A Comparison of Macintosh and Video Laryngoscopy Performed With a Prototype Rigid Anterior Commissure Laryngoscope by Experienced and Novice Users in a Manikin Model

Abstract

Background. Intubation is a life-saving skill that can be difficult to learn and perform.Objective. The intubation time and user preference of four intubation techniques, performed by novices or experienced individuals, were compared.Methods. Enrolled participants were randomly assigned to one of four simulated intubation groups. Each group first performed intubation on the manikin airway without modifications (‘easy’ airway), followed by the same technique on a manikin with modifications to mimic a ‘difficult’ airway. The primary outcome measure was the time taken to inflate the manikin’s lungs with the bag ventilator, with successful intubation.Results. Ninety-eight participants were recruited and grouped according to experience: 59 novices (10 or fewer live intubations) and 39 experts (more than 10 live intubations). The total time to intubation increased significantly from the easy airway to the difficult airway for both expertise levels, and for all intubation techniques except the novel laryngoscope.Conclusion. Repeated exposure to multiple intubation devices can result in an adequate learning curve for the novice participant. The novel laryngoscope is an uncomplicated intubation tool; in this study, it provided novice users who intubate infrequently with a better chance of successful intubation in manikins.