Clinical trial of a new device for fiberoptic orotracheal intubation (Augustine Scope)

Blind oral intubation using the Augustine Guide is helpful for intubating the trachea of patients presenting with difficult airways. This device has been modified by adding a fiberoptic scope with a built-in battery-powered light. We studied this Augustine Scope in 104 patients (Group AS) and compared the results with 96 patients managed by direct laryngoscopy (Group DL). No significant differences in Mallampati class, thyromental distance, laryngoscopic view, and patients height or weight were observed between the two groups. The Augustine Scope provided conditions for successful intubation in 102 of 104 patients (98%), compared with a 97% success rate in the group where DL was used. The three patients who failed DL were successfully intubated with AS. The mean +/- SD time needed to perform intubation was 19 +/- 10 s in Group AS and 21 +/- 13 s in Group DL (P = not significant). No traumatizing effects were observed. We conclude that the Augustine Scope is an effective and safe device for orotracheal intubation in routine and difficult airways.