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Comparison of Flexiblade™ and Macintosh laryngoscopes: cervical extension angles during orotracheal intubation
Author(s) -
Uzun S.,
Erden İ. A.,
Pamuk A. G.,
Yavuz K.,
Çekirge S.,
Aypar Ü.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2010.06370.x
Subject(s) - medicine , laryngoscopes , intubation , laryngoscopy , orotracheal intubation , anesthesia , cervical spine , tracheal intubation , glottis , general anaesthesia , surgery , larynx
Summary The Flexiblade TM is a new laryngoscope with a flexible blade, a handle and a lever, allowing gradual flexion over the distal half of the blade. In this study, we aimed to compare cervical vertebral movements during tracheal intubation with the Flexiblade and Macintosh laryngoscope in 32 patients undergoing elective surgery requiring general anaesthesia ( n = 16 per group). Fluoroscopic images of cervical movement were captured before, during and after intubation and evaluated by a radiologist. C1–C2 cervical vertebral movement was significantly reduced during the intubation in the Flexiblade group (p < 0.0001). C2–C3 cervical movement was similar in both groups (p = 0.81). No significant differences were noted in success rates for intubation, oxygen saturation levels, haemodynamic variables or intubation‐related injury. The decreased extension angle between C1–C2 during Flexiblade laryngoscopy compared with Macintosh laryngoscopy may be an advantage where neurological damage with cervical movement is a concern.