The Comparison of Suceess Rates of Lightwand Facilitated Tracheal Intubation in Different Head Positions (Neutral Position versus Sniffing Position)

Byun, So Jung; Lee, Ji Hyang; Kim, Eun Ju; Lee, Sang Gon; Ban, Jong Seok; Min, Byung Woo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It has been known that a patient head in sniffing position for lightwand facilitated tracheal intubation is not an anatomically appropriate method. However, there is no evidence nor study whether it is true or not. In this study, we compared success rates of lightwand facilitated tracheal intubation in neutral position versus sniffing position.
METHODS
With informed consent, sixty adult patients of ASA physical status I or II were randomly allocated into two groups: neutral position (N) or sniffing position (S) group. A lightwand and tube were bent at approximately a 90degrees degree angle for N group and a 60 degree angle for S group on the basis of mouth axis and pharyngeal axis. The time to intubation, success rates of 1st trial of intubation, overall intubation success rates, hemodynamic changes and complications during the procedure were recorded.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the time to intubation, success rates of 1st trial of intubation, overall intubation success rates, hemodynamic changes and complications between neutral position and sniffing position groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Success rates of lightwand facilitated tracheal intubation in neutral position versus sniffing position showed no significant difference. Therefore, both positions are suitable for lightwand assisted intubation.