Use of imaging systems coupled with Shikani optical stylet and fiberoptic bronchoscopy to guide nasotracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine immobilization

Abstract

Objective To compare therapeutic efficiency of imaging systems coupled with shikani optical stylet(SOS) and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) for nasotracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine immobilization. Methods Forty cases with cervical spine immobilization, who were evaluated ASA grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ and required nasotracheal intubation, were randomly divided into SOS guided intubation group(group SOS) and FOB guided intubation group(group FOB). Both SOS and FOB were connected to an imaging system to guide endotracheal intubation. We also collected information, such as, number of attempts to obtain successful intubation, time periods to complete intubation, hemodynamic parameters, and the incidence of nasal mucosal injury. Results No significant difference was founded on demographic data between these two groups. The number of attempts to obtain successful intubation, time period to complete intubation, and complications in group SOS were not statistically different from those in group FOB (P>0.05). Conclusions Imaging system-assisted guidance is helpful to improve success rate, and minimize injury of nasal tracheal intubation. Key words: Imaging system; Tracheal intubation; Shikani optical stylet; Fiberoptic bronchoscopy