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BJA Advance Access published online on June 1, 2006
British Journal of Anaesthesia, doi:10.1093/bja/ael135
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© The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2006. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org
Accepted April 23, 2006

Clinical Investigation

First clinical experience of tracheal intubation with the SensaScope®, a novel steerable semirigid video stylet

P. Biro 1 *, U. Bättig 1, J. Henderson 2, and B. Seifert 3

1 Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
2 Department of Anaesthesiology, Gartnavel Hospital, Glasgow, UK
3 Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
P. Biro, E-mail: peter.biro{at}usz.ch


  Abstract

Background. Problems with tracheal intubation are a major cause of anaesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. Difficulty with tracheal intubation is primarily a consequence of failure to see the vocal cords with conventional direct laryngoscopy. We report our experience with use of the SensaScope® for tracheal intubation in routine clinical practice.

Methods. The SensaScope® is a hybrid steerable semirigid S-shaped video stylet. Its handling and performance were assessed by anaesthetists with a minimum of 1 yr of experience. They performed four intubations each with the device in anaesthetized elective surgical patients. The view of the glottis with the Macintosh laryngoscope was compared with the view shown on the monitor by the SensaScope®. The time taken to complete intubation, the final tracheal tube (TT) position and the degree of difficulty of the procedure were recorded.

Results. Thirty-two patients were studied. All Macintosh Cormack and Lehane grade 3 patients were converted to grade 1 or 2 with the SensaScope®. Mean intubation time was 25 (12) s and correct mid-tracheal TT cuff position was achieved in all cases. The degree of difficulty was 3.0 (1.8) on a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10. All operators rapidly became familiar with the device and mastered its technique of use.

Conclusion. The SensaScope® is a reliable and effective device for tracheal intubation under vision of the normal airway. It has great potential to facilitate management of difficult airway situations in anaesthetized and paralysed patients.

Keywords: airway, management; complications, difficult intubation; equipment, intubation stylet; intubation, fibreoptic; intubation, video assisted.
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