First clinical experience of tracheal intubation with the SensaScope, a novel steerable semirigid video stylet

Background. Problems with tracheal intubation are a major causeof anaesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. Difficulty withtracheal intubation is primarily a consequence of failure tosee the vocal cords with conventional direct laryngoscopy. Wereport our experience with use of the SensaScope^® for trachealintubation in routine clinical practice. Methods. The SensaScope^® is a hybrid steerable semirigidS-shaped video stylet. Its handling and performance were assessedby anaesthetists with a minimum of 1 yr of experience. Theyperformed four intubations each with the device in anaesthetizedelective surgical patients. The view of the glottis with theMacintosh laryngoscope was compared with the view shown on themonitor by the SensaScope^®. The time taken to complete intubation,the final tracheal tube (TT) position and the degree of difficultyof the procedure were recorded. Results. Thirty-two patients were studied. All Macintosh Cormackand Lehane grade 3 patients were converted to grade 1 or 2 withthe SensaScope^®. Mean intubation time was 25 (12) s andcorrect mid-tracheal TT cuff position was achieved in all cases.The degree of difficulty was 3.0 (1.8) on a numerical scaleranging from 0 to 10. All operators rapidly became familiarwith the device and mastered its technique of use. Conclusion. The SensaScope^® is a reliable and effectivedevice for tracheal intubation under vision of the normal airway.It has great potential to facilitate management of difficultairway situations in anaesthetized and paralysed patients.