A study to evaluate video laryngoscopy-guided intubation in patients with simulated immobilized cervical spine using Airtraq and McGrath laryngoscopes

Background: The study aimed to assess and compare the ease and success of intubation using channeled (Airtraq [AT]) versus non-channeled (McGrath [MG]) videolaryngoscopes in a simulated difficult airway. Methods: This prospective, randomized, single blind study was conducted on 50 patients of either sex, aged between 20 and 60 years, belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II physical status, undergoing a surgical procedure requiring intubation. The appropriate size Philadelphia rigid cervical collar was applied to all patients. After the induction of anesthesia, patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups comprising 25 patients, using sealed envelopes. Group AT (n = 25) were intubated using Airtraq laryngoscope and group MG (n = 25) were intubated with McGrath laryngoscope. In all the patient’s successful intubation times, the first attempt success rate, Percentage of Glottic Opening (POGO), and Intubation Difficulty Scale score were noted. Hemodynamic changes were recorded immediately after intubation thereafter at 1, 3, and 5 minutes after successful intubation. Any kind of Airway trauma and postoperative sore throat was taken into note. Results: Mean age in group AT was 39.68 ± 20.13 years compared to 37.56 ± 10.20 years in group MG. Intubation time was recorded and was found to be 87.28 ± 28.85 seconds with Airtraq and 65.60 ± 29.48 seconds with McGrath (p = 0.011). The POGO score was better in group AT than in group MG. The first attempt success rate was 84.0% in group AT compared to 76.0% in group MG (p = 0.725). Conclusion: Though the channeled laryngoscope offers superior intubating conditions, enhanced ease, and an improved glottic view compared to the McGrath laryngoscope.