Abstract
Objective
To assess whether the use of a three-dimensional (3D) printed device enhances the
success rate of orotracheal intubation in rabbits.
Study design
Prospective, crossover randomized controlled trial.
Animals
A total of six mixed-breed rabbits.
Methods
A device to guide the endotracheal tube was designed based on computed tomography
images and then manufactured using 3D printing. Rabbits were randomly assigned for
intubation by two inexperienced veterinarians using the blind (BLI), borescope- (BOR)
or device- (DEV) guided techniques. Success rate, number of attempts, time to success,
injury scores and propofol dose were recorded and compared. Significance was considered
when p < 0.05.
Results
Success rate was higher in DEV (58.3%) than in BLI (8.3%) (p < 0.023), but not different from that in BOR (41.6%). Total time until successful
intubation was lower in DEV (45 ± 23 seconds) and BOR (85 ± 62 seconds) than in BLI
(290 seconds; p < 0.006). Time for the successful attempt was lower for DEV (35 ± 10 seconds) and
BOR (74 ± 43 seconds) than in BLI (290 seconds; p < 0.0001). The propofol dose required was lower for DEV (2.3 ± 1.2 mg kg–1) than for BLI (3.4 ± 1.6 mg kg–1) (p < 0.031), but not different from BOR (2.4 ± 0.9 mg kg–1). Number of attempts and oxygen desaturation events were not different among techniques
(p < 0.051 and p < 0.326, respectively). Injury scores [median (range)] before and after attempts
were different in BLI [0 versus 1 (0–3), p < 0.005] and BOR [0 (0–1) versus 1 (0–3), p < 0.002] but not in DEV [0 (0–2) versus 0 (0–3), p < 0.109].
Conclusions and clinical relevance
The device facilitated orotracheal intubation with a time similar to the borescope-guided
technique but faster than the traditional blind technique.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 08, 2023
Accepted:
March 1,
2023
Received:
October 13,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.
