title: [Pentax-AWS improves laryngeal view compared with Macintosh blade during laryngoscopy and facilitates easier intubation].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The PENTAX-AWS (AWS), combined with PBLADE is a novel tracheal intubation device which allows indirect visualization of the vocal cords without the alignment of the oral, pharyngeal axes required for direct laryngoscopy. Intubation procedure can be monitored on a built-in CCD monitor.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared the laryngeal view obtained with the Macintosh laryngoscope with that obtained with the AWS in 100 patients scheduled for elective anesthesia. Laryngeal view was determined by Cormack & Lehane classification modified by Cook, first using the Macintosh laryngoscope with the patient's head and neck in the sniffing position, followed by the AWS with the head and neck in a neutral position. The time taken to pass the endotracheal tube, the incidence of tube impingement on the arytenoids and the total number of intubation attempts were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The best laryngeal view obtained with the Macintosh laryngoscope in 100 cases were Grade I: 65, IIa: 16, IIb: 8, IIIa: 6, IIIb: 5, IV: 0. With AWS, the laryngeal views obtained were all grade I. The total time to pass the tube with the AWS was 19.5 +/- 7.9 s and the number of intubation attempts was 1.05 +/- 0.2. The Cormack grade obtained with the Macintosh laryngoscope did not affect the AWS view. The tube touched the right arytenoid in 5 cases but successful intubation was achieved by adjusting the blade direction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that the PENTAX-AWS provides a better laryngeal view than the Macintosh laryngoscope and facilitates easier intubation under vision in a higher proportion of patients.
authors: Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Asahikawa Medical College, Asahikawa.
authors: Akihiro
authors: A
authors: Suzuki
authors: Yuki
authors: Y
authors: Toyama
authors: Norifumi
authors: N
authors: Katsumi
authors: Rika
authors: R
authors: Sasaki
authors: Koki
authors: K
authors: Hirota
authors: Hideki
authors: H
authors: Matsumoto
authors: Osamu
authors: O
authors: Takahata
authors: Hiroshi
authors: H
authors: Iwasaki
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020704:Laryngoscopes; D007830:Larynx / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged