Current evidence for the use of C-MAC videolaryngoscope in adult airway management: a review of the literature

Abstract

The C-MAC videolaryngoscope is the first Macintosh-typed videolaryngoscope. Since the advent of its original version video Macintosh system in 1999, this device has been modified several times. A unique feature of C-MAC device is its ability to provide the 2 options of direct and video laryngoscopy with the same device. The available evidence shows that in patients with normal airways, C-MAC videolaryngoscope compared with direct laryngoscopy can provide comparable or better laryngeal views and exerts less force on maxillary incisors, but does not offer conclusive benefits with regard to intubation time, intubation success, number of intubation attempts, the use of adjuncts, and hemodynamic responses to intubation. In patients with predicted or known difficult airways, C-MAC videolaryngoscope can achieve a better laryngeal view, a higher intubation success rate and a shorter intubation time than direct laryngoscopy. Furthermore, the option to perform direct and video laryngoscopy with the same device makes C-MAC videolaryngoscope exceptionally useful for emergency intubation. In addition, the C-MAC videolaryngoscope is a very good tool for tracheal intubation teaching. However, tracheal intubation with C-MAC videolaryngoscope may occasionally fail and introduction of C-MAC videolaryngoscope in clinical practice must be accompanied by formal training programs in normal and difficult airway managements.

Comparison of C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscope and McCoy laryngoscope efficacy for nasotracheal intubation in simulated cervical spinal injury: a prospective randomized comparative study

“…The C-MAC videolaryngoscope, has a built-in light source and a digital camera, which allows for visualization of the larynx and vocal cords through a monitor while performing endotracheal intubation [11]. In particular, the C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope has a noticeable curvature of the distal end of the blade, which faces markedly upward [12].…”

Video laryngoscopy does not improve the intubation outcomes in emergency and critical patients – a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…This unique feature of Macintosh-type VLs is significantly different from DLs and angulated VLs, which can provide only one option. Thus, definition of laryngoscopy attempts used in these studies is desirable for DLs but not for Macintosh-type VLs [ 62 ].…”

The use of the C-MAC videolaryngoscope for awake intubation in patients with a predicted extremely difficult airway: case series

“…The C-MAC videolaryngoscope can be very effective and useful in adult airway management. 1 I would like to share my experience regarding the use of the C-MAC videolaryngoscope for intubation of patients with a predicted extremely difficult airway. The presented cases consist of patients with laryngeal tumors ( Table 1 ).…”