title: [Airtraq optical laryngoscope: clinical assessment of its performance in 300 surgical patients].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Airtraq optical laryngoscope allows visualization of the glottis through a non-line-of sight view. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of this device for the tracheal intubation of surgical patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Airtraq was used for the endotracheal intubation in 300 surgical patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Airtraq optical laryngoscope allowed visualization of the glottis and successful intubation in 298 out of 300 patients. Endotracheal intubations were easily performed both with normal and difficult airways.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Airtraq optical laryngoscope consistently permitted a better intubation environment. With its potential advantages, the Airtraq optical laryngoscope could be an effective aid to airway management in surgical patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498.
authors.forename: Nobuhiro
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shimada
authors.forename: Yoshihiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hirabayashi
authors.forename: Norimasa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Seo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D020704:Laryngoscopes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult