title: Comparison of the EasyTube and endotracheal tube during general anesthesia in fasted adult patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, ease of placement, and ventilatory parameters of a new alternate airway device, the EasyTube (EzT; Teleflex Ruesch, Research Triangle Park, NC), in comparison to the endotracheal tube (ETT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  University Hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  200 adult ASA physical status I and II patients scheduled for surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were randomized to two groups, one to receive ventilation via the EzT (n = 100) or the ETT (n = 100). After preoxygenation and induction with fentanyl and propofol, patients received muscle relaxation. The respective airway device was then inserted and mechanical ventilation was instituted.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ease of insertion, number of insertion maneuvers, time until airtight seal of the airway was achieved, duration of surgery, leak pressure as well as arterial oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO(2)) data, were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mallampati airway class was higher in the EzT group (P < 0.029), while thyromental distance showed no difference between the two groups. Ease of insertion was noted in the EzT group (P < 0.043). Number of insertions was equal in both groups; insertion time was shorter with the EzT (15.5 +/- 3.6 sec vs. 19.3 +/- 4.6 sec; P < 0.0001). Leak pressure and SpO(2) were not significantly different, while ETCO(2) was lower with the ETT (P < 0.024). Adjustments had to be made for two EzT group patients. No difference in frequency of laryngo-pharyngeal discomfort was observed in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Insertion of an EzT appears to reduce time and facilitate placement of an airway device when compared with direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, General Intensive Care and Pain Management, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Veit
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lorenz
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rich
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schebesta
authors.forename: Sevak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taslakian
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Müllner
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frass
authors.forename: Ernst
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schuster
authors.forename: Udo M
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Illievich
authors.forename: Alan D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vaida
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Krafft
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000379:methods*; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen; D005283:Fentanyl; D015742:Propofol