Disposable material for tracheal intubation: pilot study using Penlon Crystal blades and Penlon Lary Gard sheaths

OBJECTIVE: The risk of cross infection due to non-conventional infectious agents has led to the development of single-use disposable medical material. For laryngoscopy, two attitudes have been proposed: the use of disposable blades or disposable translucide cover sheaths with steel blades. Practice studies assessing the quality of these devices are scarce, leaving the physician to his own experience. STUDY DESIGN: Open pilot study assessing satisfaction of the users during tracheal intubation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hundred patients of general surgery requiring tracheal intubation underwent laryngoscopy in routine condition with disposable blades (Penlon Crystal) or disposable cover sheaths (Penlon Lary Gard) with steel blades. The users gave a general appreciation of the device and specific comments on the easiness of insertion of the blade, intensity of light and its focus, quality of glottic exposure, easiness of tracheal tube insertion, and solidity of the device. RESULTS: With both devices, intubation was impossible in 6% of the patients. The users considered that intubation was performed in comfortable conditions with both devices. Dim light was noticed with Crystal blade. CONCLUSION: In case of use of disposable material, both devices seem to be close in terms of quality of intubation.