Use of a Bougie Reduces C-Spine Movement During Intubation with the Airway Scope

The Pentax Airway Scope, a video laryngoscope, causes less cervical spine movement than conventional laryngoscopes during intubation without manual C-spine stabilization (JW Emerg Med Sep 28 2007). Researchers in Japan evaluated whether use of a bougie further reduces C-spine movement during Airway Scope intubation under general anesthesia. They randomized 30 nonobese patients who did not have C-spine abnormality or anticipated difficult intubation to undergo intubation with the Airway Scope either with or without a bougie. A single experienced anesthesiologist performed all intubations, and radiologists blinded to the method of intubation measured C-spine movement at multiple levels by fluoroscopy.

All patients were successfully intubated o…