[Comparison of the Parker flex-tip tube with the standard tube for Airtraq intubation].

BACKGROUND

During tracheal intubation with the Airtraq laryngoscope (AL), the tracheal tube tip sometimes impinges on the glottis or other laryngeal structures. We tested a hypothesis that Parker flex-tip tube (PT) makes AL assisted tracheal intubation easier and faster than a conventional tube (Mallinckrod Hi-Lo tube : HT).

METHODS

Study 1. Fifty patients were assigned to group PT (n = 25) or group HT (n = 25). After induction of general anesthesia, intubation was performed with AL. We recorded tube passage time, the number of tube impingements, circulatory changes and incidences of postoperative complications. Study 2. Twenty patients were divided into two groups and intubated either by HT or PT. We assessed the tip direction and contact points of each tube.

RESULTS

Study 1. The use of PT significantly reduced the number of tube impingements compared to HT. Tube passage time in group PT was shorter than that in group HT, but the difference was not statistically significant. Study 2. The tube tip contact with the vocal cords was more frequent with HT.

CONCLUSIONS

PT significantly reduced the number of impingements. The shape of tube tip and the smaller angle of PT when fitted in AL contributed to the relative ease of tube passage.