The Kepler Intubation System

Our goal in this study was to develop a robotic intubation system and to conduct a feasibility pilot study on the use of a robotic intubation system for endotracheal intubations. The Kepler Intubation System was developed, consisting of a remote control center (joystick and intubation cockpit) linked to a standard videolaryngoscope via a robotic arm. Ninety intubations were performed by the Kepler Intubation System on an airway trainer mannequin by a single operator. The first group of 30 intubations was performed with the operator in direct view of the mannequin (direct view group). The second group of 30 intubations was performed with the operator unable to see the mannequin (indirect view group). Thirty semiautomated intubations were also performed during which the robotic system replayed a trace of a previously recorded intubation maneuver (semiautomated group). First-attempt success rates and intubation times for each trial were recorded. Trends were analyzed using linear regression. Data are presented as mean (SD). All intubations were successful at first attempt. The mean intubation times were 46 (18) seconds, 51 (19) seconds, and 41 (1) seconds for the direct view, indirect view, and semiautomated group, respectively. Both the direct and indirect view groups had a negative slope, denoting that each successive trial required less time. The semiautomated group had a slope of 0 and a low SD of 1 second, illustrating the high reproducibility of automated intubations. We concluded that a robotic intubation system has been developed that can allow remote intubations within 40 to 60 seconds. (Anesth Analg 2012;114:590-4)