The time required for tracheal intubation using a Pentax AWS laryngoscope is longer than for a Macintosh laryngoscope and #4 blade, according to a study published in the Sept. 2011 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia.
According to the study's abstract, the Pentax AWS is a novel video laryngoscope designed to facilitate tracheal intubation by providing indirect visualization of the laryngeal inlet. The researchers sought to compare the success rate and time to intubation for this device and the classic Macintosh laryngoscope.
The researchers studied 105 obese patients requiring orotracheal intubation for elective surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to tracheal intubation with either the Macintosh or Pentax AWS laryngoscope.
The study found that intubations using the Macintosh laryngoscope and #4 blade were significantly faster than with the Pentax AWS device. Half of the patients were successful intubated within 26 seconds with the Macintosh, compared to within 38 seconds with the AWS.
The authors recommended the AWS not be routinely substituted for the Macintosh in morbidly obese patients.
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According to the study's abstract, the Pentax AWS is a novel video laryngoscope designed to facilitate tracheal intubation by providing indirect visualization of the laryngeal inlet. The researchers sought to compare the success rate and time to intubation for this device and the classic Macintosh laryngoscope.
The researchers studied 105 obese patients requiring orotracheal intubation for elective surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to tracheal intubation with either the Macintosh or Pentax AWS laryngoscope.
The study found that intubations using the Macintosh laryngoscope and #4 blade were significantly faster than with the Pentax AWS device. Half of the patients were successful intubated within 26 seconds with the Macintosh, compared to within 38 seconds with the AWS.
The authors recommended the AWS not be routinely substituted for the Macintosh in morbidly obese patients.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Los Angeles Anesthesiologist Joins the Cast of "Survivor"
Massachusetts Jury Clears Two Anesthesiologists in Patient's Death
Researchers Unsure Whether Lidocaine Can Shorten Duration of Spinal Anesthesia