Parker Flex-It intubation stylet versus a 90-degree curved stylet during intubation with the McGrath videolaryngoscope performed by novices: a manikin study with 5 airway scenarios

Study Objective: To compare the Parker Flex-It intubation stylet with a 90-degree curved stylet using the McGrath videolaryngoscope in 5 airway scenarios (from easy to difficult) in a manikin. Design: Prospective, randomized study. Setting: Academic hospital. Subjects: 20 staff anesthesiologists with no previous experience in videolaryngoscopy. Measurements: Subjects performed a total of 200 intubations with the McGrath Series 5 videolaiyngoscope and completed a questionnaire afterwards. Results: Overall success rate was significantly higher with the Parker Flex-It intubation stylet (96 successful intubations with the Parker Flex-It vs 79 intubations in the 90 degrees curved stylet group; P<0.05). Intubation time was not significantly different. Subjects rated the Parker Flex-It intubation stylet as the better device for intubation with the McGrath videolaryngoscope in routine or emergency situations. Conclusion: Intubation of the manikin with the McGrath videolaryngoscope had more success with the Parker Flex-It intubation stylet than a 90 degrees curved stylet. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.