AirTraq Laryngoscope

[PoPo908]

Was wondering if there has been any use of this device in the SF community - if so, I'd enjoy reading a review.

Thanks in advance.

http://www.airtraq.com

[Sdiver]

That's pretty cool.

From the Civie side, I can't see it being used all that much, in a pre-hospital setting, just because of the cost, seeing that the blades are a one shot deal. They can't be cleaned as like the "standard" blades. I would think the cost alone, would be a big deciding factor. (Hell, at my dept., we're still waiting for the EZ-IOs to come in. )

Although, I can see flight nurses/medics would find a big advantage in using it. In the cramped quarters of a helo/plane, and the ability to hook up the camera, for easier viewing, would be a big boon for them.

[Surgicalcric]

Its a really interesting instrument and I can see it being in the OR or ER where they have the means to have several handy, I cant really see it being used in either a field EMS setting, in flight, or in tactical/combat medicine (not that I am the authority on this area).

FWIW, there was a similar device being tested a few years ago (cant remember the name of it). It looked and worked on a similar principle. It was great in the OR but had a problem with saliva and vomit blurring the the fiber optics and lens, at which point it just becomes a large OPA. As well I didnt see any video in the testimonials featuring airway obstruction from saliva, food, vomit, foreign bodies, etc which are commonly encountered outside of the ER/OR with intubations.

There are other choices for those difficult intubations which dont require us carrying a single use item that takes up more space in an already over filled aid/ALS bag...

Just my .02 YMMV

Crip

[adal]

Had one for review at my ground job. Didn't like it. The light isn't very bright, the optics can get blocked by emesis and blood, and it didn't appear to have any magnification. In fact it seemed like it made the cords smaller. IMO if you are going to have a tool to assist in a critical skill you should make it better for the operator. It felt really cheap too. Didn't get to look into the cost factor at all. Just my .02. adal

[theditchdoctor]

I also wasn't impressed with the AirTraq. To be quite honest, if you are going to be working in a light sensitive (I believe that is the correct term) environment then you would be better off developing skills at digital or manual intubation or through the use of a non-visualized airway such as a laryngeal mask airway or Combitube. Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions or want sources for information on these techniques or devices.

[docbuxton]

The OEMS program talked about it and let us play with them. Very expensive and it was said that the light only lasts for about 5-6 min and goes dead.

doc B