TRAUMATIZING EFFECTS OF BLIND ORAL INTUBATION USING THE AUGUSTINE GUIDE

Purpose: This study evaluated whether the Augustine Guide, a device en abling blind oral intubation, carries a high risk for laryngopharyngea l trauma in routine airway management. Patients and Methods. Telescopi c laryngoscopic or microlaryngoscopic examinations were performed in 2 0 patients before and immediately after blind oral intubation, as well as 24 hours postoperatively, Results: Intubation using the Augustine Guide was successful in all but one patient, However, 18 of 20 patient s showed evidence of considerable trauma to the laryngopharyngeal regi on, Vallecular edema, epiglottic swelling, mucosal lacerations, and vo cal cord hematomas, causing a high percentage of postoperative discomf ort, occurred in a very uniform pattern. Conclusions: It was concluded that blind oral intubation using the Augustine Guide should not be us ed in routine airway management but should only be used in special ind ications.