We conclude that the AWS is an effective device for endotracheal intubation during chest compression not only on the bed but also on the ground.

To compare tracheal intubation with the Pentax Airway Scope (AWS) and the Macintosh laryngoscope (McL) during chest compression, 25 anesthesiologists (including 12 specialists having >5 years of experience and 13 trainees having <2 years of experience) performed tracheal intubation using either the McL or the AWS, with or without chest compression, on a manikin. Using the McL, both specialists and trainees took a significantly longer time (P < 0.01) to secure the airway with chest compression (17.3 +/- 3.7 and 22.5 +/- 8.0, respectively) and than without chest compression (11.3 +/- 2.9 and 13.9 +/- 4.4 s, respectively). No significant difference was observed in time needed to secure the airway using the AWS with or without chest compression in both groups. From the standpoint of experience, time to complete intubation for specialists using the McL during chest compression was significantly shorter than that for trainees. In contrast, the difference in time to complete intubation with the AWS during chest compression was not significantly different between the two groups. Based on these results, we conclude that the use of the AWS may reduce the time needed to secure the airway during chest compression.

This simulation study revealed the utility of intubating SGDs for airway management during chest compression.

No abstract

The quality of chest compression (CC) is influenced by the surface supporting the patient. The present study compared chest compression depth with and without a rigid backboard on an operating table with a pressure-distributing mattress. We hypothesized that the presence of a backboard would result in an increased depth of chest compression on the operating table with a pressure-distributing mattress. In a randomized crossover trial, we simulated in-hospital cardiac arrest in a Resusci Anne SkillReporter model placed on a standard operating table with a 6-cm-thick pressure-distributing mattress. A total of 25 male doctors performed CC 30 times, with or without the rigid backboard. Mean chest compression depth increased from 4.9 ± 0.4 to 5.4 ± 0.3 mm (P < 0.0001) when a backboard was present. Mean proportion of compressions >50 mm increased significantly with the presence of a backboard (53.6% ± 32.3%-81.8% ± 15.0%, P < 0.0001). Applying a backboard significantly increased CC depth during cardiopulmonary resuscitation of a manikin model on an operating table with a pressure-distributing mattress.

The AWS is an effective tool for airway management during chest compressions in 27 LLT in a manikin, suggesting that the AWS may be a useful device for airway management during maternal resuscitation.

No abstract

The Supreme is an effective device for airway management during chest compression.