Randomized Crossover Comparison of the Airway‐Exchange Broncholaryngoscope and Aintree Catheter

Objectives The Airway‐Exchange Broncholaryngoscope (AEBLScope) combines a bronchoscope and airway‐exchange catheter (AEC) into a single device, enabling visual placement of AECs and increasing the efficiency and accuracy of airway‐exchange procedures (AEP). The purpose of this study was to compare the AEBLScope with the Aintree Intubation Catheter (Aintree) for AEPs in airway models. Methods Thirty‐eight Otolaryngologists, Anesthesiologists, and Critical Care providers performed AEPs on tracheostomy (trach) and endotracheal (ETT) airway models. Participants were randomized by which device and model were used first. AEPs were timed. Devices were rated using a 7‐point Likert scale on ease‐of‐use, effectiveness, and likelihood to use again. Finally, practitioners selected which device they preferred overall. Results Participants significantly preferred the AEBLScope to the Aintree (31 vs. 7, p < 0.001). Accounting for randomization, the AEBLScope was significantly faster for performing AEPs on ETTs (56.46 vs. 62.13 s, FDR ‐Adjusted p = 0.04). AEPs for trachs were performed faster with the AEBLScope compared with the Aintree (44.28 vs. 49.00 s, FDR ‐Adjusted p = 0.08), but this was not statistically significant. Participants rated the AEBLScope as significantly easier to use than the Aintree (5.11 vs. 4.66, p = 0.015). Additionally, the AEBLScope was rated as more effective (5.43 vs. 5.14, p = 0.067) and more likely to use again (5.32 vs. 5.00, p = 0.083), however these results were not statistically significant. Conclusions The AEBLScope was preferred for AEPs, was easier to use, and performed AEPs faster than Aintree. Further testing must assess the efficacy of the AEBLScope for AEPs in patients. Level of Evidence N/A.