Comparing the usefulness of VividTrac and classic Macintosh laryngoscope in intubation in pediatric patients with cleft palate

Abstract

BackgroundSurgical repair for pediatric patients with cleft palate is performed under general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation. However, intubating these cases is usually difficult because of the cleft itself and associated airway abnormalities. VividTrac, a video laryngoscopy that could provide a real-time picture of the glottic area, could be helpful in these cases.MethodsWe conducted the current prospective investigation to compare VividTrac and conventional Macintosh laryngoscope in intubating pediatric patients with cleft palate.ResultsAll patient demographics did not express significant differences between the two groups. The number of trials and the first trial success rate were in favor of group L. The former had mean values of 1.28 and 1.05, while the latter occurred in 81.4% and 97.7% of patients in groups L and V, respectively. Group V showed a significant increase in the time interval passing between mouth opening and connecting the tube with the ventilator.Nonetheless, the difficulty of intubation was increased in group L. The need for cricoid pressure and tube introducer was increased in group L.ConclusionsVividTrac laryngoscope could be a valid and more suitable option for intubation in pediatric patients with cleft palate. Compared to the conventional laryngoscope, it has a higher success rate, lower attempt number, and lower need for assisting maneuvers.