Comparison of ease of tracheal intubation using Macintosh laryngoscope and AirtraqTM optical laryngoscope in paediatric patients by novice anaesthetists

Dr. Harick Shah; Dr.Nandini Dave

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2019

Comparison of ease of tracheal intubation using Macintosh laryngoscope and AirtraqTM optical laryngoscope in paediatric patients by novice anaesthetists

Dr. Harick Shah, Dr. Nandini Dave

Abstract :

Method: 64 patients between 2 – 12 years of age requiring general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included. Endotracheal intubation was attempted by a resident anaesthetist under the guidance of a senior anaesthetist. Time taken for intubation, number of intubation attempts, Intubation Difficulty Score, were noted. Results: Time taken for intubation was 51.594 + 17.544 s in the Airtraq group compared with 64.156 + 20.743 s in the Macintosh group (P =0.011).Using Airtraq 25 subjects were intubated in the first attempt and 7 in the second attempt compared to 17 in the first attempt and 15 in the second attempt for Macintosh (P = 0.035). The intubation difficulty score was 0.469 + 0.803 for Airtraq group versus 1.406 + 1.563 for Macintosh group (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Airtraq optical laryngoscope is an easy to use device for tracheal intubation, by novice anesthetists, with shorter learning curve. Airtraq reduced the difficulty of intubation and provided better hemodynamic conditions.