Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Image Acquisition using Portable Sonography for Emergency Airway Management
Published on: September 28, 2022
[Management of the easy or complicated airway by nonexperts using the AirTraq optical laryngoscope]
M Castañeda Pascual1, M Batllori Gastón, P Unzué Rico
1Servicio de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapia del Dolor, Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona. mcastapas@hotmail.com
Objectives:
To evaluate the utility of the AirTraq optical laryngoscope in a retrospective case series, assessing indications for use and benefits as well as possible limitations.
Patients And Methods:
Retrospective study of the first 124 patients in whom we used the AirTraq for tracheal intubation. Anatomical and demographic variables were recorded in addition to preoperative findings on examination of the airway. Ease in accomplishing the maneuver and quality of the procedure were assessed after intubation with the AirTraq.
Results:
The trachea was correctly intubated in 97.6% of the patients. Intubation failed in only 3 (2.4%) patients. Laryngoscopic quality was optimal in over 95% of the cases. There were few complications or other events.
Conclusions:
The AirTraq laryngoscope has been shown to facilitate intubation even when nonexpert staff perform the maneuver in cases in which previous attempts at laryngoscopy have failed and in which a difficult airway is anticipated. Ease of use and relative safety make the AirTraq a practical device for a variety of patient types and clinical settings.
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