Evaluation of the Airtraq video laryngoscope as a rescue device after difficult direct laryngoscopy

Abstract

Abstract Background and objectives Unexpected difficult tracheal intubation and failure to intubate are among the leading causes of anaesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of the Airtraq video laryngoscope for tracheal intubation after difficult direct laryngoscopy. Methods 75 patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia and whose direct laryngoscopy by a senior anaesthesiologist exhibited Cormack–Lehane grade 2b, 3 or 4 were enrolled. Results The Glottic view was improved in all patients when using the Airtraq video laryngoscope, compared with Macintosh laryngoscope. The view was improved by 2 degrees in 17.3% of the cases, by three in 60% and by four grades in 22.7% (p Conclusions Tracheal intubation using the Airtraq was effective, simple and safe in patients with difficult laryngoscopy. These results confirm that the Airtraq is a reliable video laryngoscope as a rescue device in cases of difficult laryngeal view with direct laryngoscopy.