The use of Pentax-Aws(R) for difficult intubation due to postburn contracture: Two cases report / 대한마취과학회지

ABSTRACT

The causes of difficult intubation associated with post-burn contracture from the face to the upper torso include the limitations of neck movement and opening the mouth. Fiberoptic oral intubation can be the final alternative technique that overcomes those difficulties. However, a small inter-incisor gap about 2 cm, a fixed head or neck position and the large tongue in these cases makes fiberoptic intubation difficult. The Pentax-AWS video display unit (Pentax-AWS(R), Pentax, Japan) (Pentax-AWS) allows indirect visualization of the glottis without a straightened line of orophalyngolaryngeal axis and its attached tracheal tube and this makes the intubation easier. We experienced rapid, easy intubation with Pentax-AWS following multiple attempts of fiberoptic intubation or confirming a bad glottic view with a Macintosh laryngoscope. Further study is needed on the availibility of Pentax-AWS and comparing it with fiberoptic intubation for the management of a difficult airway.