Comparison of Intubation Efficiency by Suction Device in a Hemorrhagic Airway Manikin Model: Yankauer Suction Tip vs. Polyvinyl Chloride Catheter Suction Tip

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Tracheal intubation in a hemorrhagic airway is a difficult procedure because the visibility can be obscured by blood or vomitus. Several devices and methods have been developed to overcome such obstacles, but they are not available at all practical sites. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the time and success rate of tracheal intubation according to the type of suction tip used in a hemorrhagic airway manikin model. METHODS: This study was a randomized crossover manikin simulation study. We recruited 18 emergency physicians to perform intubation with suction using a Yankauer suction tip and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) catheter suction tip in a hemorrhagic airway manikin model. We then measured the time and success rate of intubation for each suction tip. RESULTS: The mean intubation time using the Yankauer suction tip was 42.3 seconds, and the mean intubation time using the PVC catheter suction tip was 91.1 seconds (p < 0.001). Two cases of esophageal intubation occurred when the PVC catheter suction tip was used (success rate, 88.9%). In contrast, there was no esophageal intubation when the Yankauer suction tip was used (success rate, 100%) (p=0.217). CONCLUSION: Intubation of a hemorrhagic airway manikin model can be performed in a shorter time when a Yankauer suction tip is used than when a PVC catheter suction tip is used.