Comparison between video-lighted stylet (Intular Scope™) and direct laryngoscope for endotracheal intubation in patients with normal airway

Abstract

Objective The Intular Scope™ (Medical Park, South Korea) (IS) is a video-lighted stylet that can be used for endotracheal intubation with excellent visualization by adding a camera to its end. We compared the efficacy of a direct laryngoscope (DL) with that of the IS based on hemodynamic changes, ease of intubation, and postoperative airway morbidities. Methods Seventy patients with expected normal airways were randomized for intubation using an IS (n = 35) or DL (n = 35). The primary outcome was the mean arterial pressure during intubation. The secondary outcomes were the time to intubation (TTI), percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score, and number of intubation attempts. The incidence and severity of bleeding, hoarseness, and sore throat after intubation were also recorded. Results Hemodynamic changes during intubation were not significantly different between the groups. The TTI was longer in the IS than DL group. The POGO score was higher in the IS than DL group. Hoarseness and sore throat were significantly less severe in the IS than DL group. Conclusions Using the IS did not significantly improve hemodynamics and resulted in a longer TTI. However, the IS was associated with less severe postoperative airway morbidities compared with the DL.

Improved skill for tracheal intubation using optical stylets through remote training model: a before and after interventional study

“…Optical stylets not only offer effective airway management aid [3][4][5][6][7], but also can reduce intubation complications such as hoarseness and sore throat compared with laryngoscope [18]. Skillful usage of optical stylets is essential for the anesthesiologist.…”

Postoperative Sore Throat

“…POST is present in higher proportion of patients in which endotracheal intubation was the airway management of choice compared to LMA [6,7], and the incidence is even higher when and endobronchial tube is used [2,8,9]. POST can be reduced or even prevented in some cases with the use of a video laryngoscope [10], to reduce airway manipulation and number of intubation attempts.…”

Optical Devices in Tracheal Intubation—State of the Art in 2020

“…UE scope (UE Medical Devices Inc., Newton, MA, USA) contains a pocket monitor which can be used for optical stylet or videolaryngoscope blade [ 56 ]. The Intular Scope™ (Medical Park, Seoul, South Korea) is a malleable stylet with a camera on the tip of the device, allowing the attachment of an ordinary smartphone as a monitor [ 57 ].…”