Traumatizing effects of blind oral intubation using the Augustine Guide.

Abstract Purpose: This study evaluated whether the Augustine Guide, a device enabling blind oral intubation, carries a high risk for laryngopharyngeal trauma in routine airway management. Patients and Methods: Telescopic laryngoscopic or microlaryngoscopic examinations were performed in 20 patients before and immediately after blind oral intubation, as well as 24 hours postoperatively. Results: Intubation using the Augustine Guide was successful in all but one patient. However, 18 of 20 patients showed evidence of considerable trauma to the laryngopharyngeal region. Vallecular edema, epiglottic swelling, mucosal lacerations, and vocal cord hematomas, causing a high percentage of postoperative discomfort, occurred in a very uniform pattern. Conclusions: It was concluded that blind oral intubation using the Augustine Guide should not be used in routine airway management but should only be used in special indications.