[Management of the easy or complicated airway by nonexperts using the AirTraq optical laryngoscope].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the utility of the AirTraq optical laryngoscope in a retrospective case series, assessing indications for use and benefits as well as possible limitations.


METHODS
Retrospective study of the first 124 patients in whom we used the AirTraq for tracheal intubation. Anatomical and demographic variables were recorded in addition to preoperative findings on examination of the airway. Ease in accomplishing the maneuver and quality of the procedure were assessed after intubation with the AirTraq.


RESULTS
The trachea was correctly intubated in 97.6% of the patients. Intubation failed in only 3 (2.4%) patients. Laryngoscopic quality was optimal in over 95% of the cases. There were few complications or other events.


CONCLUSIONS
The AirTraq laryngoscope has been shown to facilitate intubation even when nonexpert staff perform the maneuver in cases in which previous attempts at laryngoscopy have failed and in which a difficult airway is anticipated. Ease of use and relative safety make the AirTraq a practical device for a variety of patient types and clinical settings.
Castañeda Pascual
M
M
Servicio de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapia del Dolor, Hospital de Navarra, Pamplona. mcastapas@hotmail.com
Batllori Gastón
M
M
Unzué Rico
P
P
Iza López
J
J
Dorronsoro Auzmendi
M
M
Murillo Jaso
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000402:Airway Obstruction; D000776:Anesthesiology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020704:Laryngoscopes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult