Learning curves of novice anesthesiology residents performing simulated fibreoptic upper airway endoscopy.

摘要

BACKGROUND: In various medical and surgical specialties, it is essential to acquire fibreoptic upper airway endoscopy skills for successful endotracheal intubation, especially when faced with a difficult airway. The aim of our study was to evaluate the learning curves of residents performing fibreoptic upper airway endoscopy in the simulation environment. METHODS: Following a standardized video and practice session, 16 residents newly enrolled in the anesthesiology program performed nasal fibreoptic endoscopy of the upper airway (endpoint being the carina) on a high fidelity simulator. Weekly 20-min sessions continued for a period of one month. Each attempt was designated as either a "success" or a failure carina in