Variation in size of laryngoscope blades used in preterm newborns

摘要

Many preterm infants are intubated for breathing support and/or surfactant administration. Intubation attempts in newborns are often unsuccessful. Laryngoscopes are used to visualise the vocal cords when attempting intubation. To successfully intubate a baby, the operator needs a good view of the larynx and vocal cords. If the blade of the laryngoscope is too short, the vocal cords will not be visualised. If the blade is too long, it may cause trauma to fragile structures in the oropharynx. Inadequate views of the vocal cords have been identified as the reason for the majority of failed intubation attempts in the delivery room.1 Poor visualisation of the vocal cords can also increase the duration of intubation attempts, even in the hands of experienced operators. Longer intubation times are associated with adverse events, including hypoxaemia, bradycardia and increased intracranial pressure.