Evaluation of the Upsherscope. A new rigid fibrescope.

Abstract

A new, rigid intubating fibrescope, the Upsherscope, was evaluated in clinical practice. Intubation was attempted in 200 adult patients and was successful in 191, with a median intubation time of 38 s, range 14-154 s. Intubation was straightforward in just under half of the patients. Difficulties were encountered in picking up the epiglottis, in passing the tracheal tube between the vocal cords and with secretions interfering with the view. In two patients known to be difficult to intubate, the Upsherscope was successful in one patient using an awake technique and failed in the other.