Comparison of the Airtraq and McCoy laryngoscopes using a rigid neck collar in patients with simulated difficult laryngoscopy.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of the Airtraq versus the McCoy laryngoscope as intubation devices with the neck stabilized by a rigid cervical collar.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.

SETTING

Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College.

PATIENTS: 60 ASA physical status 1, 2, and 3 patients, aged 18-70 years, scheduled for various surgical procedures requiring tracheal intubation for surgical anesthesia.

INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly allocated to undergo intubation with the McCoy (n = 30) or Airtraq (n = 30) laryngoscope.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

Differences in intubation times between the Airtraq and the McCoy laryngoscope, modified Cormack-Lehane score, percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score, and airway trauma were compared. Overall intubation success rates were 100% with both devices and a similar number of intubation attempts were required. However, the mean (SD) time required for successful intubation was shorter with the Airtraq (28.73 ± 6.39 sec) than the McCoy laryngoscope (39.11 ± 14.01 sec; P < 0.0001). The frequencies of intubation complications were similar. Esophageal intubation occurred in 4 cases but only with the McCoy laryngoscope.

CONCLUSION

Intubation time was shorter with the Airtraq than the McCoy laryngoscope, even though the overall success rates between the two devices were similar.