The successful intubation using Shikani Optical Stylet(TM) on difficult intubation patients: A report of 2 cases

ABSTRACT

The Shikani Optical Stylet(TM) (SOS, Clarus Medical, USA) is another tool to facilitate tracheal intubation. It combines the benefits of a lightwand and a fiberoptic bronchoscope. We report the application of SOS in facilitating the tracheal intubation of two-person with history of difficult airway management. A 25-year-old woman with micrognathia was scheduled to undergo an exploratory laparotomy. Intubation attemps failed with a direct laryngoscope because of difficulty in her mouth opening. Although airway management was re-attempted by a laryngeal mask airway, it also failed for the same reason. Airway management was successfully performed using the SOS instead of a laryngeal mask airway. The second case was a 38-year-old woman with ankylosing spondylitis, scheduled for spinal fusion. She had difficulty in extending her neck. Intubation was successfully performed via the SOS. We believe that intubation by the SOS is a useful and readily available alternative technique for patients with difficult airways.