Suitability of a preserved human cadaver model for the simulation of facemask ventilation, direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation: a laboratory investigation

Using fresh or formalin-embalmed cadavers has not been generally accepted for the purposes of teaching airway management. We investigated whether cadavers ‘preserved according Thiel’s embalming method’ (PATEM) are suitable for the simulation of facemask ventilation and tracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy. This observational cluster sampling, controlled simulation study, included eight PATEM cadavers and eight manikins in two clusters. Twenty experienced anaesthetists were randomly assigned to execute 80 facemask ventilations and 80 tracheal intubations in both groups. The ease of facemask ventilation was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoint was the composite outcomes of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. The success rate at the first attempt at mask ventilation was 74% (59/80 attempts) on cadavers and 41% (33/80 attempts) on manikins (P