Visualization of the Larynx With the Airtraq Laryngoscope and Image Transmission

Visualization of Larynx With the Airtraq Laryngoscope and Handphone

The Airtraq is a battery powered single use optical laryngoscope with a channel to hold and
 guide the tracheal tube into the trachea. It enables tracheal intubation in patients with
 normal and difficult airways, by enabling laryngoscopy without neck movement. As a single use
 device, it is cost effective to have these placed in emergency equipment kits, and for use by
 emergency and military personnel.
 
 However, it does have several limitations. The Airtraq requires the user to place his/her eye
 to the eyepiece in order to see the advancement of the laryngoscope and the tracheal tube,
 which may be difficult if the patient is on the ground or in emergency scenarios. Only the
 user can see through the eyepiece and any assistants are unable to view the larynx, this
 makes it difficult for assistants to help the operator.
 
 Many handphones now incorporate high quality cameras. In this study, we will evaluate the
 effectiveness of using the iPhone to aid laryngoscopy with the Airtraq optical laryngoscope
 during laryngoscopy and intubation in 30 patients presenting for elective surgery under
 general anaesthesia. We have manufactured an attachment that fits over the eyepiece of the
 Airtraq, to hold an iPhone to the eyepiece. This will enable to operator and assistants to
 simultaneously view the insertion of the Airtraq, view the larynx and view the passage of the
 tracheal tube into the trachea.