination of an extremely curved blade and an inbuilt optical system enables Airtraq to provide a panoramic view of glottis making laryngoscopy easy [10]. Similarly, a 42 degree anterior refracted glottic view with Trueview reduces the difficulties encountered during direct laryngoscopy.…”

Combined Fascia Iliaca and Sciatic Nerve Block for Hip Surgery in the Presence of Severe Ankylosing Spondylitis

“…Two articles were excluded because of insufficient information, 6,7 leaving 16 articles (summarized in Table 1). 3,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] A total of 23 patients received 29 hip surgeries and anesthesia, including 26 hip replacements, 1 revision of a total hip replacement, 16 1 removal of infected hip prosthesis, 15 and 1 surgical wound debridement of an abscess of the right hip. 18 Twenty-three surgeries were performed under general anesthesia, with 4 initially planned for central neuraxial blockade but converted to general anesthesia because of failed central neuraxial blockade.…”