In patients with cervical spine immobilization
Airtraq outperforms DL and other VL
Alternative intubation techniques vs Macintosh laryngoscopy in patients with cervical spine immobilization: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
British Journal of Anaesthesia, 2015, 1–10, L. Suppan1Geneva University Hospitals,
Results: Twenty-four trials (1866 patients) met inclusion criteria.
Meta analyses could be performed for Airtraq, Airwayscope, C-Mac, Glidescope, and McGrath.
The Airtraq was associated with a statistically significant:
- a reduction of the risk of intubation failure at the first attempt,
- a higher rate of Cormack–Lehane grade 1,
- a reduction of time until successful intubation,
- a reduction of oropharyngeal complications.
Other devices were associated with improved glottis visualization but no statistically significant differences in intubation failure or time to intubation compared with conventional laryngoscopy.
Conclusions: In situations where the spine is immobilized, the Airtraq device reduces the risk of intubation failure. There is a lack of evidence for the usefulness of other intubation devices.
Request a free Airtraq demonstration
Request a FREE on-site demonstration from a local Airtraq Sales Representative.
