Is Airtraq Video Laryngoscope a Better Alternative to Conventional Macintosh Direct Laryngoscope During Routine Intubation? A Comparative Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The Airtraq is designed to allow visualization of the glottis without alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes. The Airtraq differs in many ways from the conventional Macintosh laryngoscope and is suiTable scope for managing anticipated/unanticipated difficult airway situations. Here tracheal intubation performance of standard Macintosh laryngoscope was compared with Airtraq in normal patients. METHODS: Sixty patients (ASA I and II) who required surgery under general anesthesia were selected. They were randomized to intubation with the Macintosh laryngoscope or the Airtraq laryngoscope. Induction of Anaesthesia was standardized. Time taken for intubation, hemodynamic changes during intubation and ease of visualization of vocal cords (Using Cormack-Lehane grading) was compared between the groups. RESULTS: Preoperative characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. In the Airtraq group, tracheal intubation time using Airtraq was 10.97 seconds when compared to Macintosh laryngoscope where the time was 13.07 seconds (P= 0.001). Pulse rate in both groups were in the same range before or after intubation, but change in blood pressure was more in Macintosh group (P=0.004). In Airtraq group all patients had Cormack-Lehane grading I, and only 2 patients had Cormack-Lehane grading of II and III in Macintosh group. CONCLUSION: In this study, the Airtraq laryngoscope shortened the duration of tracheal intubation and provided better intubating conditions when compared with standard Macintosh laryngoscope.