Background: An AirWay Scope (AWS, PENTAX Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) is a video-laryngoscope with a built-in LCD monitor used for tracheal intubation, while INTLOCK (PENTAX Corporation) is a specialized laryngoscope blade that encases the tip of AWS. The characteristic shape of INTLOCK fits the oropharyngeal anatomy and enables even less experienced operators to obtain an optimal view during tracheal intubation procedures, although it is limited to tracheal tubes of less than 11.5 mm outer diameter. Therefore, AWS is not suitable for double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) insertion. To resolve this issue, we developed modified INTLOCK for DLT insertion in cooperation with PENTAX, in which a portion of the tube guide was removed.
Methods: Following institutional review board approval and written informed consent from the subjects, we prospectively enrolled 10 patients scheduled for thoracic procedures requiring DLT and investigated the usability of modified INTLOCK.
Results: All subjects were successfully intubated with modified INTLOCK, with only minor complications (mild hemorrhage, sore throat and hoarseness) occurring in 5 cases.
Conclusions: We were able to insert DLT in all subjects using modified INTLOCK without serious complications. The results indicate the usability of the device.