Ultrasound-guided versus Shikani optical stylet-aided tracheal intubation: a prospective randomized study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Devices
• Airway Management

Background:

• Tracheal intubation is a critical procedure in anesthesia.
• Anticipating a normal airway allows for various intubation techniques.
• Comparing novel and established methods is essential for optimizing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided tracheal intubation (UGTI) versus Shikani optical stylet (SOS)-aided tracheal intubation.
• To evaluate success rates and complication profiles of both intubation methods in patients with anticipated normal airways.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized study involving 60 adult patients undergoing elective surgery.
• Patients were divided into two groups: UGTI (n=30) and SOS-aided (n=30).
• Key outcomes recorded included first-attempt success rate, duration of successful intubation, and complications like desaturation, hoarseness, and sore throat.

Main Results:

• First-attempt success rates were high and comparable: 93.3% for UGTI and 90% for SOS-aided intubation (P=0.640).
• Overall success rates for both groups reached 100%.
• No significant difference was observed in the duration of first-attempt successful intubation (34.0 ± 20.8s vs 35.5 ± 23.2s, P=0.784), and complication rates were low and similar between groups.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-guided tracheal intubation is as effective as Shikani optical stylet-aided tracheal intubation in adult patients with anticipated normal airways.
• Both methods offer a high success rate and acceptable safety profile for routine tracheal intubation.