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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Original research

Use of the Airtraq® device for airway management in the prehospital setting – a retrospective study

Authors: Mikael Gellerfors, Agneta Larsson, Christer H Svensén, Dan Gryth

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Difficulties with prehospital intubations have encouraged the development of indirect laryngoscopy techniques, facilitating laryngeal visualization. Airtraq® is a relatively new single-use indirect laryngoscope. The Airtraq® has been evaluated in several prehospital mannequin intubation trials. However, prehospital clinical experience with the device is limited.

Methods

A retrospective medical chart review was performed for patients who underwent prehospital endotracheal intubation in the Stockholm County between January 2008 and December 2012. Both anaesthesiologists and nurse anaesthetists performed prehospital intubations during the study period. All Airtraq® intubations during this period were included in the analysis. The objective was to estimate the success rate of Airtraq® used in a prehospital setting.

Results

During the 5-year period (January 2008- December 2012), 2453 tracheal intubations were performed. Airtraq® was used in 28 cases (1%). The overall Airtraq® intubation success rate was 68%. Among patients with anticipated or unexpected difficult airway (23/28) the Airtraq® success rate was 61% (14/23). Among patients who underwent drug facilitated or rapid-sequence intubation protocols 4/5 (80%) were successfully intubated with Airtraq®.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this retrospective study showed a higher Airtraq® success rate than previous prospective prehospital trials. However, compared to other prehospital direct and indirect intubation methods the Airtraq success rate is low. Further clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the role of Airtraq® in the prehospital airway management.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Use of the Airtraq® device for airway management in the prehospital setting – a retrospective study
Authors
Mikael Gellerfors
Agneta Larsson
Christer H Svensén
Dan Gryth
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-7241-22-10

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