Pentax—AWS^® Airway Scope System Offers Easy Intubation with Improved Laryngeal View during Manual In—Line Neck Stabilization

Abstract

  Intubation with the Pentax-AWS Airway scope (AWS) during application of manual in-line neck stabilization (MILNS) was evaluated in 60 ASA I-III patients scheduled for elective surgery. Application of MILNS worsened the laryngeal view with the conventional Macintosh laryngoscope, whereas the AWS improved the view. The entire laryngeal view with the AWS was converted into Cormack grade 1, and intubation was successful on the first attempt. Average time to place the tube was 27 sec, and most of the time (19 sec) was spent inserting the blade. Intubation difficulty scale was 0 in all cases, which indicates that intubation was very easy. Although the MILNS maneuver restricts mouth opening and neck extension, the AWS can provide easy intubation condition. We conclude that the AWS can be a useful device for patient with suspected cervical injury such as blunt facial trauma.