ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Learning tracheal intubation using a Macintosh laryngoscope (McL) is important although video laryngoscope is becoming popular. The purpose of this study was to compare the usefulness as a training device for intubation technique using McL with three devices; McGRATH® MAC (MAC), Airwayscope® (AWS) and McL. METHODS: In this prospective study, 60 nurses not experienced in tracheal intubation were randomly assigned to MAC, AWS, and McL groups (each group: n=20), and 10 times of practice using each device were carried out. We compared the intubation time using McL and the nurse's anatomical understanding of the larynx before and after the practice. RESULTS: The intubation time before the practice was comparable among the three groups, but the time after the practice was significantly shorter in the McL and MAC groups compared to the AWS group (P=0.001). The practice significantly improved anatomical understanding of the larynx in all groups (P<0.05), and in particular it was improved in the MAC and AWS groups compared with the McL group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The McGRATH® MAC may possess advantages compared to Airwayscope® and Macintosh laryngoscope as a training device for learning intubation technique using Macintosh laryngoscope and understanding anatomy of the larynx.
