Experience with a modified Macintosh laryngoscope as a video laryngoscope adapted to a USB camera and cellphone

Abstract

Introduction: Management of the airway is one of the challenges in anesthesiology; multiple devices and techniques have been developed to manage it, preventing a catastrophic outcome for the patient in different scenarios. Objective: The objective of the study was to demonstrate that our modified laryngoscope, using a cell phone as a screen monitor, is useful and safe in the management of the adult patient's airway. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive, observational, and prospective study, using the modified laryngoscope for intubation in 139 elective patients, with airway check-up, intubation time measurement, number of attempts, observed Cormack-Lehane, percentage of glottis observed (POGO) scale, and adverse events registry. Results: There were 138 patients with successful intubations and one failure. Of these, 66.1% were female, and 33.9% were male, 92% were intubated on the first attempt. About 61% were intubated in 30 s or less and 35% in <1 min, visualization of the glottal ring was 82%, 72% of which were recorded as Cormack-Lehane I, and with POGOs of 100%, the burp maneuver was used to assist in 38%. Conclusions: The device proved to be useful and safe in the management of the patient's airway, with a success rate of 92% in the first attempt.