RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The effects of the levering laryngoscope (McCoy laryngoscope) on the laryngoscopic view classified by the Cormack and Lehane were investigated in this study. METHODS: The laryngoscopic view with the levering laryngoscope blade in neutral and best position were recorded respectively and analysed statistically. RESULTS: 109 laryngoscopic views were grade 1 or 2 and 12 were grade 3 or 4 in the neutral position with the McCoy blade. Only three patients were grade 3 or 4 in its best position and the others grade 1 or 2. The reduction in the incidence of difficult laryngoscopic view (grade 3 or 4) using the levering laryngoscope in its best position was statistically significant (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Levering laryngoscope improves laryngoscopic view and also reduces the incidence of difficult intubation. So, we suggest that it is an useful instrument for the anesthesiologists in the difficult tracheal intubation.