Training resident anesthesiologists in adult challenging intubation comparing Truview EVO2 and Macintosh laryngoscope: a preliminary study.

Aim: Teaching airway management continues to be of high importance to the anesthesiologist, since the care of each individual patient depends on the expertise, training and knowledge of the anesthetist with different airway devices, techniques and algorithms. The aim of our study was to compare intubation performed by resident anesthesiologists in training, under senior supervision, using Truview EVO2 (Group 1) or Macintosh blade (Group 2) in a group of adult patients undergoing elective surgery.

Methods: This was a pilot prospective study. Thirty patients who were scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia were randomized into two groups. In Group 1, intubation was performed by using the Truview EVO2, and in Group 2 intubation was performed by using the Macintosh blade. Mallampati score, thyromental distance and neck mobility were recorded for each patient. The exclusion criteria included a Mallampati score =or<2 and a Patil distance >6 cm. The time of intubation and any occurrence of complications were recorded.

Results: Intubation was always successful on the first attempt in Group 1, while it failed for 46.7% of patients in Group 2 (P=0.006). The time of intubation was not different between the two groups. No complications were recorded for Group 1 (Truview), while seven were reported in Group 2 (Macintosh) (P=0.003).

Conclusions: The resident managed to intubate all patients on the first attempt with the Truview, which led to a lower incidence of complications. Despite the exiguity of the population in the study, Truview EVO2 and other videolaryngoscopes can be considered to be useful tools in training resident anesthesiologists in elective intubation.