RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and the difficulty of use of a disposable sheath which prevents the contamination of blades. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective bacteriological, virological and clinical evaluation. MATERIAL: A translucid cover sheath, made of polyethylene enclosing the blade of the laryngoscope, and delivered in clean, non-sterile packaging (Prolam, Péters). METHOD: 1) A control of sterility performed by setting-up a culture derived from the solution used for rinsing the device before its use. 2) An in vitro study of the effectiveness of preventing contamination of the blades by a polio virus/RT-PCR technique. 3) Clinical evaluation: after 200 orotracheal intubations by 12 anaesthesiologists and 15 nurse anaesthetists, a questionnaire on the ease of use was completed. RESULTS: The bacteriological study of the sheats before use showed an acceptable level of contamination. The sheath was an effective barrier against poliovirus, even after 12 h of immersion. Clinically, the sheath was easily adapted over the blade of the laryngoscope in 98% of the cases. Insertion in the mouth was considered as easy in 94% of the patients. The visualization was good or excellent in 83% of the cases and in 16% of the patients, the users experienced difficulties to intubate. CONCLUSION: The laryngoscope blade sheath is simple and easy to use, efficient and not expensive.
