Evaluation of laryngoscopy time and the soft tissue displacement using Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopes

Background: The study aimed to compare the Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopes in terms of laryngoscopy time, laryngeal view, and soft tissue displacement during laryngoscopy. Methods: Twenty-five adult patients of either sex, aged 18 to 50 years, scheduled for surgery under image control, were enrolled in the study. After administration of General Anaesthesia (GA), laryngoscopy was first performed using a Macintosh laryngoscope and followed by a second laryngoscopy with an Airtraq laryngoscope. Two X-ray images of the lateral cervical spine were taken following each laryngoscopy. During each laryngoscopy, the laryngeal view was graded on modified Cormack-Lehane (CL) grading. Laryngoscopy time in seconds with both laryngoscopes was recorded until the best view of the glottis was seen. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), Heart rate (HR), and Oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded before and after induction and immediately after both laryngoscopies. Soft tissue displacement was also calculated from the radiological image. Results: Mean laryngoscopy time recorded using Airtraq was 5.04 ± 0.60 seconds as compared to Macintosh (8.14 ± 0.36 seconds; P < 0.001). Soft tissue displacement with Macintosh was 4.88 ± 1.03 and with Airtraq was 3.90 ± 1.39 mm (P = 0.064). No significant change in hemodynamic parameters was found after intubation with both laryngoscopes, when compared with baseline values. Conclusion: We conclude that Airtraq produces a rapid and better laryngoscopic view of the glottis compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope. Less soft tissue displacement can further result in better hemodynamic stability with the use of Airtraq.