TITLE:
A Comparison of Blind and Laryngoscopic Insertion of the EasyTube
AUTHORS:
Julia C. Caldwell, David P. De Korte, Renee E. Doll, Sonia J. Vaida
KEYWORDS:
Airway Management, Supraglottic Airway Devices, EasyTube
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Anesthesiology,
Vol.5 No.8,
August
31,
2015
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The EasyTube is a disposable, polyvinyl-chloride, double-lumen, supraglottic airway device, which allows ventilation in either esophageal or tracheal position. The EasyTube may be positioned into the esophagus blindly or using a laryngoscope. Methods: Our study compared blind versus laryngoscopic-guided esophageal EasyTube insertion. Thirty two anesthesiologists inserted an EasyTube, size 41 Fr, into a mannequin, by using a blind and a laryngoscopic technique in a 2 × 2 crossover design. Results: No statistically significant difference in the time to achieve an effective airway was found: 23.9 ± 6 seconds for the blind and 29.5 ± 7.6 seconds for the laryngoscopic-guided technique. Conclusion: EasyTube insertion was equally successful with or without a laryn-goscope in a mannequin when used by anesthesia providers.