Evaluation of six videolaryngoscopes in 720 patients with a simulated difficult airway: a multicentre randomized controlled trial
The Bottom Line - June 2, 2016 - By Steve Mathieu
"Clinical Question
In patients having elective surgery and with a simulated difficult airway (using a cervical collar), does the choice of videolaryngoscope affect the first attempt intubation success rate?
Authors’ Conclusions
This trial revealed differences in the performance of six videolaryngoscopes in 720 patients with restricted neck movement and limited mouth opening. In this setting, first-attempt success rates were 85–98%, except for the A.P. Advance difficult airway blade. Highest success and lowest tissue trauma rates were achieved by the McGrath and C-MAC D-blade, highlighting the importance of the videolaryngoscope blade design
The Bottom Line
The trial primary hypothesis, first attempt intubation success rate > 90%, was accepted only for the McGrath. The A.P Advance performed well below the other comparators. Whilst the internal validity of the trial is limited by subjectivity and the operator being unblinded, it provides a useful overview of variation in performance and handling of the scopes"