Lightwand: An Effective Alternative to Fiberscope in Difficult Tracheal Intubation

Lightwand intubation is a safe, easy and cheap option of difficult airway management in primary or secondary care hospitals where availability of fibreoptic facility may be the only limiting factor for management of such cases in an otherwise routine surgery. This report highlights successful utility of lightwand aided intubation in a case series of patients with known difficult airway.

14 cases of difficult tracheal intubation due to various reasons like blood in airway, post burn contracture of face and neck, Temporomandibular joint ankylosis, loose tooth were planned for lightwand intubation after proper premedication and general anaesthesia with muscle relaxation. Preparation for tracheaostomy was made lest lightwand intubation fails.

All the patients were successfully intubated using Lightwand easily, rapidly and safely.

Lightwand is a valuable, portable, atraumatic and cheap option for difficult intubation.The teaching and practice of lightwand intubation should be revisited and encouraged.