Pentax AirWay Scope Outperforms Macintosh for Patients with Sleep Apnea

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea often have narrowed upper airways, small mandibles, short or thick necks, and large tongues, making intubation more difficult. Researchers compared the Pentax AirWay Scope™ (AWS) and Macintosh laryngoscope in a randomized study of 46 patients undergoing elective surgery for sleep apnea. Two experienced anesthesiologists performed all intubations. Patients with reduced mouth opening (<18 mm), loose teeth, risk for aspiration, or pathology of the neck or upper airway were excluded.

Mallampati scores were higher in the AWS group (3 vs. 2). Intubation was successful on the first attempt in 100% of patients with the AWS and 83% with the Macintosh, and was successful in all patients within two attempts. The AW…