Development and performance testing of the low-cost, 3D-printed, smartphone-compatible 'Tansen Videolaryngoscope' vs. Pentax-AWS videolaryngoscope vs. direct Macintosh laryngoscope: A manikin study

The C-MAC video laryngoscope helps presbyopic anesthetists to overcome difficulty in neonatal and infantile intubation: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a life-saving procedure that must be accurately carried on to guard against complications. Presbyopia leads to difficulty in viewing close objects and may obstacle proper intubation even with the best hands.

PURPOSE

This study supposed that the use of video-laryngoscope (VL) may provide better intubation conditions for presbyopic anesthetists and targets to evaluate the neonates and infants' intubation success rates (ISR) by anesthetists aged ≥ 45 years using the C-MAC VL compared to the standard laryngoscope (SL).

METHODS

Thirty-one neonates with an age of 18.2 ± 5.2 days and a body weight of 4.5 ± 0.3 kg and 103 infants aged 8.6 ± 1 months and weighing 9.4 ± 1.5 kg were randomly categorized into the SL group that received ETI using the SL and the VL group had intubated using the C-MAC® (Karl Storz, Germany) VL with the standard Miller blade and flexible Stylet (2 mm PORTEX® stylet; Smiths Medical International Ltd., UK) to strengthen the endotracheal tube (ETT) and adjust its curvature as C-shaped. The study outcomes included the frequency of successful intubation and the number of intubation attempts.

RESULTS

The ISR was significantly (P < 0.001) higher with significantly (P = 0.0037) lower frequency of using assistance maneuvers with VL. The mean score of the anesthetist's difficulty rating was significantly (P < 0.001) higher with SL (2.7 ± 2) than with VL (1.27 ± 1.27). Times for the full intubation process were significantly (P < 0.001) shorter with VL than SL. The 1st attempt success rate was significantly (P = 0.0195) higher with VL than SL (86.6% vs. 67.2%). The frequency of maneuver-related complications was insignificantly (P = 0.116) reduced with the use of VL (4.5%) than with SL (12%). The ISR showed a negative significant correlation (r=-0.973, P = 0.005) with the anesthetist's age.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal and infantile intubation using VL is feasible and easy to handle by aged anesthetists and allows higher ISR and 1st attempt rate with minimal need for external assistant maneuvers and maneuver-related complications. VL might be more appropriate for the presbyopic pediatric anesthetists than the SL.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations of the study are the small sample size of anesthetists and the use of one type of VLs.

Comparison of AirAngel® vs. Storz® videolaryngoscope and Macintosh® laryngoscope for endotracheal intubation training: prospective randomized crossover study

BACKGROUND

For both normal and difficult airway management, VL is thought to be more effective. However, VL seems far from being offered as a standard option in both healthcare delivery and educational activities in low-income countries, considering its high costs. Therefore, three-dimensional(3D)printed VLs may be considered an alternative to conventional VLs in low-income countries and other places with limited resources. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of AirAngel 3D-printed VL (3D-PVL) with those of commercially available Storz® VL (SVL) and conventional Macintosh® laryngoscope (MCL) in normal and difficult airway scenarios in the hands of inexperienced users.

METHODS

This is a prospective randomized crossover manikin study that included 126 senior medical students with no experience in intubation. The effectiveness of all three laryngoscopy devices in the hands of inexperienced users was evaluated in terms of intubation time, glottic visualization, ease of use, endotracheal tube placement, and intubation success rate. Between 2020 and 2022, 126 last year medical students participated in the study.

RESULTS

MCL resulted in significantly longer intubation times than 3D-PVL and SVL in the difficult airway scenario, with no significant difference between 3DPVL and SVL (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.016; Bonferroni correction MCL: 28.54 s; SVL: 26.68 s; 3DPVL: 26.64 s). Both SVL and 3D-PVL resulted in significantly better Cormack - Lehane grades in both normal and difficult airway scenarios, and thus provided better glottic viewing than MCL, with no significant difference between 3D-PVL and SVL (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.016; Bonferroni correction, MCL: 1.73; SVL: 1.29; 3DPVL: 1.25). The SVL was the easiest device to use for normal airway scenarios (1: very easy, 5: very difficult), while the MCL was the most difficult (MCL: 2.64; 3DPVL: 1.98; SVL: 1.49). Conversely, no significant difference was found between 3DPVL and other devices in terms of ease of use in difficult airway scenarios and in terms of accurate placement of the endotracheal tube and successful intubation attempts.

CONCLUSION

3D-PVL is a good educational and possible clinical alternative to conventional VL, particularly in places with limited resources, due to its low cost.

Comparison of Macintosh Laryngoscope, King Vision®, VividTrac®, AirAngel Blade®, and a Custom-Made 3D-Printed Video Laryngoscope for Difficult and Normal Airways in Mannequins by Novices-A Non-Inferiority Trial

Background: Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a cornerstone of airway management. The gold standard device for ETI is still the direct laryngoscope (DL). However, video laryngoscopes (VLs) are now also widely available and have several proven advantages. The VL technique has been included in the major airway management guidelines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruption has raised demand for 3D-printed medical equipment, including 3D-printed VLs. However, studies on performance are only sparsely available; thus, we aimed to compare 3D-printed VLs to the DL and other VLs made with conventional manufacturing technology. Methods: Forty-eight medical students were recruited to serve as novice users. Following brief, standardized training, students executed ETI with the DL, the King Vision® (KV), the VividTrac® (VT), the AirAngel Blade® (AAB), and a custom-made 3D-printed VL (3DVL) on the Laerdal® airway management trainer in normal and difficult airway scenarios. We evaluated the time to and proportion of successful intubation, the best view of the glottis, esophageal intubation, dental trauma, and user satisfaction. Results: The KV and VT are proved to be superior (p < 0.05) to the DL in both scenarios. The 3DVL's performance was similar (p > 0.05) or significantly better than that of the DL and mainly non-inferior (p > 0.05) compared to the KV and VT in both scenarios. Regardless of the scenario, the AAB proved to be inferior (p < 0.05) even to the DL in the majority of the variables. The differences between the devices were more pronounced in the difficult airway scenario. The user satisfaction scores were in concordance with the aforementioned performance of the scopes. Conclusions: Based upon our results, we cannot recommend the AAB over the DL, KV, or VT. However, as the 3DVL showed, 3D printing indeed can provide useful or even superior VLs, but prior to clinical use, meticulous evaluation might be recommended.

Evaluation of a novel, low-cost, 3D printed video laryngoscope with borescope in anesthetized Beagle dogs

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate a low-cost three-dimensional (3D)-printed video laryngoscope (VLVET) for use with a commercial borescope.

STUDY DESIGN

Instrument development and pilot study.

ANIMALS

A total of six adult male Beagle dogs.

METHODS

The VLVET consisted of a laryngoscope handle and a Miller-type blade, and a detachable camera holder that attached to various locations along the blade. The laryngoscope and camera holder were 3D-printed using black polylactic acid filament. Dogs were premedicated with intravenous (IV) medetomidine (15 μg kg-1) and anesthesia induced with IV alfaxalone (1.5 mg kg-1). The VLVET, combined with a borescope, was used for laryngeal visualization and intubation. Performance was evaluated by comparing direct and video-assisted views in sternal recumbency. The borescope camera was sequentially positioned at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm from the blade tip (distanceLARYNX-CAM), which was placed on the epiglottis during intubation or laryngoscopy. At the 10 cm distanceLARYNX-CAM, laryngeal visualization was sequentially scored at inter-incisor gaps of 10, 8, 6, 4 and 2 cm. Laryngeal visualization scores (0-3 range, with 0 = obstructed and 3 = unobstructed views) were statistically analyzed using the Friedman's test.

RESULTS

Under direct visualization, the 2 cm distanceLARYNX-CAM had a significantly lower score compared with all other distanceLARYNX-CAM (all p = 0.014) because the view was obstructed by the camera holder and borescope camera. With both direct and camera-assisted views, visualization scores were higher at inter-incisor gaps ≥ 4 cm compared with 2 cm (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

During laryngoscopy and intubation, the VLVET and borescope facilitated both direct and video laryngoscopy at distanceLARYNX-CAM in Beagle dogs when inter-incisor gaps were ≥ 4 cm.

Advancements in additive manufacturing for video laryngoscopes: a comprehensive scoping and technological review

The global healthcare crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a significant overwhelming demand for intubation procedures and the need for reliable and accessible video laryngoscopes. The purpose of this scoping and technological review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art, covering the period from 2007 to 2022, pertaining to the manufacturing process, characteristics, and validation of video laryngoscopes produced using additive manufacturing techniques. Following the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), an exhaustive search was conducted across nine prominent databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Prospero, Scielo, Embase, Lilacs, Virtual Health Libraries-VHL) and four patent databases (EPO/ESPACENET, WIPO/PATENTSCOPE, National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), Google Patents). The main materials utilized for the impression, as well as the physical characteristics of the device are introduced at first. Crucial aspects to facilitate proper visualization of the anatomical structures during endotracheal intubation as the optimal angulation of the blade, the mechanical resistance of the device, traction force on the jaw, intubation time, and the experimental methods employed to validate its performance were reviewed in terms of their recent advances.

Market Analysis of Video Laryngoscopy Equipment for the Role 1 Setting

INTRODUCTION

Airway compromise is the second leading cause of potentially preventable prehospital combat death. Endotracheal intubation (ETI) remains the most common role 1 airway intervention. Video laryngoscopy (VL) is superior to direct laryngoscopy (DL) for first-attempt intubation, especially in less-experienced providers and for trauma patients. The cost has been a major challenge in pushing VL technology far-forward; however, the cost of equipment continues to become more affordable. We conducted a market analysis of VL devices under $10,000 for possible options for role 1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched Google, PubMed, and the Food and Drug Administration database from August 2022 to January 2023 with a combination of several keywords to identify current VL market options under $10,000. After identifying relevant manufacturers, we then reviewed individual manufacturer or distributor websites for pricing data and system specifications. We noted several characteristics regarding VL device design for comparison. These include monitor features, size, modularity, system durability, battery life, and reusability. When necessary, we requested formal price quotes from respective companies.

RESULTS

We identified 17 VL options under $10,000 available for purchase, 14 of which were priced below $5,000 for individual units. Infium (n = 3) and Vimed Medical (n = 4) provided the largest number of unique models. VL options under $10,000 exist in both reusable and disposable modalities. These modalities included separate monitors as well as monitors attached to the VL handle. Disposable options, on a per-unit basis, cost less than reusable options.

CONCLUSIONS

Several VL options exist within our goal price point in both reusable and disposable options. Clinical studies assessing the technology performance of ETI and deliberate downselection are needed to identify the most cost-effective solution for role 1 dispersion.

New Devices, Innovative Technologies, and Non-Standard Techniques for Airway Management: A Narrative Review

A wide range of airway devices and techniques have been created to enhance the safety of airway management. However, airway management remains a challenge. All techniques are susceptible to failure. Therefore, it is necessary to have and know the greatest number of alternatives to treat even the most challenging airway successfully. The aim of this narrative review is to describe some new devices, such as video laryngeal masks, articulated stylets, and non-standard techniques, for laryngeal mask insertion and endotracheal intubation that are not applied in daily practice, but that could be highly effective in overcoming a difficulty related to airway management. Artificial intelligence and 3D technology for airway management are also discussed.

Novel co-axial, disposable, low-cost 3D printed videolaryngoscopes for patients with COVID-19: a manikin study

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 continues to present challenges to both patient management and the protection of the airway management team involved, in particular in resource-constrained low-income countries. Among the most concerning complications in affected patients is rapid hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Videolaryngoscopy without peri-intubation oxygenation is the recommended approach in COVID-19 patients. However, the absence of peri-intubation oxygenation during intubation attempts can lead to hypoxia, and result in life-threatening complications in already critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE

To develop low-cost disposable 3D printed videolaryngoscope designs with integrated channels for oxygen, suction, WIFI-enabled camera and tracheal tube channels, as well as a flexible transparent barrier anchor to offer optional additional protection to the user and airway management team.

DESIGN

A manikin study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Three experienced consultant anaesthetists in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To generate novel co-axial videolaryngoscopes that meet International Standards, ISO7376 : 2020 standards for anaesthetic and respiratory equipment (laryngoscopes for tracheal intubation), and to demonstrate successful tracheal intubation of a manikin trainer in a range of configurations ('easy' to 'difficult') in accordance with the Cormack-Lehane grading of laryngeal view.

RESULTS

Final design prototypes met the minimum criteria for strength and rigidity according to ISO7376 : 2020, including blade tip displacement under load (65 N and 150 N). Preliminary validation has demonstrated successful tracheal intubation of a manikin trainer in all configurations including 'difficult' (Cormack-Lehane Grade 3 view).

CONCLUSIONS

This low-cost, rapid in-house manufacture could offer a mitigation of supply chain disruptions that can arise during global pandemics. Furthermore, it could offer a low-cost solution in low-income countries where there is an infection risk caused by re-using most current videolaryngoscopes requiring sterilisation before re-use, as well as limitations in the availability of personal protective equipment.

Performance of custom made videolaryngoscope for endotracheal intubation: A systematic review

Introduction

Videolaryngoscope is regarded as the standard of care for airway management in well-resourced setups however the technology is largely inaccessible and costly in middle and low-income countries. An improvised and cost-effective form of customized videolaryngoscope was proposed and studied for patient care in underprivileged areas however there were no distinct conclusions on its performances.

Method

The study follows PRISMA guidelines for systematic review and the protocol in International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews. The primary aim was to assess the first attempt success of customized videolaryngoscope for endotracheal intubation. The secondary objective was to evaluate the number of attempts, laryngoscopic view in terms of Cormack Lehane score and Percentage of glottic opening, use of external laryngeal maneuver and stylet and, the airway injuries after the endotracheal intubation.

Result

Five studies were analyzed for risk of bias using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool for cross-sectional studies. Most of the studies had a poor to a fair level of evidence with only one study with a good level of evidence. Certainty of evidence was “very low” for all eligible studies when graded using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach for systematic review.

Conclusions

The certainty of the evidence regarding performance of custom-made videolaryngoscope compared to conventional laryngoscope was very low and the study was performed in small numbers with fair to the poor risk of bias. It was difficult to establish and do further analysis regarding whether the customized form of videolaryngoscope will improve the first attempt success rate for tracheal intubation, reduce the number of attempts, improve the laryngoscopic view, require fewer external aids and reduce the incidences of airway injury with the given low-grade evidence. Some properly conducted randomised clinical trials will be required to further analyze the outcome and make the strong recommendations.