The Role of the Lightwand

摘要: The lightwand has been used in airway management for more than five decades and was first described to assist direct laryngoscopic orotracheal intubation 1957 [1]. Soon after, 1959, a study reported the successful use of lightwand, based on principle transillumination throat, facilitate nasotracheal 29 30 patients with severe trismus [2]. authors noted three concerns that are still valid today: need dark room appreciate neck, difficulty transilluminating thick necks, risk thermal injury as commercial stylet, later year [3]. However, initial interest device soon waned, probably because light through red rubber tracheal tubes were being at time. regained popularity advent clear, plastic 1985. It be useful accurately determining position tubes, 96 % accuracy, less 5 s [4] difficult adults [5]. Currently, many devices (e.g., Flexilum™, Concept Corporation, Clearwater FL; Surch Lite™, Aaron Medical, FL Tubestat™, Xomed, Jackonville FL) available from different manufacturers (Fig. 10.1). Trachlight™ (Laerdal, Wappingers Falls, NY) most widely studied these 10.2); however, manufacturer discontinued this product 2009 due declining sales.