Evaluation of a smartphone camera system to enable visualization and image transmission to aid tracheal intubation with the Airtraq^® laryngoscope

Using three-dimensional printing, we produced adaptors to attach a smartphone with camera to the eyepiece of the Airtraq^® laryngoscope. This low-cost system enabled a team to simultaneously view the laryngoscopy process on the smartphone screen, and also enabled image transmission. We compared the Airtraq^® with the smartphone Airtraq^® system in a crossover study of trainee anesthesiologists performing tracheal intubation in a manikin. We also evaluated the smartphone Airtraq^® system for laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in 30 patients, including image transmission to and communication with a remote instructor. In the manikin study, the smartphone Airtraq^® system enabled instruction where both trainee and instructor could view the larynx simultaneously, and did not substantially increase the time required for intubation. In the patient study, we were able to view the larynx in all 30 patients, and the remote instructor was able to receive the images and to respond on correctness of laryngoscopy and tracheal tube placement. Tracheal intubation was successful within 90s in 19 (63 %) patients. In conclusion, use of a smartphone with the Airtraq^® may facilitate instruction and communication of laryngoscopy with the Airtraq^®, overcoming some of its limitations.