Fiberoptic-assisted endotracheal rod for tracheal intubation through a supraglottic airway in adult obese patients: A clinical device feasibility study

Study objective To determine the feasibility of the newly designed fiberoptic-assisted endotracheal rod (FASTER) device in assisting difficult intubation in obese adults, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg·m −2 . Design This was a prospective feasibility study. Setting Elective surgery at Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA. Patients Twenty adult patients aged ≥18 years with BMI ≥35 kg·m −2 undergoing elective surgery with planned tracheal intubation were included. Intervention Use of the FASTER device to assist tracheal intubation through the supraglottic airway (SGA). Measurements The study evaluates first-attempt intubation success, intubation time, and device-related adverse events associated with FASTER-assisted intubation through an SGA. Main results All 20 patients were successfully intubated on the first attempt using the FASTER. The mean (SD) time to intubation was 77.6 (19.8) s. No device related adverse events were observed. Conclusion The FASTER device is feasible adjunct to assist with for endotracheal intubation through the SGA in adults with obesity. While intubation via an SGA conduit has been well described, FASTER helps to aid in the technically demanding step of reliable advancement of the ETT under vision and its securement within the airway while the SGA is being removed. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the device performance in subsequent development stages.