Dynamic and Kinematic Analysis of Intubation
Investigators:
Controlling the airway by intubation is an important and sometimes difficult component of caring for critically ill patients. This project is based on a novel use of motion-tracking equipment and force-detection sensors to evaluate intubation skills and techniques and compare novices, trainees, and experts. This information may apply in helping learners - physicians and nurses - optimize their skills. Children present special challenges because their range of sizes and maturational differences in anatomy require the ability to adjust intubation techniques based on the size of the child, and their limited pulmonary reserve necessitates the ability to intubate efficiently.
The motion analysis component is performed with the use of The Flock of Birds, manufactured by Ascension 
Technology Corporation (Burlington, VT). The Flock measures the position and orientation of one or more receiving antenna sensors that can be placed on a human limb segment with a transmitting antenna, which is fixed in space. In this project, we place sensors on the head and chest of the infant and child manikins as well as the laryngoscope. This allows the position and orientation of these segments to be tracked continuously. Force sensing is accomplished with strain gauge force transducers mounted on the laryngoscope. The variables measured include success rate, time to successful intubation or abort unsuccessful attempt, amount of pressure or force used and motion efficiency for successful intubation.
