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AVAILABILITY OF SPECIALIZED AIRWAY EQUIPMENT IN CANADIAN HOSPITALS

Department of Anesthesiology, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8

INTRODUCTION

Currently, there is no nationwide consensus on optimal management and anaesthesia equipment for the difficult airway. A survey of Canadian anesthesiologists was undertaken to assess specialized airway equipment availability.

METHODS

A postal survey of 1702 members of the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society was conducted to determine equipment availability for management of the difficult airway. Demographic data and working practices of respondents were collected. Four regions were compared - Western Provinces (British Columbia, Northwest territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba), Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island). Chi-squared analyses compared groups, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

833 out of 1702 surveys (49%) were returned. Respondents comprised 88% staff and 12% residents; 76% males and 24% females; 39% from community and 61% from teaching hospitals. Fibreoptic bronchoscope (FOB), laryngeal mask (LMA) and lighted stylet were widely available nationwide. However, only 85% of institutions had cricothyroidotomy equipment (dilatational kit or needle). There were significant differences in availability of other airway adjuncts among regions. Gum elastic bougies, Bullard laryngoscopes, combitubes and difficult intubation carts were less readily available in community compared to teaching hospitals.

Results of this survey reveal significant differences in equipment availability, both regionally and between teaching and community hospitals. Lack of availability of essential equipment such as cricothyroidotomy should be addressed.

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