Nasal intubation was quicker and easier with the new intubating stylet than with traditional flexible fiber-optic scopes.
Nasal intubation is required when oral access is limited or nonexistent. Flexible fiber-optic scopes have been the standard tool in this situation, but the technique is challenging and equipment is not readily available in many emergency departments. The Trachway, a newer semirigid intubating video stylet, can be preformed and fitted with a small endotracheal tube to facilitate nasal intubation.
Researchers randomized 80 patients with limited mouth opening who were undergoing elective head and neck surgery to nasal intubation with either a 3.5-mm flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope or a 5-mm Trachway video intubating stylet shaped with a 60°–70° angulated distal tip. Patients with bilateral nasal obstruction, sleep apnea, coagulopathy, or redu…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)
Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)
Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)
Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)
Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair