Improvement of the visualization of larynx and successful intubation with Airtraq ® optical laryngoscope in nine neonates, infants and children with difficult airway

The goal of this observesional study was to evaluate the improvement of the visual view of the larynx in neonates, infants and children with difficult airway using the Airtraq® Optical Laryngoscope, compared with visual views of the first conventional laryngoscopy with Macintosh blade. We studied clinical and/or laryngoscopic manifestations of difficult airway and advanced airway management of nine consecutive pediatric patients (2 neonates, 5 infants and 2 children) admitted from 1/1/2011 to 31/08/2012 for elective/emergency surgery or diagnostic procedure under general anesthesia. All nine pediatric patients had successful airway management and intubation, using the Airtraq® Optical Laryngoscope after intubation failure following conventional laryngoscopy. The percentage of glottis opening (POGO), the laryngoscopy difficulty level according to Cormack-Lehane Grade and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of easiness in recognizing the laryngeal structures improved using of Airtraq® Optical Laryngoscope at 2nd attempt. Airtraq® Optical Laryngoscope could be a first-line device for intubation of neonates, infants and children with difficult airway.