Comparison between Airtraq Optical Laryngoscope and Conventional Macintosh Laryngoscope for Intubation in Adult Surgical Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Intubating trachea and securing the airway remain a challenge although it is a routine practice for theanesthesiologist. Failure to successfully intubate the trachea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in anestheticand emergency setting.Aim: This study aims to compare the intubating conditions in adult surgical patients using Airtraq optical laryngoscope withMacintosh laryngoscope with respect to ease of intubation, the time taken for intubation, airway trauma, and hemodynamicresponse to laryngoscopy.Methods: In a single-center, prospective, randomized, parallel group, open-label, interventional study, 40 adult patients postedfor surgery under general anesthesia need of endotracheal intubation were recruited and allocated into two groups Group A(n = 20) intubated with Airtraq laryngoscope and Group B (n = 20) intubated with conventional Macintosh laryngoscope instandard intravenous induction.Results: Mean duration of intubation with the Airtraq group was 15.93 s, whereas in the Macintosh group, it was found to be38.70 s (P < 0.0001). The increase in mean heart rate from the pre-induction to post-intubation in Airtraq group was 20.9/min,whereas in Macintosh group was 31.9/min. The increase in mean arterial pressure from pre-intubation to post-intubation inAirtraq group was 12.6 mmHg, whereas in Macintosh group was 30.3 mmHg. Three patients in the Macintosh group and twopatients in the Airtraq group experienced trauma to the airways (P = −0.958).Conclusion: A study concluded that endotracheal intubation is easier, less time is taken for intubation, less trauma, and lesshemodynamic response when using Airtraq laryngoscope than Macintosh laryngoscope.