C-MAC D-Blade vs Airtraq for Intubation with Manual Inline Axial Stabilisation- A Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: One of the most important skills in anaesthesia is securing the airway with an endotracheal tube. Difficult tracheal intubation however is considered one of the major contributors of anaesthesia related morbidity and mortality. Video laryngoscopy offers several advantages during endotracheal intubation. The view of the glottis provided by Videolaryngoscopes is better compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope in difficult airways which makes it more attractive for routine difficult airway intubations. Aim: To compare the time taken for intubation between two Videolaryngoscopes, namely C-MAC D-blade and Airtraq and to assess the quality of laryngoscopy view between the two groups. Materials and Methods: This was a randomised clinical trial conducted in 116 American Society of Anesthesiologists 1 (ASA1) and ASA2 patients undergoing elective surgeries in Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. Patients are randomised into two groups, Group C-MAC D-blade and Group Airtraq by computer randomisation. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, Repeated measures of ANOVA was used to find the significance from preinduction to 10 mins period for each group and Bonferoni’s correction for intergroup comparison. Results: The time taken for intubation was comparable in two study groups (Group C-MAC D-blade 41.88 secs) and (Group Airtraq -40.78 sec) with p-value of 0.734. Laryngoscopic view was not statistically significant with p-value of 0.083. Optimisation maneuvers were required in 63.8% in Group Airtraq on comparison with 44.8% in Group C-MAC D-blade. In both Group C-MAC D-blade and Group Airtraq, there was a significant rise in the heart rate and BP at 0 minute compared to preinduction. But after 5 minutes, the heart rate and BP were back to preinduction values. Conclusion: Both the Videolaryngoscopes, C-MAC D-blade and Airtraq performed equally, with respect to time taken for intubation and laryngoscopic view. However, External Laryngeal Manipulation (ELM) was required more in Group Airtraq and was statistically significant.