Hung O R, Stewart R D
Department of Anaesthesia, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Can J Anaesth. 1995 Sep;42(9):820-5. doi: 10.1007/BF03011186.
Tracheal intubation under direct vision using a laryngoscope can be challenging and difficult even in experienced hands. Transillumination of the soft tissues of the neck using a lighted-stylet (lightwand) is one of many effective alternative intubating techniques developed during the past several decades. While many versions of lightwand have been available, each has its limitations. A newly developed lightwand (Trachlight) has incorporated many design modifications. It has a brighter bulb, permitting intubation under ambient light in most cases. A retractable stiff wire within the wand adds flexibility to facilitate both oral and nasal intubation. The flexible wand also allows visual (transillumination) guide to proper placement of the tip of the tracheal tube in the trachea. The Trachlight does have some limitations. It is a light-guided technique in which there is no direct visualization of the upper airway structures. It should be avoided in patients with known anatomical abnormalities of the upper airway and used with caution in patients in whom transillumination of the anterior neck may not be achieved adequately. As with any intubating technique, successful intubation using the Trachlight relies on the preparation of the patient and the operator's skill and experience.
即使是经验丰富的医生，使用喉镜在直视下进行气管插管也可能具有挑战性且困难。使用带光源探条（光棒）对颈部软组织进行透照是过去几十年来开发的众多有效替代插管技术之一。虽然有许多版本的光棒可供使用，但每种都有其局限性。一种新开发的光棒（Trachlight）进行了许多设计改进。它有一个更亮的灯泡，在大多数情况下允许在环境光下进行插管。光棒内的可伸缩硬钢丝增加了灵活性，便于经口和经鼻插管。柔性光棒还能通过视觉（透照）引导气管导管尖端在气管内正确放置。Trachlight确实有一些局限性。它是一种光导技术，其中无法直接观察上气道结构。已知上气道解剖异常的患者应避免使用，在前颈部透照可能无法充分实现的患者中应谨慎使用。与任何插管技术一样，使用Trachlight成功插管依赖于患者的准备以及操作者的技能和经验。
