Comparison of direct laryngoscopy to Pediatric King LT-D in simulated airways.

OBJECTIVES

Previous reports have shown a high rate of ventilation failure via direct laryngoscopy as compared with the King LT-D airway. This difference is further divergent in the pediatric population. The goal of this study was to compare the difference in efficacy of ventilation by prehospital providers in a simulated environment between direct laryngoscopy and Pedi-King LT-D.

METHODS

In this study, 37 paramedics were exposed to 2 identical 5-minute clinical scenarios in a simulation center using a pediatric simulation tool. In the first scenario, the provider was given all of the standard laryngoscopy equipment. In the second scenario, they were given access only to the Pedi-King LT-D. A comparison of adequate ventilation time between the scenarios was performed.

RESULTS

A mean improvement of 102 seconds was found when using the Pedi-King airway, with a clinically significant P < 0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

With a significant improvement in ventilation time in these simulated airways, consideration should be made to practice placement of the King Airway Device as first-line airway stabilization. Further live prospective studies would aid in this recommendation.