European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:  Airway management is a major responsibility and vital skill of Anesthesiologist’s. Laryngoscopes, which range from simple rigid scopes to complex fiberoptic video devices play an important role in administration of general anaesthesia and in securing airway in emergency conditions. Macintosh laryngoscope introduced in 1943 is the most popular and commonly used rigid laryngoscope.
Material and Methods: This is prospective, study randomized trial, 60 ASA I-II patients scheduled for various elective surgeries under general anesthesia with no risk factors of difficult intubation were randomly allocated to two groups with 30 each to undergo intubation with either Macintosh laryngoscope or optical Airtraq laryngoscope. Same general anesthesia protocols were followed in both the groups and all patients were intubated by same anaesthetist experienced in using both the laryngoscopes.
Conclusion: Airtraq laryngoscope resulted in significant improvement in ease of intubation with better glottic view and no marked hemodynamic variations during laryngoscopy.