Airtraq Laryngoscope Versus the Conventional Macintosh Laryngoscope During Pediatric Intubation Performed by Nurses: A Randomized Crossover Manikin Study With Three Airway Scenarios

A randomized crossover comparison of the bébé VieScope and direct laryngoscope for pediatric airway management by nurses in medical simulation settings

BACKGROUND

Airway management in life-threatening emergencies is essential for children, and endotracheal intubation is the gold standard. It protects against regurgitation and enables mechanical ventilation. New types of airway management equipment are being developed and implemented to meet the needs of medical personnel.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective, randomized, cross-over simulation trial evaluated the success of endotracheal intubation in three scenarios: normal airway (scenario-A), tongue edema (scenario-B), and continuous chest compression (scenario-C), using the bébé Vie Scope™ laryngoscope (VieScope) and the Macintosh blade laryngoscope (MAC) as a comparative tool performed by nurses with limited tracheal intubation experience.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed that in scenario-A, there were no significant differences in the first attempt success rate or endotracheal intubation time between VieScope and MAC. However, VieScope was associated with better visualization of the glottis. In scenarios B and C, VieScope was significantly more effective than MAC in terms of first-pass success rate, time to intubate, Cormack-Lehane grade, POGO score, and ease of endotracheal intubation.

CONCLUSIONS

Bébé VieScope may be useful for endotracheal intubation in pediatric patients, particularly in cases of tongue edema and ongoing chest compression, providing a higher first-pass success rate than conventional laryngoscopes.

Difficult Airway Management in Neonates and Infants: Knowledge of Devices and a Device-Oriented Strategy

Difficult airway management (DAM) in neonates and infants requires anesthesiologists and critical care clinicians to respond rapidly with appropriate evaluation of specific situations. Therefore, organizing information regarding DAM devices and device-oriented guidance for neonate and infant DAM treatment will help practitioners select the safest and most effective strategy. Based on DAM device information and reported literature, there are three modern options for DAM in neonates and infants that can be selected according to the anatomical difficulty and device-oriented strategy: (1) video laryngoscope (VLS), (2) supraglottic airway device (SAD), and (3) flexible fiberoptic scope (FOS). Some VLSs are equipped with small blades for infants. Advanced SADs have small sizes for infants, and some effectively function as conduits for endotracheal intubation. The smallest FOS has an outer diameter of 2.2 mm and enables intubation with endotracheal tubes with an inner diameter of 3.0 mm. DAM in neonates and infants can be improved by effectively selecting the appropriate device combination and ensuring that available providers have the necessary skills.

Laryngoscopes for difficult airway scenarios: a comparison of the available devices

INTRODUCTION

According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the incidence of difficult intubation in the operating room is 1.2-3.8%; however, in emergency conditions, this rate is higher and reaches even 5.3%. Successful emergency airway management is an essential component of the modern practice of medicine.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of the study is to review the literature regarding different devices used to perform endotracheal intubation (Macintosh, Miller, and McCoy laryngoscopes; ETView, GlideScope, TruView, Airtraq, McGrath MAC, Pentax AWS, Trachlight, Shikani, and Bullard) and discuss their clinical and experimental role in difficult airway management.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

Owing to the development of medical technology, there are an increasing number of videolaryngoscopes and other devices facilitating endotracheal intubation in difficult airway scenarios, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cervical spine injury, or face-to-face intubation. Each of these devices may bring benefits in the form of increasing the intubation effectiveness, as well as shortening the procedure, provided that the person performing intubation is familiar with the use of the device.