CLINICAL-ASSESSMENT OF THE AUGUSTINE GUIDE(TM) FOR ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION

The Augustine GuideTM (AG) allows oral endotracheal neck manipulation are unnecessary. It is a premolded device designed to fit in a lock an d key fashion in the glottis, thus serving as a guide to allow blind l aryngeal insertion of an endotracheal tube. Intubation success rate wi th the AG was studied in 100 adults intubated by the same individual; head and neck were held neutral. Intubations were described as easy if they were successful in the first attempt and difficult when more tha n one attempt to position the AG was necessary. Endotracheal intubatio n was successful 94% of the time and was easy in 71%. Repositioning of the AG was necessary in 23%. Patients with jaw abnormalities required repositioning more often (P < 0.05). Esophageal intubation did not oc cur. Minor trauma was noted in 18% of subjects. The AG is a safe and e ffective tool for blind orotracheal intubation.