Standard Versus Hyperangulated Video Laryngoscopy Blades for Intubation in Neonates and Small Infants

A higher incidence of difficult airway has been reported in neonates and infants than in adults. Optimizing glottic view during tracheal intubation is very challenging in neonates and small infants and it is not clear whether the design of the intubating blade using video laryngoscopy has a major influence of the glottic view and subsequently on the success of intubation.

The primary objective of this study is to compare the difference in the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) between two different video laryngoscopy blades, the hyperangulated Cobalt blade and the straight Miller blade. The secondary objectives are the first attempt success rate at intubation, the number of attempts, the time to successful intubation, and the occurrence of adverse events during intubation, such as desaturation or bradycardia.

In this prospective randomized cross over clinical trial, 40 (20 in each group) neonates or small infants with body weight ≤ 5 kg or age ≤ 3 months will be enrolled in one of two groups over 1 year of work. In patients allocated to the Cobalt group, the POGO and Cormack and Lehane (C&L) classification will be recorded using video laryngoscopy with a Cobalt blade followed by an assessment using the Miller blade. In patients allocated to the Miller group, the POGO and C&L classification will be recorded using video laryngoscopy with a Miller blade followed by an assessment using the Cobalt blade. In both groups, intubation will be attempted during the second assessment. If the first attempt at intubation fails, the subsequent attempts will be left at the discretion of the attending anesthesiologist.

Data comparing straight and hyperangulated video laryngoscopy blades in neonates and small infants are limited. Both techniques are standard of care at our institution. This study will identify the technique that provides optimal glottic views and intubating conditions in this patient population, and thus improved patient's safety.

Inclusion criteria

• Neonates or small infants with body weight ≤ 5 kg or age ≤ 3 months, scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia.
• ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class I-III patients.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with a history of difficult airway or with craniofacial and airway anomalies.
• ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class IV patients.
• Recent respiratory tract infection within the last 2 weeks.