Efficacy of the Airway Scope (Pentax-AWS) for training in pediatric intubation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Airway Scope (AWS) in the training of residents in pediatric intubation using high-performance simulators.

A total of 51 residents were recruited. Baby SIM is a high-performance simulator with a built-in physiological program that reduces SpO2 if it stops breathing and increases SpO2 if assisted ventilation is provided using a bag mask. Therefore, real-life situations can be simulated with this program. Trial 1: after respiration of Baby SIM was stopped, intubation was initiated. If the intubation time was too long, a built-in physiological program led to desaturation. The intubation time and frequency of SpO2 <90% were compared between the Miller laryngoscope and the AWS. Trial 2: an ALS Baby, which is more difficult to intubate than Baby SIM, was used in comparison of intubation time and frequency of failure to intubate within 60 s between the two laryngoscopes. Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests were used for statistical analysis.

Intubation time was significantly shorter using the AWS than the Miller laryngoscope in both trials. Furthermore, desaturation occurred significantly less frequently with the AWS than the Miller laryngoscope in trial 1. The frequency of intubation failure within 60 s was also significantly lower for the AWS than the Miller laryngoscope in trial 2.

The inclusion of both direct laryngoscopy and the AWS in pediatric resident programs might give pediatricians the option of using a safer and more reliable intubation method for children.