Comparison of different sizes Airtraq™ optical laryngoscope in pediatric patients: A prospective, observational study

Abstract

Background: We aimed at comparing the performance of the three different sizes of AirtraqTM, when performing tracheal intubation in paediatric patients requiring general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Methods: After obtaining informed count from parents, 30 infant, 30 children and 30 adolescent patients underwent tracheal intubation in K.E.M. hospital using AirtraqTM laryngoscope. All patients were intubated by an anaesthetist having at least 5 years of experience in anaesthesia. Results: The Small Airtraq performed best, with less time taken for intubation, no failed intubations, grater percentage of glottic opening score and visual analogue score for ease of use. Optimization manoeuvres were required for intubations in all the patients in infant group; with 5 failed intubations indicating intubation using infant Airtraq was more challenging. Conclusions: Proficiency in using Airtraq in adults may not always translate to successful intubations in infants. Learning curve of an airway gadget is witnessed in its different sized version.

Keywords

• Airtraq™ laryngoscope
• different sizes of Airtraq
• equipment
• pediatric patients
• tracheal intubation