Abstract
We prospectively compared free-handed and air-Q™ assisted fibreoptic-guided tracheal intubation in children < 2 years of age. eighty healthy children were enrolled and randomly assigned to a technique (free-handed or air-q assisted) and operator (trainee or attending). time, number of attempts and manoeuvres required were assessed. there was no difference in median (iqr [range]) time to successful tracheal intubation between the free-handed (52.2 (34.8-67.7 [19.7-108.0]) s), and the air-q assisted (60.3 (45.5-75.1 [28.1-129.0]) s; p =" 0.13)" groups, or the number of attempts needed. the air-q assisted group required fewer manoeuvres to optimise the laryngeal view (median (iqr [range]) 0 (0-1 [0-2])) than the free-handed group (1 (1-1 [0-3]); p >< 0.001). in conclusion, fibreoptic-guided tracheal intubation times were similar with and without the use of the air-q, but supraglottic airway devices may be a consideration for their other practical advantages. we prospectively compared free-handed and air-q™ assisted fibreoptic-guided tracheal intubation in children>< 2 years of age. eighty healthy children were enrolled and randomly assigned to a technique (free-handed or air-q assisted) and operator (trainee or attending). time, number of attempts and manoeuvres required were assessed. there was no difference in median (iqr [range]) time to successful tracheal intubation between the free-handed (52.2 (34.8-67.7 [19.7-108.0]) s), and the air-q assisted (60.3 (45.5-75.1 [28.1-129.0]) s; p =" 0.13)" groups, or the number of attempts needed. the air-q assisted group required fewer manoeuvres to optimise the laryngeal view (median (iqr [range]) 0 (0-1 [0-2])) than the free-handed group (1 (1-1 [0-3]); p >< 0.001). in conclusion, fibreoptic-guided tracheal intubation times were similar with and without the use of the air-q, but supraglottic airway devices may be a consideration for their other practical advantages.>
