The Airtraq Optical Laryngoscope: experiences with a new disposable device for orotracheal intubation

The Airtraq Optical Laryngoscope (AOL; manufactured by Prodol Meditec, Vizcaya, Spain) is a new disposable device developed to facilitate orotracheal intubation in patients with normal and difficult airways, but there are only limited data on its use in clinical practice [1]. We therefore evaluated the performance of the AOL in anaesthetised patients requiring orotracheal intubation for elective thyroid surgery. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Informed patient consent was obtained for the planned strategy of airway manage-ment and the anonymous use of patient data for scientific purposes. advanced

[1]  J. Laffey,et al.  Endotracheal Intubation in Patients with Cervical Spine Immobilization: A Comparison of Macintosh and Airtraq Laryngoscopes , 2007, Anesthesiology.

[2]  J. Laffey,et al.  The Airtraq® as a rescue airway device following failed direct laryngoscopy: a case series , 2007, Anaesthesia.

[3]  J. Laffey,et al.  Retention of tracheal intubation skills by novice personnel: a comparison of the Airtraq® and Macintosh laryngoscopes * , 2007, Anaesthesia.

[4]  R. Amathieu,et al.  Tracheal intubation using the Airtraq in morbid obese patients undergoing emergency cesarean delivery. , 2007, Anesthesiology.

[5]  J. Laffey,et al.  Tracheal intubation by inexperienced medical residents using the Airtraq and Macintosh laryngoscopes--a manikin study. , 2006, The American journal of emergency medicine.

[6]  J. Laffey,et al.  A comparison of tracheal intubation using the Airtraq® or the Macintosh laryngoscope in routine airway management: a randomised, controlled clinical trial , 2006, Anaesthesia.

[7]  B. Harte,et al.  Learning and performance of tracheal intubation by novice personnel: a comparison of the Airtraq® and Macintosh laryngoscope , 2006, Anaesthesia.

[8]  J. Laffey,et al.  Evaluation of intubation using the Airtraq® or Macintosh laryngoscope by anaesthetists in easy and simulated difficult laryngoscopy – a manikin study * , 2006, Anaesthesia.

[9]  J. Brock‐Utne,et al.  Laryngoscopy and Morbid Obesity: a Comparison of the "Sniff" and "Ramped" Positions , 2004, Obesity surgery.

[10]  D. Spiegelhalter,et al.  Predicting difficult intubation. , 1988, British journal of anaesthesia.

[11]  L. Gemmell,et al.  Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland , 1984 .