Video Laryngoscopes in Simulated Neonatal Intubation: Usability Study.

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Pediatric Critical Care
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Neonatal intubation is challenging, with low first-pass success and high complication rates.
• Video laryngoscopes offer improved views and success rates, particularly for less experienced clinicians.
• Variations in video laryngoscope design may impact their usability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare the usability of six different neonatal video laryngoscope devices.
• To evaluate clinician satisfaction, device efficacy, and efficiency during simulated neonatal intubation.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach including simulations, observations, interviews, and questionnaires.
• Assessed six devices: C-MAC, GlideScope Core (Miller and hyperangle blades), Koala Vision Ultra, Koala Handheld, and Parker Neonatal.
• Usability measured by clinician satisfaction (SUS, NASA-TLX, preference), efficacy (first-pass success, attempts), and efficiency (time, function tests).

Main Results:

• Significant variability in design and usability was observed among the neonatal video laryngoscopes.
• All devices were suitable for neonatal intubation.
• Koala Handheld, C-MAC, and GlideScope Core Miller showed the highest usability scores.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal video laryngoscope usability differs substantially, influenced by device design.
• Further research is needed to confirm these usability findings in clinical settings.