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Performance of the Airtraq laryngoscope after failed conventional tracheal intubation: a case series
E Malin1, J de Montblanc, Y Ynineb
1Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.
Background:
The Airtraq, a new disposable indirect laryngoscope, was evaluated in patients with difficult intubation.
Methods:
The Airtraq was used in 47 patients with predicted or unpredicted difficult intubation after failed orotracheal intubation performed by two senior anaesthesiologists with the Macintosh laryngoscope.
Results:
Tracheal intubation with Airtraq was successful in 36 patients (80%). The Cormack and Lehane score was IIb-III in 35 patients, and IV in 12 patients, with the Macintosh laryngoscope, while Cormack and Lehane score was I-IIa in 40 patients, IIb-III in three and IV in four with Airtraq. A gum elastic bougie was used to facilitate tracheal access in one-third (11/36) of the cases. Orotracheal intubation was not possible with Airtraq in nine cases, five of whom had a pharyngeal, laryngeal or basal lingual tumour.
Conclusion:
In patients with difficult airway, following failed conventional orotracheal intubation, Airtraq allows securing the airway in 80% of cases mainly by improving glottis view. However, the Airtraq does not guarantee successful intubation in all instances, especially in case of laryngeal and/or pharyngeal obstruction.
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