Comparison of the Pentax AWS videolaryngoscope with the Macintosh laryngoscope in simulated difficult airway intubations by emergency physicians.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Pentax AWS videolaryngoscope (PAV) in intubation of simulated difficult airways by emergency medical staff.

Methods: Emergency medical staff and students attempted to intubate a manikin using 3 difficult airways settings with both the PAV and a Macintosh (MAC) laryngoscope in a randomized order. The success of tracheal intubation, time required, number of attempts, airway adjunct use, grade of view obtained, and participant comments were recorded.

Results: Significantly higher success rates of intubation occurred with the PAV compared with the MAC, irrespective of the level of training or number of previous intubations. With the highest difficulty setting, success occurred in 76.4% with the PAV versus 8.8% with the MAC. The PAV also significantly improved the Cormack and Lehane grading and reduced airway adjunct use, number of intubation attempts, and damage during intubation.

Conclusions: The PAV may be a useful adjunct in difficult intubations by emergency medical staff.