Use of a fibreoptic stylet to visually evaluate tracheal intubation technique

To compare the tracheal intubation by novices with that of instructors, we videotaped the view obtained through ct fibreoptic stylet during standard t racheal intubations with a Macintosh direct laryngoscope, The duration of v isualization of the vocal cords was longer during intubation by instructors than during trainee attempts. The tracheal tube contact (with pharyngeal w all) time duration was higher during intubation attempts by trainees than i nstructors. The quality of the image of the vocal cords through the stylet was related to these video-view parameters. Our. results demonstrated that visualization of the vocal cords by direct laryngoscope and manipulation of the tracheal tube in the or-at cavity were different between anaesthesia t rainees and instructors, and suggested that visually monitoring the trachea l intubation procedure through a fibreoptic stylet might be useful for the education of anaesthesia trainees.