Learning and performance of tracheal intubation by novice personnel: a comparison of the Airtraq and Macintosh laryngoscope.
Maharaj, C H Costello, J F Higgins, B D Harte, B H Laffey, J G
Maharaj, C H
Costello, J F
Higgins, B D
Harte, B H
Laffey, J G
Advisors
Editors
Other Contributors
Date
2006-07
Date Submitted
Keywords
Other Subjects
Subject Mesh
Airway Obstruction
Anesthesiology
Cervical Vertebrae
Clinical Competence
Education, Medical, Undergraduate
Equipment Design
Humans
Immobilization
Intubation, Intratracheal
Laryngoscopes
Manikins
Posture
Anesthesiology
Cervical Vertebrae
Clinical Competence
Education, Medical, Undergraduate
Equipment Design
Humans
Immobilization
Intubation, Intratracheal
Laryngoscopes
Manikins
Posture
Planned Date
Start Date
Collaborators
Principal Investigators
Alternative Titles
Publisher
Abstract
Direct laryngoscopic tracheal intubation is taught to many healthcare professionals as it is a potentially lifesaving procedure. However, it is a difficult skill to acquire and maintain, and, of concern, the consequences of poorly performed intubation attempts are potentially serious. The Airtraq Laryngoscope is a novel intubation device which may possess advantages over conventional direct laryngoscopes for use by novice personnel. We conducted a prospective trial with 40 medical students who had no prior airway management experience. Following brief didactic instruction, each participant took turns in performing laryngoscopy and intubation using the Macintosh and Airtraq devices under direct supervision. Each student was allowed up to three attempts to intubate in three laryngoscopy scenarios using a Laerdal Intubation Trainer and one scenario in a Laerdal SimMan Manikin. They then performed tracheal intubation of the normal airway a second time to characterise the learning curve for each device. The Airtraq provided superior intubating conditions, resulting in greater success of intubation, particularly in the difficult laryngoscopy scenarios. In both easy and simulated difficult laryngoscopy scenarios, the Airtraq decreased the duration of intubation attempts, reduced the number of optimisation manoeuvres required, and reduced the potential for dental trauma. The Airtraq device showed a rapid learning curve and the students found it significantly easier to use. The Airtraq appears to be a superior device for novice personnel to acquire the skills of tracheal intubation.
Language
en
ISSN
0003-2409
eISSN
ISBN
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2044.2006.04653.x
PMID
16792613