[Use of the AirTraq device to manage difficult intubation in the awake patient]

To assess successful intubation, hemodynamic and respiratory stability, and patient wellbeing during awake orotracheal intubation using the AirTraq device in patients anticipated to have difficult airways.

Prospective observational study in patients who were candidates for awake intubation with the AirTraq device based on a score of 11 or more on the Arné test to predict a difficult airway. The 3 sets of variables assessed were intubation success, hemodynamic and respiratory stability, and subjective and objective measures of patient well-being.

Eleven patients were enrolled. Intubation was successful in 10 patients. Hemodynamic and respiratory stability was maintained in all cases. When well-being during intubation was subjectively assessed on a 10-point scale, the average score was 7.27 points on discharge from the recovery room and 7.45 points a month after the procedure. As objective reflections of well-being, nausea was reported by 5 patients, cough was recorded in 4 cases and agitation in 2.

The AirTraq can be used for awake intubation in cases of anticipated difficult airway when other approaches to intubation have failed or are not viable. Intubation is achieved successfully and hemodynamic and respiratory stability maintained. The device is well tolerated. An advantage of the AirTraq is that it allows the glottis to be visualized as the endotracheal tube is being inserted between the vocal cords so damage can be minimized.