Does laryngoscopic view after intubation predict laryngoscopic view before intubation?

Study Objective: To determine if an endotracheal (ET) tube will distort the laryngeal view obtained with direct laryngoscopy measuring with the modified Cormack-Lehane scale (MCL).

Design: Observational single-arm study.

Setting: The University of Calgary teaching hospitals.

Drinking 300 mL of clear fluid two hours before surgery has no effect on gastric fluid volume and pH in fasting and non-fasting obese patients.

Purpose: To determine whether, in obese [body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg.m(2)] patients, oral intake of 300 mL clear liquid two hours before elective surgery affects the volume and pH of gastric contents at induction of anesthesia.

Methods: A single-blind, randomized study of 126 adult patients, age > or = 18 yr, ASA physical status I or II, BMI > 30 kg.

Laryngoscopic intubation: learning and performance.

Background: Many healthcare professionals are trained in direct laryngoscopic tracheal intubation (LEI), which is a potentially lifesaving procedure. This study attempts to determine the number of successful LEI exposures required during training to assure competent performance, with special emphasis on defining competence itself.

Methods: Analyses were based on a longitudinal study of novices under training conditions in the operating room.

Clinical trial of a new lightwand device (Trachlight) to intubate the trachea.

Background: Transillumination of the soft tissue of the neck using a lighted stylet (lightwand) is an effective and safe intubating technique. A newly designed lightwand (Trachlight) incorporates modifications to improve the brightness of the light source as well as flexibility. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of this device in intubating the trachea of elective surgical patients.

Lightwand intubation: II--Clinical trial of a new lightwand for tracheal intubation in patients with difficult airways.

Lightwands have been used to assist in the tracheal intubation of patients with difficult airways for many years. A new lightwand (Trachlight) with a brighter light source and a flexible stylet permits both oral and nasal intubation under ambient light. This study reports the effectiveness of the Trachlight in tracheal intubation in patients with difficult airways.