The lighted stylet, introduced in 1959, is a device used to aid in intubation when direct laryngoscopy is difficult. It consists of a malleable stylet with a light source at the tip that illuminates the glottic opening when passed through the vocal cords. Studies have found it successful in over 99% of intubation attempts, especially for patients with cervical spine injuries or paralyzed vocal cords. It allows for topical anesthesia and avoids many risks of direct laryngoscopy. Case reports also describe its use in visualizing tumors, polyps, infections or foreign bodies in the upper airway. A 1985 workshop recommended the lighted stylet be included in difficult airway guidelines.
2. 99%(2) ( 3)
C-spine injury
conventional direct laryngoscopy(4)
paralyzed topical (5)
( 6,7)
15 case
light stylet tumor,
polyp, infection , upper airway foreign body
Workshop
convential DL
Reference
1. Vollmer TP, stewart RD, Paris PM et al. Use of the lighted stylet for guided
orotracheal intubation in the prehospital setting. Ann Emerg Med 1985;14:324-8.
2. Hung-OR, Pytka-S, Morris-I et al. Clinical trial of a new lightwand device( Trachlight)
to intubate the trachea. Anesthesiology. 1995;83(3):509-14
3. Ellis-DG,Stewart RD, Kaplan RM et al.Success rates of blind orotracheal intubation
using a transillumination technique with a lighted stylet. Ann Emerg Med 1986;15(2):
138-42
4. Weis FR. Lightwand intubation for cervical spine injuries( letter) .Anesth Analg
1992;74:622.
5. Higgins MS, Wherry TJ . Topical anesthesia of the airway using the lighted stylet(
letter). Anesthesiology 1993;79:1148
6. Hung OR, Pytka S, Morris I . Lightwand intubation.II Clinical trial of a new ligthwand
for tracheal intubation in patients with difficult airways. Can J Anaesth 1995;42:826-
30
3. 7. Weis FR, Hatton MN. Intubation by use of the light wand: experience in 253 patients.
J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1989;47:577-80
