Comparison Between McCoy Laryngoscope and C-MAC Video Laryngoscope in Anticipated Difficult Airway: A Prospective Randomised Study

Abstract

Objective: Prolonged laryngoscopy and failure to intubate are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Need to improve glottic visualisation and ease of intubation has led to the introduction of various types of laryngoscopes. This study compares the effectiveness of C-MAC video laryngoscope (VL) with McCoy laryngoscope in patients with an anticipated difficult airway.Methods: This prospective randomised single-blinded single-centre study included patients with modified Mallampati grades 3 and 4, divided into two groups I and II of 65 patients each. Group I was intubated using C-MAC and group II with McCoy Laryngoscope. Modified Cormack Lehane grade of visualisation, time to intubate, intubation difficulty scale score and complications were recorded.Results: C-MAC VL provides a higher proportion of modified Cormack Lehane grade I visualisation (63% vs 35.3, p=0.0017), the lesser median time of intubation in seconds (15 vs 18, p=0.0007) and significantly lesser median intubation difficulty score (0 vs 3) when compared to McCoy.Conclusions: C-MAC VL provided better visualisation of glottis and easier tracheal intubation that too in a significantly lesser time. We conclude and recommend the use of C-MAC VL over McCoy for endotracheal intubation in patients with predicted difficult airways, especially in modified Mallampati grades 3 and 4.

Comparison between C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope and McCoy laryngoscope for nasotracheal intubation in traumatic cervical spine surgery – A randomised controlled trial

“…[ 7 ] With other laryngoscopes, the requirement of additional supporting manoeuvres increases the time taken to secure the airway. [ 8 9 ] Compared to similar studies, our research used Magill forceps more with McCoy laryngoscope. [ 4 ]…”

Comparison of Laryngoscopic Glottic Views Obtained via Macintosh vs Miller Blade in Adults Undergoing General Anesthesia with Endotracheal Intubation

“…Macintosh laryngoscope is still regarded by most of the anesthetists as an easier to master device and a gold standard for intubation even though larynx cannot be viewed properly in 1-3% of the cases by its use. 3,15 The use of laryngoscopes is unlikely to change significantly since people who learn laryngoscopy using the Macintosh blade will most likely continue to do so. However, it is important to note that the miller blade may offer advantages in certain circumstances such as patients with long and floppy epiglottis, difficult dentition, and large tongue in relation to mandibular space.…”