Use of rigid videolaryngoscopy combined with tetracaine inhalation in awake endotracheal intubation

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of rigid videolaryngoscopy combined with tetracaine inhalation in awake endotracheal intubation. Methods A total of 104 patients who received awake endotracheal intubation between April 2014 and March 2016 in our hospital were included. Random number table method was used to randomize these patients into the study group (n=52) and the control group (n=52) . Awake endotracheal intubation was performed for the study group by using a portable rigid videolaryngoscope combined with aerosolized tetracaine inhalation, and for the control group by using a rigid direct laryngoscope combined with aerosolized tetracaine inhalation. Hemodynamic data were recorded for the patients prior to intubation (T0) , at placement of laryngoscope or videolaryngoscope (T1) , and immediately at completion of intubation (T2) . The two groups were compared for intubation time, intubation success rate, first-attempt intubation success rate, laryngeal exposure and adverse events. Results Of the 52 patients in the study group, 2 were withdrawn from the procedure, including 1 death and 1 transferred to higher level of care. Of the 52 patients in the control group, 4 were withdrawn from the procedure, including 2 deaths and 2 transferred to higher level of care. The study group showed higher rates of successful intubation and first-attempt intubation, and shorter intubation time compared with the control group (all P 0.05) , and there were no significant differences in these parameters at T2 between the two groups (all P>0.05) . Conclusion Rigid videolaryngoscopy combined with tetracaine inhalation may yield more favorable clinical efficacy in awake endotracheal intubation. Key words: Laryngoscopy; Tetracaine; Intubation; Awake endotracheal intubation