Randomised controlled trial in cadavers investigating methods for intubation via a supraglottic airway device: Comparison of flexible airway scope guided versus a retrograde technique.

Abstract

A supraglottic airway device (SAD) may be utilised for rescue re-oxygenation following a failed attempt at endotracheal intubation with direct or video laryngoscopy. However, the choice of subsequent method to secure a definitive airway is not clearly established. The aim of the present study was to compare two techniques for securing a definitive airway via the in-situ SAD. A randomised controlled trial was undertaken. The population studied was emergency physicians (EPs) attending a cadaveric airway course. The intervention was intubation through a SAD using a retrograde intubation technique (RIT). The comparison was intubation through a SAD guided by a flexible airway scope (FAS). The primary outcome was time to intubation. The trial was registered with ANZCTR.org.au (ACTRN12621000995875). Four EPs completed intubations using both methods on four cadavers for a total of 32 experiments. The mean time to intubation was 18.2s (standard deviation 8.8) in the FAS group compared with 52.9s (standard deviation 11.7) in the RIT group; a difference of 34.7s (95% confidence interval 27.1-42.3, P < 0.001). All intubations were completed within 2min and there were no equipment failures or evidence of airway trauma. Successful tracheal intubation of cadavers by EPs is achievable, without iatrogenic airway trauma, via a SAD using either a FAS or RIT, but was 35 s quicker with the FAS.