Randomized evaluation of the performance of single-use laryngoscopes in simulated easy and difficult intubation

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Abstract
Background. Single‐use laryngoscopes are becoming used more widely. Methods. We compared six types of single‐use laryngoscope with the standard Macintosh laryngoscope using the Laerdal SimMan™ patient simulator. Twenty anaesthetists attempted to intubate the simulator with standardized airway settings allowing a full view of the vocal cords (‘easy intubation’). The airway settings were then changed so that only the posterior part of the glottis was visible (‘difficult intubation’) and the anaesthetists were asked to intubate the simulator again. Results. The time to intubate with the standard laryngoscope was less in both easy (PPPPPPPPConclusions. Of the laryngoscopes tested, the standard reusable Macintosh laryngoscope performed best. The Europa™ was the best single‐use laryngoscope. Some single‐use laryngoscopes tested were significantly inferior to the Macintosh. This raises concern over their use in clinical practice, particularly if intubation is difficult. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90: 8–13

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