FAQs

Clinical Usage

  • Are there any medications needs prior to use of the AIRTRAQ?
    No change in your intubation medication routine is required to use the AIRTRAQ.
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  • What should be the head positioning prior to insertion of the AIRTRAQ?

    The AIRTRAQ allows one to start with the head in the "neutral" position vs. the sniffing position or hyperextending the neck.

    In some cases, you may have do a jaw thrust or other manipulation to assist in obtaining a "centered" view of the vocal cords.

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  • Where should the blade (tip) of the AIRTRAQ be located?
    Typically the AIRTRAQ is placed in the valecula and above the epiglottis, like the Macintosh laryngoscope blade approach, however one can go below the epiglottis, like the Miller blade, if this gives a better exposure or view of the vocal cords.
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  • Can you AIRTRAQ for rapid sequence induction (RSI)?
    Yes.
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  • What about use with morbidly obese patients?
    The AIRTRAQ is ideal for these cases. To insert the AIRTRAQ one may have to start from the side and rotate the AIRTRAQ as it is inserted.
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  • Is it possible to oxygenate during the insertion?
    One can connect the circuit or an oxygen tube to the 15mm connector of the ETT to "blow" oxygen into the airway during the intubation procedure to help keep the patient oxygenated.
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  • Are there hemodynamic changes during the use of the AIRTRAQ?

    Initial studies have shown little to no changes in hemodynamics during the intubation procedure. It has also been demonstrated in a controlled study that Tracheal intubation with the Airtraq® resulted in less alterations in heart rate when compared to Direct Laryngoscopy.

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Device Characteristics

  • Is there a warm-up or start-up period?

    One should wait 30-45 seconds before insertion to allow the lenses to warm up and prevent fogging. If one is in a cold environment it might take a few more seconds.

    However, for emergency cases the Airtraq could be used without waiting with litlle risk of fogging .

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  • How to select the size of AIRTRAQ?
    There are 2 simple determinants:
    1) What size ET Tube?
    2) What is the patient mouth opening?

    The regular (blue) size requires a minimum 18 mm mouth opening and uses 7.0 to 8.5 mm ETT

    The small (green) size requires a minimum 16 mm mouth opening uses 6.0 to 7.5 mm ETT

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  • Does the AIRTRAQ have FDA 510(k) clearance?
    FDA has determined that the AIRTRAQ is a Class 1 device and exempt from requiring a Premarket Notification 510(k), and can be marketed.
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  • Can I reuse the AIRTRAQ?

    No, the AIRTRAQ is a single patient use device.

    One can not clean, soak, or sterilize the AIRTRAQ. It can affect the optics and make the device non-functional.

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  • What happens if the AIRTRAQ has been stored in a cold environment, i.e. ambulance without heat in the winter?
    This does not affect the function of the AIRTRAQ but may require but may require a little longer to warm up the lenses to prevent fogging. Wait 60-90 seconds.
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  • Does the AIRTRAQ require a special ETT?
    No, one can use any standard ETT.
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  • How long do the batteries last?
    The batteries will last approximately 60 minutes.
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  • What is the shelf-life of the packaged product?
    THREE (3) years. See the package for the expiration date.
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  • Does the AIRTRAQ have the CE mark?
    Yes, the AIRTRAQ has the CE mark.
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Tips & Techniques

  • What is the most likely usage error for novel users?

    The most common mistake is to insert the Airtraq "TOO DEEP" into the larynx or you have NOT LIFTED the Airtraq 

    This provides a view of the vocal cords and arytenoids, with the "center" of the view being the arytenoids rather than the vocal cords. In this case the ET tube may "hit" the arytenoids and not go through the vocal cords. To correct, simply withdraw the AIRTRAQ and / or lift up, this should place the vocal cords in the "center" of the view and make ET tube insertion easy.

    See the instructions and sample videos which show the insertion and correction motions.

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  • How to avoid the tongue being pushed inward?
    It is recommended that the AIRTRAQ blade be lubricated with a water soluble lubricate to help slide past / over the tongue during insertion. Also, use you finger at the side of the mouth to hold the tongue while inserting the AIRTRAQ.
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  • The view fogged up?
    This happens when the light has not been turned on about 30-60 seconds before use. It takes the integrated heater to warm up the lenses to avoid the fogging.
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  • What about secretions?
    The AIRTRAQ no generally affected by secretions, however, excessive blood or secretion might obscure the optics and view. In these cases suction before insertion.
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  • I see the vocal cords and airway structures but can not advance the ETT into the cords?
    Usually the vocal cords are not in the "center" of the view, but in the upper portion of the view. BACK OUT the Airtraq and LIFT it to change the view.
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Training and experiences

  • Is there a learning curve for the AIRTRAQ?

    Yes, like all airway devices there is some experience required, but the AIRTRAQ can be easily and quickly learned. We have found that 2-4 uses helps one to become confortable with the AIRTRAQ. Start with a normal or routine intubation first to learn, before trying a difficult airway case.

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  • What are the clinical experiences for AIRTRAQ?

    Although the AIRTRAQ is a new device it has already been successfully used in more than 50,000 intubations for routine and complex airways.
    Clinical experience has been carried out in the USA, Europe and Japan in operating theater Emergency Departments, ICU´s and also in pre-hospital settings.

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  • What clinical studies are available for AIRTRAQ?
    Many studies are already published in the best known magazines and summarized within this web site. A number of further clinical studies are underway discussing the AIRTRAQ and will be available in the near future. Check our web site for the latest information.
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