Parker Flex-It intubation stylet versus a 90-degree curved stylet during intubation with the McGrath videolaryngoscope performed by novices: a manikin study with 5 airway scenarios.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the Parker Flex-It intubation stylet with a 90-degree curved stylet using the McGrath videolaryngoscope in 5 airway scenarios (from easy to difficult) in a manikin.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized study.

SETTING

Academic hospital.

SUBJECTS

20 staff anesthesiologists with no previous experience in videolaryngoscopy.

MEASUREMENTS

Subjects performed a total of 200 intubations with the McGrath Series 5 videolaryngoscope and completed a questionnaire afterwards.

RESULTS

Overall success rate was significantly higher with the Parker Flex-It intubation stylet (96 successful intubations with the Parker Flex-It vs 79 intubations in the 90° curved stylet group; P < 0.05). Intubation time was not significantly different. Subjects rated the Parker Flex-It intubation stylet as the better device for intubation with the McGrath videolaryngoscope in routine or emergency situations.

CONCLUSION

Intubation of the manikin with the McGrath videolaryngoscope had more success with the Parker Flex-It intubation stylet than a 90° curved stylet.