Soft Mist Spray Device for Airway Anaesthesia During Awake Videolaryngoscopy

Rationale:

Effective and fast topical anaesthesia of the upper airway is of paramount importance in awake (conscious) videolaryngoscopy of the airway in order to avoid patient discomfort. Different methods of anesthetizing the airway have been described. Conventional topical airway anaesthesia is not always effective due to non-optimal flow patterns and generation of ineffective local anaesthetic aerosols. Other methods of anaesthetizing the airway are more invasive. In order to optimize topical anaesthesia of the airway a soft mist spray device (Trachospray) for topical anaesthesia of the airway has been developed, in which optimal airflow patterns are obtained and local anaesthetic aerosols are generated which will reach the target zone for anesthetizing the airway.

Objective: In this study, the Trachospray will be used for awake videolaryngoscopy, to evaluate its use, effectiveness and comfort level for patients and anaesthesiologist.

Study design: Interventional study.

Study population: 20 healthy human volunteers, ASA 1, 18-60 years old.

Intervention: Subjects will be asked to inhale 4 ml lidocaine 4% via the Trachospray device

Main study parameters/endpoints:

Anaesthesia of the airway as evaluated with successful awake videolaryngoscopy with minimal discomfort for the subject.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation:

Risk management on the Trachospray device shows that all user risks are mitigated and no residual risks remain for the use of the device. Testing of the device and the application of the device in daily practice has no additional risks than the present technique of performing anaesthesia of the airways.There may be some discomfort during the procedure, mainly airway irritation which may cause coughing or gag reflex.