Comparison of Conventional Lightwand Intubation Versus Video-laryngoscope Guided Lightwand Intubation in Simulated Cervical Spine-immobilized Patients

Comparison of Conventional Lightwand Intubation Versus Video-laryngoscope Guided Lightwand Intubation in Simulated Cervical Spine-immobilized Patients

Among advanced intubation equipment for difficult intubation, a lighted stylet (lightwand) is a widely used equipment in cervical immobilized patients. However, a lightwand, which is used blind, is difficult to make midline positioning and can increase airway complications and hemodynamic changes. In contrast, videolaryngoscope can view vocal cord indirectly through camera, however, it requires cervical movement. Therefore, investigator hypothesized that the combined use of video-laryngoscope and lightwand for intubation can improve the efficacy of intubation compared to the use of lightwand alone in cervical immobilized patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged between 20- 80 yrs
2. Patients scheduled surgery under the general anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient who has history of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, previous airway surgery, anatomical abnormality in the upper airway, or coagulopathy
2. Patients with body mass index >35kg/m2, hemodynamic instability or loosening teeth
3. Patient who disagrees to participate this study or lacks decision-making ability, illiteracy, or foreigner
4. American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ≥ 3