Comparative study of awake endotracheal intubation with Glidescope video laryngoscope versus flexible fiber optic bronchoscope in patients with traumatic cervical spine injury

BackgroundThe Gldiescope video laryngoscope (GVL) as a recent intubating device has gained much popularity in difficult intubation over the last decade. It can be used as a substitute to flexible fiber optic bronchoscope (FOB) in intubating challenges. The object of this study is to compare the utility of GVL and FOB for intubating time, attempts, effects on hemodynamics, adverse effects, patient satisfaction and post intubation neurological outcome during awake intubation in traumatic cervical spine injury.MethodsFifty patients undergoing post traumatic cervical spine fixation under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to two groups in a prospective, controlled non-blinded study. All patients were premedicated with glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg iv and midazolam 1 mg iv that be repeated up to 0.05 mg/kg followed with a bolus dose of remifentanil 1.5 μg/kg then a continuous remifentanil infusion of 0.15 μg/kg/min for 3 min before procedure. Each patient underwent a wake endotracheal intubation with either GVL (G group) or FOB (F group) with manual in line stabilization (MILS). Intubating time, intubating attempts, hear rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen desaturation (SO₂ < 90%), sore throat, patient satisfaction and postintubation neurological outcome were recorded.ResultsIntubating time was significantly lower in G group compared with F group (26 ± 5 versus 72 ± 11 respectively), while the percentage of the first successful intubating attempt was insignificantly higher in G group (88%) than in F group (72%). Both HR and MAP were significantly increased only in F group during intubation in comparison with the basal line values. Both devices were safe for post neurological outcome. No significant differences of adverse effects or patient satisfaction were recorded between groups.ConclusionThe GVL is a safe surrogate for FOB during awake intubation for post traumatic cervical spine fixation.     

A comparative study of hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation with fiberoptic bronchoscope and laryngoscope in children

BACKGROUND: The purposes of this study were to further identify the hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation in children, using a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) and a direct laryngoscope (DLS), and to validate whether the FOB can attenuate the hemodynamic response to orotracheal intubation compared with the DLS. METHODS: Forty-three children, ASA PS I-II scheduled for elective plastic surgery under general anesthesia requiring orotracheal intubation were randomly allocated to either the DLS group (n = 20) or the FOB group (n = 23). Noninvasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before (baseline values) and after anesthesia induction (postinduction values), at intubation and every minute for the first 5 min after intubation. The maximal values of SBP and HR during the observation were also recorded. The product of HR and SBP [rate pressure product (RPP)] at each time point was calculated. RESULTS: In the DLS group, SBP, HR, and RPP at intubation and 1 min after intubation were significantly higher than postinduction values, but did not exceed baseline values. In the FOB group, SBP, HR, and RPP at intubation increased significantly compared with baseline and postinduction values. In the two groups, the maximal values of SBP, HR, and RPP during the observation were significantly higher than baseline values. Except for the HR at intubation, there were no significant differences in other hemodynamic parameters during the observation and the time required to reach maximal values of SBP, HR, and RPP between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Orotracheal intubation using FOB and DLS in children may cause similar increases in SBP and HR. Compared with the DLS, the FOB had no advantage in attenuating the hemodynamic responses to orotracheal intubation.     

可视喉镜联合纤维支气管镜在声门显露困难患者双腔支气管插管中的应用

目的探讨GlideScope可视喉镜联合纤维支气管镜引导在声门显露困难患者双腔支气管插管中的应用。方法选择择期行胸科手术患者40例,男24例,女16例,年龄24~78岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,MallampatiⅢ或Ⅳ级,随机分为GlideScope可视喉镜组(GF组)和Macintosh喉镜组(M组),每组20例。GF组运用可视喉镜联合纤维支气管镜引导进行支气管插管及对位;M组运用传统方法(先用Macintosh喉镜插管,再使用纤维支气管镜对位)。记录患者喉镜下声门显露程度Cormack-Lehane分级、插管时间、插管一次成功率、需喉部按压的患者例数以及术后48h内的声音嘶哑及咽痛情况。结果GF组Cormack-Lehane分级明显低于M组(P0.01)。GF组插管时间明显短于M组[(104.3±11.1)s vs.(138.6±33.0)s](P0.01),一次插管成功率明显高于M组(90%vs.55%)(P0.05),需要喉部按压患者比例明显低于M组(20%vs.90%)(P0.01),术后声音嘶哑和咽痛的发生率明显低于M组(5%vs.35%,25%vs.75%)(P0.05)。结论与传统方法比较,可视喉镜联合纤维支气管镜引导用于声门显露困难患者可以提高插管的成功率,减少插管时的应激反应,降低声嘶和咽痛的发生率。     

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for bronchial carcinoma with the use of rigid bronchoscope

Endoscopic PDT was undertaken in nine patients with inoperable bronchial cancer. Eight patients had advanced metastatic disease and one was unsuitablefor surgery on account of age, respiratory function and location of tumour. Patients were injected with Photofrin II (no. 7) or Polyhaematoporphyrin derivative (no. 2) at 2 mg kg⁻¹ of bodyweight before being irradiated 48 h later by 630 nm red light generated by a copper vapour laser (Oxford Lasers) for 200 J cm⁻¹ tumour tissue. Treatment was undertaken under general anaesthetic using a rigid bronchoscope for ventilating and suction purposes with the fibre optic instrument introduced through the rigid bronchoscope for localization of tumour and placement of the diffusing fibre. One patient died 2 months after treatment from carcinomatosis. One patient had total response with negative histology for 10 months. All other patients with substantial endobronchial obstructive lesions had partial response with significant reduction in percentage obstruction and improved pulmonary function. There have been no post-operative complications.     

Airtraq喉镜和Macintosh直接喉镜在经口气管插管时血流动力学的比较

目的比较Airtraq视频喉镜和Macintosh直接喉镜经口气管插管时心血管反应。方法40例拟择期经口气管插管全麻下手术的患者,按照随机数字表随机分为两组,Airtraq组（A组）和Macintosh喉镜组（M组）,每组20例。观察麻醉诱导前、诱导后、插管即刻、插管后1、3min时的心率（HR）、血压和心率收缩压乘积（ratepressureproduct,RPP）。结果两组声门暴露时间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,导管置入时间A组（6±4）S短于M组（10±4）S（P〈0．01）。两组诱导后的HR、血压和RPP值都较诱导前的基础值明显下降（P〈0．05）,插管即刻、插管后1min的心血管指标较诱导后明显增高（P〈0．05）。A组插管后3min心血管指标与诱导后比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,而M组3min时心血管指标[收缩压（SBP）（106±17）mmHg（1mmHg=0．133kPa）,舒张压（DBP）（65±10）mmHg,平均动脉压（MAP）（78±19）mmHg,HR（92±12）次／分,RPP（9748±2072）]与诱导后[SBP（93±15）mmHg,DBP（54±9）mmHg,MAP（67±10）mmHg,HR（85±12）次／分,RPP（8117±1886）]比较差异仍有统计学意义（R0．05）。A组、M组插管后5min心血管指标与诱导后比较差异均无统计学意义。结论与Macintosh直接喉镜相比,应用Airtraq视频喉镜行经口气管插管可减少插管置入时间,且血流动力学反应较轻。     

可视硬性喉镜在牙槽突裂患儿气管插管中的应用

目的 探讨可视硬性喉镜在牙槽突裂患儿气管插管中的应用效果。方法 选择2020年1月至2021年10月拟在全麻气管插管下行牙槽突裂骨移植术的患儿80例,男67例,女13例,年龄8～14岁,BMI<25 kg/m²,ASAⅠ级。根据病种连续住院单双号将患儿分为两组：可视喉镜组和可视硬性喉镜组,每组40例。可视喉镜组使用可视喉镜进行气管插管,可视硬性喉镜组使用可视硬性喉镜进行气管插管。记录麻醉诱导前30 min、麻醉诱导后即刻、气管插管即刻、气管插管后3 min的HR和MAP。记录气管插管时间、首次气管插管成功例数、气管插管次数。记录气管插管工具卡裂隙、牙齿松动、口腔软组织损伤及声音嘶哑等气管插管相关并发症发生情况。结果 与可视喉镜组比较,可视硬性喉镜组气管插管即刻HR明显减慢(P<0.05)、MAP明显降低(P<0.05),气管插管时间明显缩短(P<0.05),首次气管插管成功率明显升高(P<0.05),气管插管次数明显减少(P<0.05)。结论 可视硬性喉镜用于牙槽突裂患儿气管插管可以稳定血流动力学,缩短插管时间,提高首次插管成功...     

Airtraq(R)喉镜和Macintosh直接喉镜在经口气管插管时血流动力学的比较

目的比较Airtraq(R)视频喉镜和Macintosh直接喉镜经口气管插管时心血管反应。方法40例拟择期经口气管插管全麻下手术的患者,按照随机数字表随机分为两组,Airtraq(R)组（A组）和Macintosh喉镜组（M组）,每组20例。观察麻醉诱导前、诱导后、插管即刻、插管后1、3 min时的心率(HR)、血压和...     

Shikani喉镜与Airtraq喉镜用于颈椎活动受限患者清醒气管插管对比研究

目的 比较Shikani喉镜与Airtraq喉镜清醒气管插管在颈椎手术中的应用效果. 方法 选择ASA分级Ⅰ、Ⅱ级,拟全身麻醉下行前路或后路颈椎内固定术患者60例.按随机数字表法分为Shikani喉镜组(S组)和Airtraq喉镜组(A组),每组30例.记录入室15 min麻醉诱导前(T1)、麻醉诱导后插管前(T2)、插管即刻(T3)、插管后1 min(T4)及插管后3 min(T5)时的MAP、HR、气管插管的成功率、插管时间,评估患者对气管插管的耐受性、配合程度及满意度,观察术后咽喉损伤情况. 结果 与T1比较,A组T3～T5时点MAP升高、HR增快(P＜0.05).A组T3～T5时点MAP高于S组,HR快于S组(P＜0.05).S组插管时间短于A组[(15±4)s比(22±5)s],插管成功率高于A组(100％比90％)(P＜0.05).与A组比较,S组气管插管耐受性及满意度优于A组(P＜0.05),咽喉损伤的发生率也较A组少(P＜0.05). 结论 颈椎手术清醒诱导插管中,与Airtraq喉镜比较,Shikani喉镜可减少气管插管时心血管应激反应,提高插管成功率及患者的舒适度,缩短插管时间,降低咽喉损伤的发生率.     

可视喉镜在新生儿手术气管插管中的应用

目的探讨可视喉镜在新生儿手术气管插管中的应用。方法选择2013-07—2013-12间行新生儿手术50例为研究对象,随机分为可视喉镜组(A组)25例和直接喉镜组(B组)25例,比较两组新生儿气管插管时声门暴露时间,完成气管插管的时间,插管一次成功率和新生儿插管前3 min、插管时及插管后3 min的平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR)的变化及插管相关不良反应。结果 A组与B组相比,A组声门暴露时间,完成气管插管的时间均明显缩短,A组插管一次成功率96%,B组插管一次成功率80%,差异有统计学意义。两组新生儿插管前和插管后3 min的MAP和HR比较,差异无统计学意义。但与B组相比,插管时A组新生儿MAP和HR明显降低,差异有统计学意义。A组新生儿插管时不良反应明显低于B组,差异有统计学意义。结论可视喉镜可提高新生儿手术气管插管时成功率,缩短声门暴露时间,气管插管的时间,降低插管不良反应,提高新生儿手术麻醉安全性。     

鼾症患者使用三种不同可视喉镜行经口气管插管的比较

目的探讨Clarus可视喉镜、HPHJ-A视频喉镜和Airtraq可视喉镜在鼾症患者经口气管插管中的应用价值。方法选择拟行择期手术的鼾症患者90例,男39例,女51例,年龄22~55岁,BMI 25~29 kg/m2,ASAⅠ~Ⅲ级,随机分为三组:Clarus可视喉镜组(C组)、HPHJ-A视频喉镜组(H组)和Airtraq可视喉镜组(A组),每组30例。记录插管时间、首次插管成功率。记录麻醉诱导前(T0)、插管前(T1)、插管后即刻(T2)、插管后1 min(T3)、3 min(T4)时的HR、MAP、心率-收缩压乘积(RPP),记录咽喉损伤和出血情况。结果 C组均成功插管,H组插管失败有2例,A组插管失败有1例,后经Clarus可视喉镜均插管成功。C组插管完成时间明显长于H组和A组(P0.05),三组插管尝试次数差异无统计学意义。与T0时比较,T1时三组HR明显减慢,MAP、RPP明显降低(P0.05)。与T1时比较,T2时三组HR明显增快、MAP、RPP明显升高(P0.05),T3时H组和A组HR明显增快,三组MAP和RPP明显升高(P0.05)。T2时C组HR明显慢于H组和A组,RPP明显低于H组和A组(P0.05)。三组咽喉损伤和出血情况等不良反应差异无统计学意义。结论对于鼾症患者行经口气管插管时,与HPHJ-A视频喉镜和Airtraq可视喉镜比较,Clarus可视喉镜所需张口度要求低,血流动力学影响小,但插管所需时间较长,在预防咽喉损伤上并无明显优势。     

Tosight视频喉镜在Klippel-Feil综合征患儿气管插管中的应用

目的探讨Tosight视频喉镜在Klippel-Feil综合征(KFS)患儿气管插管中的应用效果。方法 20例KFS患儿,年龄4~12岁,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级,随机均分为两组:Tosight可视喉镜组(T组)和Macintosh喉镜组(M组)。记录喉镜下喉部显露分级(Cormack-Lehane分级)、气管插管时间、气管插管次数、插管成功率和并发症发生情况。结果 T组全部完成气管插管,M组完成6例气管插管。T组气管插管时间明显短于、插管次数明显少于M组(P0.05)。两组患儿均无严重并发症发生。结论 Tosight视频喉镜用于KFS患儿气管插管操作简单,声门暴露清晰,插管成功率高,插管时间短,优于Macintosh喉镜。     

A comparison of the STORZ video laryngoscope and standard direct laryngoscopy for intubation in the Pediatric airway – a randomized clinical trial

Introduction:  Direct laryngoscopy can be challenging in infants and neonates. Even with an optimal line of sight to the glottic opening, the viewing angle has been measured at 15°. The STORZ DCI video laryngoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) incorporates a fiberoptic camera in the light source of a standard laryngoscope of variable sizes. The image is displayed on a screen with a viewing angle of 80°. We studied the effectiveness of the STORZ DCI as an airway tool compared to standard direct laryngoscopy in children with normal airway.
Methods:  In this prospective, randomized study, 56 children (ages 4 years or younger) undergoing elective surgery with the need for endotracheal intubation were divided into two groups: children who underwent standard direct laryngoscopy using a Miller 1 or Macintosh 2 blade (DL) and children who underwent video laryngoscopy using the STORZ DCI video laryngoscope with a Miller 1 blade (VL). Time to best view (TTBV), time to intubate (TTI), Cormack–Lehane (CL), and percentage of glottis opening seen (POGO) score were recorded.
Results:  TTBV in DL was 5.5 (4–8) s and 7 (4.2–9) s in VL. TTI in DL was 21 (17–29) s and in VL 27 (22–37) s ( P  = 0.006). The view as assessed by POGO score was 97.5% (60–100%) in DL and 100% (100–100%) in the VL ( P  = 0.003). Data are presented as median and interquartile range and analyzed using t -test.
Discussion:  This study demonstrates that the STORZ DCI video laryngoscope provides an improved view to the glottis in children with normal airway anatomy, but requires a longer time for intubation.     

可视喉镜联合管芯和电子软镜引导经鼻气管插管用于口腔科手术患者的效果

目的 评价可视喉镜联合管芯与UE电子软镜引导经鼻气管插管用于口腔科手术患者的效果.方法 选取择期行全麻下经鼻气管插管手术的口腔科患者60例,ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ级,年龄18～65岁,BMI＜30kg/m2.按随机数字表法分为可视喉镜联合管芯组(K组)和UE电子软镜组(U组),每组30例.记录2组一次置入导管成功率、气管插管时...     

预计困难插管患者使用Airtraq喉镜、Shikani喉镜和Macintosh喉镜行气管插管的比较

目的 探讨Airtraq喉镜、Shikani喉镜和Macintosh喉镜在预计困难插管患者中行气管插管的应用价值.方法 行全麻插管手术预计困难插管患者75例,随机分为Airtraq喉镜组(A组)、Shikani喉镜组(S组)和Macintosh喉镜组(M组),三次内插管成功者入选本研究,每组25例.记录插管时间,麻醉诱导前(T1)、诱导后(T2)、插管结束即刻(T3)和插管后3 min(T4)时的MAP和HR.同时观察各组患者的声门暴露程度以及有无咽喉损伤.结果 A组插管时间最短,其次为S组,M组最慢,A组明显短于S组和M组(P＜0.05).A组插管成功率高于S组和M组(P＜0.05).与T2时比较,T3、T4时M组MAP明显升高、HR明显增快(P＜0.05).T3、T4时M组MAP高于A组,HR快于A组(P＜0.05).A组声门完全显露率最高,其次为S组,M组最低,A组明显优于S组和M组(P＜0.05).A组咽喉损伤发生率低于M组(P＜0.05).结论 在预计困难插管条件下,与Shikani喉镜和Macintosh喉镜比较,使用Airtraq喉镜可以缩短插管时间,提高插管成功率,减少气管插管时心血管应激反应,维持血流动力学稳定,降低咽喉损伤的发生率.     

Comparison of the Cobalt Glidescope® video laryngoscope with conventional laryngoscopy in simulated normal and difficult infant airways*

Aim: To evaluate the new pediatric Glidescope^® (Cobalt GVL^® Stat) by assessing the time taken to tracheal intubation under normal and difficult intubation conditions. We hypothesized that the Glidescope^® would perform as well as conventional laryngoscopy. Background: A new pediatric Glidescope^® became available in October 2008. It combines a disposable, sterile laryngoscope blade and a reusable video baton. It is narrower and longer than the previous version and is available in a greater range of sizes more appropriate to pediatric use. Methods: We performed a randomized study of 32 pediatric anesthetists and intensivists to compare the Cobalt GVL^® Stat with the Miller laryngoscope under simulated normal and difficult airway conditions in a pediatric manikin. Results: We found no difference in time taken to tracheal intubation using the Glidescope^® or Miller laryngoscope under normal (29.3 vs 26.2 s, P = 0.36) or difficult (45.8 and 44.4 s, P = 0.84) conditions. Subjective evaluation of devices for field of view (excellent: 59% vs 53%) and ease of use (excellent: 69% vs 63%) was similar for the Miller laryngoscope and Glidescope^®, respectively. However, only 34% of participants said that they would definitely use the Glidescope^® in an emergency compared with 66% who would be willing to use the Miller laryngoscope. Conclusions: The new Glidescope^® performs as well as the Miller laryngoscope under simulated normal and difficult airway conditions.     

McGrath可视喉镜与Macintosh直接喉镜显露颈椎手术患者喉部结构的比较

目的 比较McGrath可视喉镜与Macintosh直接喉镜显露颈椎手术患者喉部结构的效果. 方法 50例颈椎手术患者采用随机数字表法随机分为McGrath组和Macintosh组,每组25例.麻醉诱导后,McGrath组先用Macintosh直接喉镜显露喉部结构并记录Cormack-Lehane分级(C/L分级),不插管,再改用McGrath可视喉镜显露喉部结构并插入气管导管.Macintosh组先用McGrath可视喉镜显露声门,再使用Macintosh直接喉镜显露喉部结构并插管.记录患者一般情况、气道评估指标(甲颏间距、张口度、Mallampati分级、颈部活动度)、喉镜显露C/L分级和插管并发症. 结果 两组间患者一般情况和气道评估指标差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).McGrath可视喉镜的C/L分级(Ⅰ级∶Ⅱ级∶Ⅲ级为34∶14∶2)显著优于Macintosh直接喉镜(Ⅰ级∶Ⅱ级∶Ⅲ级为13∶32∶5,P＜0.01). 结论 McGrath可视喉镜对喉部结构的显露优于Macintosh直接喉镜,提示该可视喉镜有助于颈椎手术患者的气管插管处理.     

A comparison between the Macintosh and the McCoy laryngoscope blades

The view of the larynx using the Macintosh laryngoscope and the McCoy levering laryngoscope was assessed in 177 adult patients. The view with the McCoy blade in the neutral position and in the position (neutral or elevated) that gave the 'best' view were recorded. The McCoy blade in the neutral position was associated with a lower incidence of grade 1 views and a higher incidence of grade 2 views than the Macintosh blade. There was no difference in the incidence of grade 3 views. When views for each patient using the different blades were compared, the McCoy blade in the neutral position produced a worse view than the Macintosh blade (p < 0.0001). The view obtained with the McCoy blade in its 'best' position and the Macintosh blade were similar. In the 152 patients in whom the vocal cords were seen using the Macintosh blade, the view was worse using the McCoy blade in its 'best' position more often than it was better (p = 0.06). In 25 patients, the vocal cords could not be seen with the Macintosh blade; in these patients the view was better with the McCoy blade (the cords were visible) on 14 occasions and worse in one (p = 0.001). We conclude that the McCoy blade in its neutral position does not behave identically to the Macintosh blade. The McCoy blade is a useful aid to difficult intubation but should not replace the Macintosh blade as the first choice laryngoscope.     

Airtraq喉镜联合弹性插管探条在预计困难气道支气管插管中的应用

目的 比较Airtraq喉镜联合弹性插管探条(gum elastic bougie,GEB)和纤维支气管镜(fiberoptic bronchoscope,FOB)在预计困难气道患者支气管插管中的效果.方法 择期行右侧单肺通气的胸外科手术患者48例,张口度大于3 cm,Mallampati分级Ⅲ或Ⅳ级,随机数字表法分为两组(每组24例):Airtraq喉镜联合GEB组(A组)和FOB组(F组).记录插管首次成功率、置管时间、支气管对位用时和气道损伤情况,记录麻醉诱导前和支气管对位成功后2 min时点的SBP、DBP、HR和血浆去甲肾上腺素(norepinephrine,NE)浓度.结果 插管首次成功率A组与F组差异无统计学意义(91.7％比95.8％,P＞0.05);A组置管时间[(91±17)s]短于F组[(105±19) s](P＜0.05);A组支气管对位用时[(132±34)s]长于F组[(55±12)s](P＜0.05);气道损伤并发症两组之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).两组SBP、DBP、HR和血浆NE浓度在插管完成后2 min均较麻醉诱导前明显升高(P＜0.05),且A组高于F组(P＜0.05).结论 Aiaraq喉镜联合GEB用于预计困难气道支气管插管与FOB一样安全有效,但支气管对位较慢,心血管应激反应较大.     

HC可视喉镜在新生儿唇裂手术的应用

目的探讨HC可视喉镜在新生儿唇裂手术气管插管时的临床效果和安全性。方法择期行全麻下唇裂修补手术患儿52例,男32例,女20例,出生1~28d,体重2.6~4.8kg,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为普通喉镜组(A组)和HC可视喉镜组(B组)。静注咪达唑仑0.1mg/kg、芬太尼2~4μg/kg、罗库溴铵快速麻醉诱导,吸入1%~3%七氟醚维持麻醉。术中连续监测BP、HR、SpO2和PETCO2。记录患儿声门暴露情况、一次插管成功率和插管时间,以及并发症情况。结果与A组比较,B组声门暴露率、一次插管成功率差异无统计学意义,但气管插管时间明显缩短(P0.05)。插管时及拔管后两组均未见明显并发症。结论 HC可视喉镜可以安全地应用于新生儿唇裂手术的气管插管,缩短气管插管时间。     

The best view at laryngoscopy using the McCoy laryngoscope with and without cricoid pressure

The best view obtained by levering the tip of the McCoy laryngoscope blade with or without modified cricoid pressure was studied in 100 patients presenting for general surgery. The airway was assessed pre-operatively (Mallampati score, thyromental distance, mouth opening, protrusion of the jaw and weight) in an attempt to identify the patients who might benefit from the use of the McCoy laryngoscope. The vocal cords were visible at laryngoscopy with the blade in the neutral position in 32 cases. In the 68 remaining patients the vocal cords were partly visible in 48. The epiglottis only was seen in 18 patients and in two not even the epiglottis could be visualised. Elevation of the blade or modified cricoid pressure improved the view in 38/68 cases and 57/68 cases, respectively (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank). Using our method of pre-operative assessment we were unable to identify those patients who might benefit from either manipulation.