Evaluating the Efficacy and Facility of Intubation Using a Novel, User-Controllable Endotracheal Stylet, a Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Anesthesiology
• Airway Management

Background:

• Endotracheal intubation is a critical procedure for securing the airway.
• Traditional rigid stylets are commonly used but can present challenges in manipulation.
• Improving user experience (UX) and device efficacy is crucial for patient safety and procedural success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and user experience (UX) of a novel articulating stylet against a traditional rigid stylet for endotracheal intubation.
• To evaluate the impact of stylet design on procedural demands and user perception.

Main Methods:

• Participants (undergraduates to attendings) performed endotracheal intubations on cadavers using both stylet types with video laryngoscopy.
• User experience was assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The novel articulating stylet demonstrated superior UX, with lower NASA-TLX scores for physical demand, effort, temporal demand, and frustration.
• The traditional stylet was rated lower for mental effort.
• No significant difference was observed in participants' self-perceived performance between the two stylets.

Conclusions:

• The novel articulating stylet shows promising preclinical results for improved ease of use and user experience in endotracheal intubation.
• This user-controlled articulating stylet may offer advantages over traditional rigid designs.