A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF AIRTRAQ AND MACINTOSH LARYNGOSCOPES FOR DIFFICULT INTUBATION

• Published in: Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences Vol. 6; no. 72; pp. 5098 - 5102
• Main Authors: Shukla, Prakhar, Yadav, Satyendra Singh, Jain, Vishesh, Sharma, Girraj, Chourasia, HemantKumar, Choudhary, Bhanu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Akshantala Enterprises Private Limited 07.09.2017
• Subjects: Analysis; Comparative analysis; Endoscopes; Intratracheal intubation; Treatment outcome; India
• ISSN: 2278-4748; 2278-4802
• DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2017/1108

BACKGROUND Airtraq is an indirect laryngoscope that has demonstrated promise during endotracheal intubation in both normal and difficult airway scenarios. In this study, we have compared effect of Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopes on intubating conditions in patients at increased risk for difficult tracheal intubation in a randomised controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty consenting patients presenting for surgery requiring tracheal intubation, who were deemed to possess at least two characteristics indicating an increased risk for difficulty in tracheal intubation were randomly assigned to undergo tracheal intubation using either a Macintosh (n= 40) or Airtraq (n= 40) laryngoscope. All patients were intubated by anaesthesiologists experienced in the use of both laryngoscopes. RESULTS Two patients were not successfully intubated with the Macintosh laryngoscope, but were intubated successfully with the Airtraq. Airtraq reduced the mean [+ or -] SD duration of 1st intubation attempt (52.30 [+ or -] 36.14 seconds with Macintosh laryngoscope and 34.83 [+ or -] 17.45 seconds with Airtraq), mean [+ or -] SD duration of successful intubation attempt (45.29 [+ or -] 26.58 seconds with Macintosh laryngoscope and 33.18 [+ or -] 11.06 seconds with Airtraq), number of intubation attempts required for successful intubation, need for optimisation manoeuvres required during intubation and minor complications during intubation. CONCLUSION Airtraq reduced the difficulty of tracheal intubation compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope in these patients. KEYWORDS Airtraq, Macintosh Laryngoscope.