Comparison of Laryngeal Visualisation and Ease of Intubation Between Macintosh and Medan Video Laryngoscope

Abstract

BACKGROUNDOrotracheal intubation is the most common method used to secure and maintain airway. Macintosh laryngoscope is the most popular device used for intubation. Video laryngoscopy is a recent development that attempts to improve the success of tracheal intubation. Therefore, we compared Macintosh and Medan video laryngoscope during routine intubation by anaesthetists experienced with Macintosh, but novice to video laryngoscope.The aim of the study is to evaluate the laryngeal visualisation and ease of intubation with Macintosh and video laryngoscope. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study included 60 subjects of age group 18-50 years with apparently normal airway, randomly allotted in 2 groups of 30 each. The parameters like C-L grade, ease of intubation, time to intubation and number of attempts were recorded. Statistical Analysis-Statistical analysis was done by using Student's unpaired t-test and Chi-square test and p<0.05 is considered as level of significance. RESULTSGlottic visualisation assessed using Cormack-Lehane grading was significantly better with video laryngoscope (90%, Grade I views) as compared to Macintosh blade (60%, Grade I views). The ease of intubation was found to be comparable between the two. The mean time to intubation was more with video laryngoscope (33.9s) than with Macintosh laryngoscope (22.63s). CONCLUSIONThe video laryngoscope may not be advantageous over Macintosh laryngoscope for intubations performed in apparently normal airway in elective surgeries.