Intubation Force Measurement

Video-Assisted Intubation Assessed Using Force Sensors

Background: In difficult intubation situations, there is a risk of damage to soft tissues of the mouth and to the patient’s maxillary incisors. Modern video laryngoscopes provide an easier view of the area of the larynx where the vocal cords are located, and possibly poses less risk in a difficult intubation. Researchers at Delft University in the Netherlands used force measurements to quantify the benefits of video-assisted laryngoscopy versus the traditional intubation method.

Challenge: To determine the force applied to the maxillary incisors during intubation, researchers needed to equip the laryngoscope blade with appropriate sensors. The less force applied, the less traumatic the intubation is considered. The sensors needed to cover an area of 27 x 9 mm, as the contact point varies from patient to patient.

Solution: As depicted, the laryngoscope was equipped at the area of contact with the teeth with three FlexiForce sensors in the 0-25 lb range. The three sensors were mounted along the length of the blade to cover the contact area of 27 x 9 mm. Each of the sensors was individually calibrated, and peak forces were recorded for each patient. The researchers in this study found that video-assisted intubation resulted in less force applied to the maxillary incisors.

benefits of flexiforce sensors

• Ultra-thin sensor construction and flexibility means minimal interference/disturbance to normal action
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Source: Lee, R., Van Zundert, A., Maassen, R., Willems, R., Beeke, L., Schaaper, J., Van Dobbelstein, J., Wieringa, P. (2009). Anesthesia & Analgesia, 108(1), 187-191.