Learning and performance of tracheal intubation by novice personnel: a comparison of the Airtraq and Macintosh laryngoscope.
Affiliation
Department of Anaesthesia, University College Hospital Galway, Ireland.Issue Date
2006-07MeSH
Airway ObstructionAnesthesiology
Cervical Vertebrae
Clinical Competence
Education, Medical, Undergraduate
Equipment Design
Humans
Immobilization
Intubation, Intratracheal
Laryngoscopes
Manikins
Posture
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Show full item recordCitation
Learning and performance of tracheal intubation by novice personnel: a comparison of the Airtraq and Macintosh laryngoscope. 2006, 61 (7):671-7 AnaesthesiaJournal
AnaesthesiaDOI
10.1111/j.1365-2044.2006.04653.xPubMed ID
16792613Abstract
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.Item Type
ArticleLanguage
enISSN
0003-2409ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1111/j.1365-2044.2006.04653.x
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