Comparison of intubation characteristics with the McGrath video laryngoscope in adults using a stylet,bougie or no intubating aid

Abstract

Background:

Video laryngoscopy improves glottic visualisation without requiring alignment of oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal axes. This study compared the intubation characteristics with the McGrath video laryngoscope in adults using a stylet, bougie or no intubating aid.

Methods:

Seventy-two adult patients were randomised into three groups of 24 (group P, S and B). Using the McGrath video laryngoscope, group P was intubated with an unaided endotracheal tube, group S was intubated with a stylet and group B was intubated with a bougie. The intubation time was assessed as the primary outcome. Secondary outcome included the first-attempt success rate, overall success rate, ease of insertion, number of attempts and hemodynamic response to insertion.

Results:

The mean intubation time was significantly less in group S (21.38[2.58] sec) compared to group P (24.38 [2.43] sec) and group B (27.25[2.82] sec) (p-value < 0.001). First-attempt success rate, overall success rate, ease of insertion, number of attempts and hemodynamic response to insertion were comparable in the three groups.

Conclusion:

Intubation with McGrath video laryngoscope using a stylet required less intubation time in comparison to the use of a bougie or without any intubating aids, while the first-attempt success rate and overall success rate were comparable.