Visualization of the Larynx With the Airtraq Laryngoscope and Image Transmission
Condition: Anaesthesia
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The Airtraq is a battery powered single use optical laryngoscope with a channel to hold and
      guide the tracheal tube into the trachea. It enables tracheal intubation in patients with
      normal and difficult airways, by enabling laryngoscopy without neck movement. As a single use
      device, it is cost effective to have these placed in emergency equipment kits, and for use by
      emergency and military personnel.

      However, it does have several limitations. The Airtraq requires the user to place his/her eye
      to the eyepiece in order to see the advancement of the laryngoscope and the tracheal tube,
      which may be difficult if the patient is on the ground or in emergency scenarios. Only the
      user can see through the eyepiece and any assistants are unable to view the larynx, this
      makes it difficult for assistants to help the operator.

      Many handphones now incorporate high quality cameras. In this study, we will evaluate the
      effectiveness of using the iPhone to aid laryngoscopy with the Airtraq optical laryngoscope
      during laryngoscopy and intubation in 30 patients presenting for elective surgery under
      general anaesthesia. We have manufactured an attachment that fits over the eyepiece of the
      Airtraq, to hold an iPhone to the eyepiece. This will enable to operator and assistants to
      simultaneously view the insertion of the Airtraq, view the larynx and view the passage of the
      tracheal tube into the trachea.
    

Detailed description: 
      This study is a single-cohort study design. 30 patients undergoing elective surgery under
      general anaesthesia will be recruited. They will have endotracheal intubation done with the
      Airtraq optical laryngoscope and handphone camera assisted visualization.

      The Airtraq optical laryngoscope fitted with the attachment holding the camera handphone will
      be prepared and loaded with an appropriately sized endotracheal tube. A standard general
      anaesthesia technique will be used. This will include standard monitoring including pulse
      oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure, ECG and capnography, all started before induction of
      anaesthesia. Anaesthesia will be induced with proprofol and fentanyl, and muscle relaxation
      with atracurium.

      The airway management procedure will start after induction of anaesthesia and muscle
      relaxation. The Airtraq optical laryngoscope will be used. The Airtraq is fit with an
      attachment to hold the camera handphone, and loaded with an endotracheal tube. The Airtraq
      will be inserted and manipulated until the best view of the patient's laryngeal opening can
      be seen on the camera handphone screen. The endotracheal tube will then be placed in the
      patient's trachea and the cuff inflated. Successful intubation will be confirmed by 3-point
      auscultation and presence of end-tidal carbon dioxide tracing.
    

Intervention name(s): Airtraq visualization
Intervention type(s): Device
Intervention description(s): Larynx visualization with Airtraq and attached handphone
Other intervention name(s): Airtraq Avant
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: tracheal intubation