Evaluation of Two Positions for Free Floating Tracheal Intubation in Weightlessness

Evaluation and Comparison of Two Positions for Free Floating Tracheal Intubation in Weightlessness: An Ice-Pick Position With a Direct Laryngoscopy and the Classic Approach With VideolaryngoscopyY

In a non-randomized, controlled, cross-over simulation study, the investigators evaluated and compared intubation performance of trained operators, using either a conventional laryngoscope in an ice-pick position or a video laryngoscope in a free-floating classic position, in weightlessness and in normogravity.

Data were analyzed with the generalized linear mixed-effects models.

Primary endpoint was the success rate of tracheal intubation. Time to intubation and the confidence score into the success of tube placement were also recorded as secondary endpoints.

Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy volunteers

• aged between 18 and 65 years old.
• Absence of pregnancy
• Belonging to a Health Insurance Coverage by the French Social Security Program or equivalent, proved by a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
• Medically fit to fly after a JAR FCL3 - Class 2 examination

Exclusion Criteria before the flight

• positive pregnancy test on flight day
• anxiety
• non-participation in flight safety briefing

Exclusion Criteria during the flight

• failure to follow safety guidelines
• occurence of motion sickness during the procedure