The Seeing Stylet: a new device for tracheal intubation

A new tracheal intubation device is available. The 'Shikani Seeing Stylet(T M)' is a new, inexpensive, reusable high resolution endoscope with a mallea ble stainless-steel sheath which can be inserted through a tracheal tube al lowing intubation to be performed under direct vision. We have assessed thi s new device on 20 patients (ASA I-II; age 25-67) scheduled to undergo elec tive surgery with tracheal intubation. We measured heart rate (HR), non inv asive blood pressure (NIBP), oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) and end tidal carbo n dioxide (ETCO2) at three different times: T-0 (induction of anesthesia), T-1 (beginning of intubation procedure), T-2 (end of intubation procedure); we also recorded the time interval between T-1 and T-2. All patients were successfully intubated with the device. Eleven patients were intubated at t he first attempt (T-1 - T-2 mean time = 8.65 s); three patients were intuba ted at the first attempt using cricoid pressure (T-1 - T-2 mean time 11.6 s ); four patients were intubated at the second attempt (T-1 - T-2 mean time = 36.5 s); two patients were intubated at the third attempt (T-1 - T-2 mean time = 54.5 s). The HR, NIBP, SpO(2) and ETCO2 remained fairly stable. On the basis of our preliminary experience with 20 patients, the 'Shikani Seei ng Stylet(TM)' seems to be a promising adjunct for airway management. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.