Balloon laryngoscopy reduces head extension and blade leverage in patients with potential cervical spine injury

Background: Head extension and excessive laryngoscope blade levering motion (LBLM) are undesirable during airway management of trauma patients. We hypothesized that laryngoscopy with a modified blade facilitating glottic exposure by balloon inflation would reduce head extension and LBLM.

      Patients and methods:
      Seventeen elective surgery patients were enrolled. Patients lay
			supine with their heads flat on a rigid board and had a rigid collar around
			their necks. Laryngoscopy was performed with the modified blade and a standard
			curved blade. Head extension and LBLM angles were determined upon maximal
			glottic exposure and compared used paired t-tests. Laryngoscopic view
			grade and oxygen saturation were also determined.
    
    
      Results:
      Balloon laryngoscopy resulted in less head extension and LBLM
			(P <0.001). Laryngoscopic view was approximately identical with
			both blades, and oxygen saturation was always above 97%.
    
    
      Conclusions:
      Balloon laryngoscopy reduces head extension and LBLM under
			simulated cervical spine precautions.