Is the Ambu aScope 3 Slim single-use fiberscope equally efficient compared with a conventional bronchoscope for management of the difficult airway?

Abstract

Study ObjectiveThe study objective was to evaluate whether the single-use fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB), Ambu aScope 3 Slim, was equally efficient compared with the conventional reusable FOB, Olympus LF-GP, for nasal fiberoptic intubation in a manikin. DesignA randomized crossed-over study. SettingThe postanesthesia care unit of Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital. SubjectsTwenty anesthesiologists who have experienced >50 one-lung ventilation thoracic surgery procedures were invited to participate in this study. InterventionsA 6.5-mm internal diameter cuffed endotracheal tube (ET) was inserted into the manikin under Ambu aScope 3 Slim (group A) or Olympus LF-GP (group C) guidance. MeasurementsThe following time parameters from the beginning of FOB insertion through a nostril were compared between groups: until vocal cord visualization (T1); visualization of the carina (T2); and proper ET placement, as confirmed by the distance of the ET tip to carina (T3). Main ResultsMean (SD) T1 in group A and group C were 20 seconds (17 seconds) and 14 seconds (12 seconds), respectively (P= .1050). Mean (SD) T2 in group A and group C were 40 seconds (29 seconds) and 25 seconds (15 seconds), respectively (P= .0287). Mean (SD) T3 in group A and group C were 70 seconds (33 seconds) and 50 seconds (22 seconds), respectively (P= .0098). One case in group A had failed intubation ConclusionsThe Ambu aScope 3 Slim required more time to intubate than the conventional reusable FOB. It requires more rigidity, similar to the conventional FOB for management of the difficult airway.