Instructions for the AIROD® single-handed intubation technique
- DO NOT USE THE AIROD® IN CHILDREN.
- DO NOT USE WITH AN ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE SMALLER THAN 6.5 mm.
- Prepare all necessary equipment for standard endotracheal intubation.
- Remove the AIROD® from its sterile packaging and fully extend the three rods so that the two locks are completely engaged. Test the AIROD® to make sure it does not collapse by applying pressure to both ends and try to collapse the AIROD®. Once the operator has confirmed that the AIROD® is fully extended and locked proceed. DO NOT PROCEED IF THE AIROD® IS NOT FULLY EXTENDED AND LOCKED.
- Load an endotracheal tube 6.5 mm or larger with a 10 mL syringe attached onto the distal end of the AIROD®.
- Lubricate the proximal tip of the AIROD® as well as the tip of the endotracheal tube.
- Lay the patient supine and adjust the neck.
- Sedate the patient.
- Hyper-oxygenate the patient with 100% oxygen for 2 minutes with bag-valve mask ventilation unless contraindicated.
- Open the patient’s mouth and gently insert the laryngoscope into the oropharynx taking care not to damage the teeth or oropharyngeal tissue.
- If using a Mac blade slide the blade above the epiglottis and into the vallecula.
- If using a Miller blade slide the blade underneath the epiglottis.
- Using your left hand lift the laryngoscope upward and forward to expose the vocal cords making sure not to use the teeth as a fulcrum.
- Next with your right hand grasp the AIROD® like a pencil at the proximal end along the smallest reinforced rod with the 20-degree tip pointing upward.
- Gently advance the AIROD® past the mouth and down into the hypopharynx approximately 1-2 cm past the vocal cords.
- Using your right hand, advance the pre-loaded endotracheal tube down the AIROD® and into the trachea while pulling back the AIROD® as needed. No assistance required.
- Once the endotracheal tube is in the desired position in the trachea inflate the endotracheal balloon, remove the AIROD® and then remove the laryngoscope.
- Attach a CO2 detector to the end of the endotracheal tube.
- Ventilate with a bag-valve mask ensuring CO2 detector color change.
- Auscultate the chest making sure there is good chest rise and breath sounds heard throughout all four quadrants of the lungs.
- Confirm appropriate endotracheal tube placement with a chest x-ray.
Complications associated with the misuse of AIROD® during endobronchial intubation may include
- An endotracheal tube that is mistakenly sized or misplaced, especially in an apneic patient, can quickly lead to hypoxia and death.
- Accidental intubation of the esophagus.
- Oropharyngeal trauma.
- Broken teeth or dentures.
- Endobronchial intubation, endotracheal tube inserted too far.
- Esophageal perforation.
- Pneumothorax.
Please download form below and sign instructions. Email to info@airodmedical.com or fax to (305) 515-6038. Thank you.