Evaluation of Airway Scope at Improving the Success Rate of the First Intubation Attempt by Nonexpert Physicians: A Randomized Crossover Manikin Study

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of Airway Scope (AWS) on the first attempt at intubation in manikins by nonexpert physicians. Methods. A randomized crossover trial involving seven scenarios. Participants: residents of a cardiovascular hospital. In group A, the AWS procedure was performed first followed by Machintouch Laryngoscopy (ML), while in group B the ML procedure was performed first and then the AWS. The primary outcome assessed was the success of first intubation attempt in a normal scenario. The secondary outcome assessments were success in six other scenarios, and also elapsed time and dental trauma caused in all scenarios. Results. There were 34 participants. All AWS-assisted intubations were successfully completed, but one ML-assisted intubation failed in the normal scenario (P=0.32). The outcomes achieved by the AWS in scenarios involving cervical immobilization (P=0.03), tongue edema (P≤0.001), pharyngeal obstruction (P≤0.001), and jaw trismus (P=0.001) were superior to those obtained with the ML. Conclusions. Use of AWS-assisted intubation in manikin scenarios results in a significantly high intubation success rate on the first attempt by nonexpert physicians. These findings suggest this new device will be useful for nonexpert physicians in emergency situations.