Balloon laryngoscopy reduces head extension and blade leverage in patients with potential cervical spine injury

Background: Head extension and excessive laryngoscope blade levering motion (LBLM) are undesirable during airway management of trauma patients. We hypothesized that laryngoscopy with a modified blade facilitating glottic exposure by balloon inflation would reduce head extension and LBLM. Patients and methods: Seventeen elective surgery patients were enrolled. Patients lay supine with their heads flat on a rigid board and had a rigid collar around their necks. Laryngoscopy was performed with the modified blade and a standard curved blade. Head extension and LBLM angles were determined upon maximal glottic exposure and compared used paired t-tests. Laryngoscopic view grade and oxygen saturation were also determined. Results: Balloon laryngoscopy resulted in less head extension and LBLM (P <0.001). Laryngoscopic view was approximately identical with both blades, and oxygen saturation was always above 97%. Conclusions: Balloon laryngoscopy reduces head extension and LBLM under simulated cervical spine precautions.

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[
  "airway-management",
  "cervical-spine-injury",
  "glottic-exposure",
  "laryngoscopy",
  "nih"
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  "009:048"
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