Clin Exp Emerg Med.  2016 Jun;3(2):75-80. 10.15441/ceem.15.069.

Comparison of blind intubation through supraglottic devices and direct laryngoscopy by novices: a simulation manikin study

• Kim YY
• Kang GH
• Kim WH
• Choi HY
• Jang YS
• Lee YJ
• Kim JG
• Kim H
• Kim GY

• KMID: 2360980
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15441/ceem.15.069

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare intubation performance between blind intubation through supraglottic airway devices and direct laryngoscopy by novices under manikin simulation. We hypothesized that the intubation time by novices using supraglottic airway devices was superior to that with the Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL).
METHODS
A prospective, randomized crossover study was conducted with 95 participants, to evaluate i-gel, air-Q, LMA Fastrach, and MCL devices. Primary outcomes were the intubation time and the success rate for intubation.
RESULTS
The i-gel showed the shortest insertion and tube passing time among the four devices; the i-gel and air-Q also showed the shortest total intubation time (all P<0.0083; i-gel vs. air-Q, P=0.03). The i-gel and MCL showed the highest cumulative success rate (all P<0.0083; i-gel vs. MCL, P=0.12).
CONCLUSION
Blind intubation through the i-gel showed almost equal intubation performance compared to direct laryngoscopy.

Keyword

Airway management; Intubation; Laryngeal masks

MeSH Terms

Airway Management
Cross-Over Studies
Intubation*
Laryngeal Masks
Laryngoscopes
Laryngoscopy*
Manikins*
Prospective Studies