The prediction of difficult intubation in obese patients using mirror indirect laryngoscopy: A prospective pilot study.

Background: The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation in obese patients is higher than in the general population. Classical predictors of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation have been shown to be unreliable. We prospectively evaluated indirect mirror laryngoscopy as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients.

A survey of airway training among U.S. and Canadian anesthesiology residency programs.

Study Objective: To determine the current trends in airway education in academic programs.

Design: Survey instrument.

Setting: American academic medical center.

A proposed classification of simulators.

This paper provides a coherent and comprehensive classification of simulators, using a five letter coding system, and is based on the characteristics of the user interface and the logic controller.

Review of video laryngoscopy and rigid fiberoptic laryngoscopy.

Purpose Of Review: Recent advances in fiberoptic systems and video technology have resulted in the development of new intubation devices and techniques. A defining characteristic of rigid fiberoptic and videolaryngoscopic techniques is that glottic opening is viewed indirectly in place of direct line-of-sight. Various issues common to all instruments in this group are highlighted, and a few recently released tools are described.

Teaching without a teacher: developing competence with a Bullard laryngoscope using only a structured self-learning course and practicing on a mannequin.

Study Objective: To show that a complex motor skill can be taught without requiring active expert faculty participation.

Design: Prospective descriptive study.

Setting: Simulation laboratory of an academic anesthesiology department.