J Trauma
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Airway scope versus macintosh laryngoscope in patients with simulated limitation of neck movements.
Tracheal intubation in patients with suspected neck injuries should achieve two contradicting goals-sufficient laryngeal exposure and the least cervical spine movement. Because the former involves displacements of the cervical vertebrae, intubation under immobilization is widely performed today to prevent exacerbation of spinal code injuries. The unique curving blade of the Airway Scope (AWS) is designed to fit the oropharyngeal anatomy. A camera at the tip of the blade displays the view of the larynx, but unlike the direct laryngoscope, it needs no line-of-sight of the oral, pharyngeal, and tracheal axis. Our purpose is to determine whether AWS could be a suitable airway device for the intubation of patients with potential neck injury. ⋯ In neck-immobilized patients using semi-rigid cervical collars, AWS improves laryngeal exposure and facilitates tracheal intubation. AWS may be a suitable intubation device for trauma patients.