Intubation Difficulty Scale Score Research Articles

A prospective randomized comparative trial of pediatric C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope with McCoy direct laryngoscope for intubation in children posted for elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia.

Pediatric airway management requires careful clinical evaluation and experienced execution due to anatomical, physiological, and developmental considerations. Video laryngoscopy in pediatric airways is a developing area of research, with recent data suggesting that video laryngoscopes are better than standard Macintosh blades. Specifically, there is a paucity of literature on the advantages of the C-MAC D-blade compared to the McCoy direct laryngoscope. After Ethics Committee approval, 70 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2 children aged 4-12 years scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were recruited. Patients were randomly allocated to intubation using a C-MAC video laryngoscope size 2 D-blade (Group 1) and a McCoy laryngoscope size 2 blade (Group 2). The Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS) for ease of intubation was the primary outcome, while Cormack-Lehane grades, duration of laryngoscopy and intubation, hemodynamic responses, and incidence of any airway complications were secondary outcomes. Both groups were comparable in terms of patient characteristics. The median (IQR) Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS) score was better but was statistically nonsignificant with C-MAC (0 [0-0] vs. 0 [0-2], p = .055). The glottic views were superior (CL grade I in 32/35 vs. 23/35, p = .002), and the time to best glottic view (6 s [5-7] vs. 8.0 s [6-10], p = .006) was lesser in the C-MAC D-blade group while the total duration of intubation was comparable (20 s [16-22] vs. 18 s [15-22], p = .374). All the patients could be successfully intubated on the first attempt. None of the patients had any complications. The C-MAC video laryngoscope size 2 D-blade provided faster and better glottic visualization but similar intubation difficulty compared to McCoy size 2 laryngoscope in children. The shorter time to achieve glottic view demonstrated with the C-MAC failed to translate into a shorter total duration of intubation when compared to the McCoy laryngoscope attributable to a pronounced curvature of the D-blade.

Relationship Between Airway Examination with LEMON Criteria and Difficulty of Tracheal Intubation with IDS Criteria.

Tracheal intubation is a common technique used to secure a patient's airway, which is crucial in anesthesia. Successful tracheal intubation depends on various factors, including the assessment of the patient's airway before the procedure. In recent years, scoring systems, such as LEMON (an acronym for the assessment of the airway's appearance, identification of any dental issues, evaluation of Mallampati classification, assessment of airway obstruction, and examination of neck mobility) and intubation difficulty scale (IDS) have gained attention. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the LEMON criteria and IDS in tracheal intubation. The goal was to provide valuable insights that can assist medical professionals in optimizing their approach to airway management by analyzing clinical data, assessing patient outcomes, and evaluating the consistency between these scoring systems. This study was based on a descriptive-analytical study involving a group of patients requiring intubation. This study examined 105 patients scheduled for elective surgeries, aged between 19 and 60 years, without specific underlying diseases, such as laryngeal cancer, temporomandibular joint stiffness, or significant tongue enlargement, and with a body mass index (BMI) below 40 kg/m². Initially, expert anesthesiologists assessed the patients using the LEMON criteria, and then the degree of intubation difficulty was measured using the IDS scoring system. Finally, these two criteria were compared. In this study, there was a significant correlation between the LEMON score and the IDS score (P < 0.001). The difficult intubation group (IDS score higher than 0) had higher LEMON scores (with the highest score equal to 4) than the non-difficult intubation group (IDS score of 0) (P = 0.017). The average LEMON and IDS scores were 3.11 and 1.35, respectively. Among the participants, 96.2% had an intubation difficulty score of ≤ 5; nevertheless, 3.8% had a score of > 5. Additionally, limited neck mobility emerged as the sole independent predictor of intubation difficulty (P = 0.002, odds ratio = 6.152). The LEMON score is associated with difficult intubation in adult patients requiring intubation.

MONTH Score in Predicting Difficult Intubations in Emergency Department; a Prognostic Accuracy Study.

MONTH Difficult Laryngoscopy Score was developed for effectively identifying difficult intubations in the emergency department (ED). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of MONTH Score in predicting difficult intubations in ED. We prospectively collected data on all patients undergoing intubation in the ED of Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The screening performance characteristics of the MONTH score in identifying the difficult intubation in ED were analyzed. All data were analyzed using STATA software version 18.0. 324 intubated patients with the median age of 73 (63-82) years were studied (63.58% male). The proportion of difficult intubations was 19.44%. The sensitivity and specificity of MONTH in predicting difficult intubations were 74.6% (95% CI: 61.6%-85.0%) and 92.8% (95% CI: 89.0%-95.6%), respectively. These measures in subgroup of patients with Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS) score ≥ 6 were 44.1% (95%CI: 31.2-57.6) and 98.5% (95% CI: 96.2%- 99.6%), respectively. The area under the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve of MONTH in predicting difficult intubations was 0.895 (95% CI: 0.856- 0.926). It seems that the MONTH Difficult Laryngoscopy Score could be considered as a tool with high specificity and positive predictive values in identifying cases with difficult intubations in ED.

Left Head Rotation as Alternative to Difficult Tracheal Intubation: Randomized Open Label Clinical Trial.

Tracheal intubation is a life-saving intervention not only for physicians but also for allied health workers. Optimizing the patient's head and neck position for the best glottic view is a crucial step that accelerates tracheal intubation. The left head rotation maneuver has been recently described as an innovative approach to tracheal intubation with marked improvement in glottic visualization and can be an alternative before proceeding to a surgical airway. This study compared the glottic view and intubating conditions in the sniffing position versus left head rotation during direct laryngoscopy. This randomized, open-label clinical trial enrolled fifty-two adult patients admitted to the Baguio General Hospital & Medical Center from September 2020 to January 2021 for an elective surgical procedure requiring tracheal intubation under general anesthesia. Intubation was done using a 45-degree left head rotation in the experimental group (n=26), while the control group (n=26) was intubated using the conventional sniffing position. Glottic visualization and intubation difficulty with left head rotation and sniffing position were assessed using Cormack-Lehane Grade and Intubation Difficulty Scale, respectively. Successful intubation is measured by observing a capnographic waveform in the end-tidal CO2 monitor after placement of the endotracheal tube. There was no significant statistical difference in the clinicodemographic characteristics between the left head rotation and sniffing position groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the Cormack-Lehane Grade, with 85% of patients classified under Grades 1 and 2 in both groups. Also, there were no statistically significant differences in the Intubation Difficulty Scale scores of patients intubated with left head rotation or sniffing position; 30.7% of patients in both groups were easily intubated, while 53.8% in left head rotation and 57.6% in sniffing position groups were intubated with slight difficulty. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the two techniques in any of the seven parameters of the Intubation Difficulty Scale, although numerically fewer patients required the application of additional lifting force [7 (26.9%) vs. 11 (42.3%)] or laryngeal pressure [3 (11.5%) vs. 7 (26.9%)] when intubated with left head rotation. The intubation success rate with left head rotation was 92.3% vs. 100% in the sniffing position, but this difference was not statistically significant. Left head rotation produces comparable laryngeal exposure and intubation ease to the conventional sniffing position. Therefore, left head rotation may be an alternative for patients who cannot be intubated in the sniffing position, especially in hospitals where advanced techniques such as video laryngoscopes and flexible bronchoscopes are unavailable, as is the case in this study. However, since our sample size was small, studies with a larger study population are warranted to establish the generalizability of our findings. In addition, we observed inadequate familiarity among anesthesiologists with the left head rotation technique, and the intubation success rate may improve as practitioners attain greater technical familiarization. This trial was registered in the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ISRCTN23442026).

Comparing the learning curve of laryngoscopy using macintosh laryngoscope with or without video assistance for tracheal intubation by novices after manikin training

ObjectiveNo studies in the literature have compared video-assisted MacIntosh laryngoscope with conventional MacIntosh laryngoscope in teaching tracheal intubation to novices. Hence, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the learning curve of direct MacIntosh laryngoscope with and without video assistance for tracheal intubation by novices after manikin training. MethodsTwelve novices were included in the study. Out of 12, six novices were taught tracheal intubation on manikin using a MacIntosh laryngoscope, and the other six using a video-assisted MacIntosh laryngoscope. In Group ML(n = 30), novices trained with MacIntosh laryngoscope performed tracheal intubation in 5 patients, each using the same device. In Group VML(n = 30), novices who were acquainted with video-assisted MacIntosh laryngoscope performed tracheal intubation in 5 patients, each using the same device. ResultsThe percentage of 0, ≤5, and >5 Intubation difficulty scale (IDS) were 0.00%, 43.33%, and 56.67% in Group ML and 0.00%, 80.0%, and 20.00% in Group VML, respectively. The success rate of performing tracheal intubation in Group ML was 40.00%(12/30), and the success rate of Group VML was 70.00%(21/30). The difference in the IDS score and success rate of intubation were found to be statistically significant. The mean intubation time was 93.77 ± 15.80 s in Group ML and 92.33 ± 19.06 s in Group VML. The visualization of the glottis by Cormack Lehane grading (CLG) in Group ML(n = 30) was grade I in 14(46.67%) patients and grade II in 16(53.33%) patients. In Group VML (n = 30), CLG grade I accounted for 18(60.00%) patients, grade II in 12(40%) patients. The intubation time and CLG were statistically insignificant between the two groups. ConclusionNovices trained and performed tracheal intubation with video-assisted MacIntosh laryngoscope had a greater success rate on the first attempt and lower IDS score than those trained with MacIntosh laryngoscope.

Effect of head and neck positions on tracheal intubation using a McGRATH MAC video laryngoscope: A randomised, prospective study.

Different head and neck positions may affect video laryngoscopy in terms of laryngeal exposure, intubation difficulty, advancement of the tracheal tube into the glottis and the occurrence of palatopharyngeal mucosal injury. We investigated the effects of simple head extension, head elevation without head extension and the sniffing position on tracheal intubation using a McGRATH MAC video laryngoscope. A randomised, prospective study. Medical centre governed by a university tertiary hospital. A total of 174 patients undergoing general anaesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups: simple head extension (neck extension without a pillow), head elevation only (head elevation with a pillow of 7 cm and no neck extension) and sniffing position (head elevation with a pillow of 7 cm and neck extension). During tracheal intubation using a McGRATH MAC video laryngoscope in three different head and neck positions, we assessed intubation difficulty by several methods: a modified intubation difficulty scale score, time taken for tracheal intubation, glottic opening, number of intubation attempts, requirements for other manoeuvres (lifting force or laryngeal pressure) for laryngeal exposure and advancement of the tracheal tube into the glottis. The occurrence of palatopharyngeal mucosal injury was evaluated after tracheal intubation. Tracheal intubation was significantly easier in the head elevation group than in the simple head extension (P = 0.001) and sniffing positions (P = 0.011). Intubation difficulty did not differ significantly between the simple head extension and sniffing positions (P = 0.252). The time taken for intubation in the head elevation group was significantly shorter than that in the simple head extension group (P < 0.001). A lifting force or laryngeal pressure was required less frequently for tube advancement into the glottis in the head elevation group than in the simple head extension (P = 0.002) and sniffing position groups (P = 0.012). The need for a lifting force or laryngeal pressure for tube advancement into the glottis was not significantly different between the simple head extension and sniffing positions (P = 0.498). Palatopharyngeal mucosal injury occurred less frequently in the head elevation group than in the simple head extension group (P = 0.009). The head elevation position facilitated tracheal intubation using a McGRATH MAC video laryngoscope compared with a simple head extension or sniffing position. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05128968).

Comparison of Intubation Conditions Between Airtraq, McGrath Video Laryngoscopes, and Macintosh Under Conditions of Simulated Trauma Airway and Rapid Sequence Induction Intubation

BackgroundPatients arriving at the emergency department with a potential cervical spine injury and immobilized in a rigid cervical collar often require emergency airway management and rapid sequence induction intubation (RSII). There have been several advances in airway management with the advent of channeled (AirtraqⓇ; Prodol Meditec) and nonchanneled (McGrathⓇ; Meditronics) video laryngoscopes, which enable intubation without the removal of the cervical collar, but their efficacy and superiority over conventional laryngoscopy (Macintosh) in the presence of a rigid cervical collar and cricoid pressure have not been evaluated. ObjectiveOur aim was to compare the channeled (Airtraq [group A]) and nonchanneled (McGrath [Group M]) video laryngoscopes with a conventional laryngoscope (Macintosh [Group C]) in a simulated trauma airway. MethodsA prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care center. Participants were 300 patients requiring general anesthesia (American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II), of both sexes, and aged 18–60 years. Airway management was simulated without removal of a rigid cervical collar and using cricoid pressure during intubation. After RSI, patients were intubated with one of the study techniques according to randomization. Intubation time and intubation difficulty scale (IDS) score were noted. ResultsMean intubation time was 42.2 s in group C, 35.7 s in group M, and 21.8 s in group A (p = 0.001). Intubation was easy in group M and group A (median IDS score of 0; interquartile range [IQR] 0–1 for group M and median IDS score of 1; IQR 0–2 for group A and group C; p < 0.001). A higher proportion (95.1%) of patients had an IDS score of < 1 in group A. ConclusionsThe performance of RSII with cricoid pressure in the presence of a cervical collar was easier and more rapid with channeled video laryngoscope than with other techniques.

A comparative study of the C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscope and McCoy laryngoscope for oro-tracheal intubation with manual in-line stabilization of neck in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery.

Airway management in cervical spine injury patients requires manual in-line stabilization (MILS) of the neck to avoid exacerbation of cord injury, which impedes visualization of glottis during laryngoscopy. Specially designed blades such as McCoy and C-MAC D-blades can improve laryngoscopic view in such patients. This study was performed to compare the efficacy of C-MAC D-blades and the McCoy laryngoscope for oro-tracheal intubation using MILS in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. This randomized, prospective study was performed in 60 adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I-III, either sex, 18 to 60 years of age undergoing elective cervical spine surgery. Patients were randomly categorized into two groups, group D and group M. Intubation was performed using a C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscope in group D and a McCoy laryngoscope in group M using MILS. The intubation difficulty scale (IDS) score, laryngoscopy and intubation times, percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score, Cormack Lehane (CL) grading with and without external laryngeal pressure (ELP), need for bougie or change of blade or operator, and change in hemodynamics following intubation were recorded. Group D showed lower mean IDS scores than group M (P value < 0.0001). There were statistically significant differences found in duration of laryngoscopy (group D < group M), CL grading without ELP (group D: CL-1,2a >CL-2b, 3; group M: CL-1,2a <CL-2b, 3), mean POGO scores without ELP (group D > group M), need for ELP and lifting force (group D < group M), and hemodynamic responses after intubation (group D < group M). A C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscope provides better and rapid visualization of glottis with less intubation difficulties than a McCoy laryngoscope during intubation using MILS in patients with cervical spine injury.

Standard and flexible tip bougie for tracheal intubation using a non‐channelled hyperangulated videolaryngoscope: a randomised comparison#

Bougie impingement during tracheal intubation can increases the likelihood of prolonged intubation time, failed intubation and airway trauma. A flexible tip bougie may overcome this problem, which can occur when using a non-channelled, hyperangulated videolaryngoscope with a standard bougie. This randomised controlled study compared standard and flexible tip bougies using a non-channelled videolaryngoscope (C-MAC® D-blade) in 160 patients. The primary outcome measure was the modified intubation difficulty scale score. Secondary outcome measures were: laryngoscopy time; total tracheal intubation time; first attempt success rate; and postoperative sore throat verbal rating score. The median (IQR [range]) modified intubation difficulty scale scores for standard bougie and flexible tip bougie were 1 (0-2[0-5]) and 0 (0-1[0-3]), respectively (p = 0.001). There was no significant differences in laryngoscopy time, total tracheal intubation time, first attempt success rate and postoperative sore throat between the two groups. Both the flexible tip and standard bougies can be used with a high first attempt success rate for tracheal intubation using a C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscope. The flexible tip bougie demonstrated a significantly better modified intubation difficulty scale score and lower incidence of bougie impingement.

Comparison of C-MAC vs. McGrath video laryngoscopes on glottic exposure and endotracheal intubation success with stylet usage in obese patients.

Cases of obesity are rising in parallel with the number of obese patients scheduled for anesthesia in which difficult airway is encountered. Video laryngoscopes (VL) have emerged as a popular device for the management of patients with difficult airway. The present study compares the success rate of intubation in obese patients using stylet in the ramped position using either a McGrath or C-MAC VLs. Class II/III obese patients who were intubated with either McGrath (Group M, n=50) or C-MAC (Group C, n=50) laryngoscopes were assessed for the presence of difficult airway using the Difficult Airway Assessment tool, the Airway Difficulty Score and the Total Airway Score. The intubation attempts were made after the best glottic view, direct and indirect Cormack-Lehane (CL) score, and intubation time were recorded. In the event of failure, a further intubation attempt was made using a styled, and the intubation time was again recorded. If the intubation failed again, a third attempt was made using a C-MAC D-Blade. The Intubation Difficulty Scale score was recorded after the intubation. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of demographic data, the number of patients with decreased CL score, the number of attempts required for intubation, or the first and second intubation time. The ADS Score, TAS Score, CL Score DL, and CL Score IN were found to be important risk factors for a second intubation requirement, and the cut-off value was found to be 8.50 for the ADS Score and 4.50 for the TAS Score in these patients. In the 38 patients who required a second intubation attempt, the procedure was successful in all, but one patient required a third attempt of intubation with C-MAC D-blade. Both McGrath and C-MAC were effective and comparable for best glottic view with no failed intubation. It was concluded that regardless of the type of video laryngoscope used, the use of a stylet in the first intubation attempt increases the success of intubation.

Comparison Between McCoy Laryngoscope and C-MAC Video Laryngoscope in Anticipated Difficult Airway: A Prospective Randomised Study.

Objective: Prolonged laryngoscopy and failure to intubate are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Need to improve glottic visualisation and ease of intubation has led to the introduction of various types of laryngoscopes. This study compares the effectiveness of C-MAC video laryngoscope (VL) with McCoy laryngoscope in patients with an anticipated difficult airway.Methods: This prospective randomised single-blinded single-centre study included patients with modified Mallampati grades 3 and 4, divided into two groups I and II of 65 patients each. Group I was intubated using C-MAC and group II with McCoy Laryngoscope. Modified Cormack Lehane grade of visualisation, time to intubate, intubation difficulty scale score and complications were recorded.Results: C-MAC VL provides a higher proportion of modified Cormack Lehane grade I visualisation (63% vs 35.3, p=0.0017), the lesser median time of intubation in seconds (15 vs 18, p=0.0007) and significantly lesser median intubation difficulty score (0 vs 3) when compared to McCoy.Conclusions: C-MAC VL provided better visualisation of glottis and easier tracheal intubation that too in a significantly lesser time. We conclude and recommend the use of C-MAC VL over McCoy for endotracheal intubation in patients with predicted difficult airways, especially in modified Mallampati grades 3 and 4.

Airway management, procedural data, and in-hospital mortality records of patients undergoing surgery for mucormycosis associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

PurposeAlthough unexpected airway difficulties are reported in patients with mucormycosis, the literature on airway management in patients with mucormycosis associated with Coronavirus disease is sparse.MethodsIn this retrospective case record review of 57 patients who underwent surgery for mucormycosis associated with coronavirus disease, we aimed to evaluate the demographics, airway management, procedural data, and in-hospital mortality records.ResultsForty-one (71.9%) patients had a diagnosis of sino-nasal mucormycosis, fourteen (24.6%) patients had a diagnosis of rhino-orbital mucormycosis, and 2 (3.5%) patients had a diagnosis of palatal mucormycosis. A total of 44 (77.2%) patients had co-morbidities. The most common co-morbidities were diabetes mellitus in 42 (73.6%) patients, followed by hypertension in 21 (36.8%) patients, and acute kidney injury in 14 (28.1%) patients. We used the intubation difficulty scale score to assess intubating conditions. Intubation was easy to slightly difficult in 53 (92.9%) patients. In our study, mortality occurred in 7 (12.3%) patients. The median (range) mortality time was 60 (27–74) days. The median (range) time to hospital discharge was 53.5 (10–85) days. The median [interquartile range] age of discharged versus expired patients was 47.5 [41,57.5] versus 64 [47,70] years (P = 0.04), and median (interquartile range) D-dimer levels in discharged versus expired patients was 364 [213, 638] versus 2448 [408,3301] ng/mL (P = 0.03).ConclusionIn patients undergoing surgery for mucormycosis associated with the coronavirus disease, airway management was easy to slightly difficult in most patients. Perioperative complications can be minimized by taking timely and precautionary measures.

Effects of head-elevated position on tracheal intubation using a McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope in patients with a simulated difficult airway: a prospective randomized crossover study

BackgroundThe head-elevated laryngoscopy position has been described to be optimal for intubation, particularly in obese patients and those with anticipated difficult airways. Horizontal alignment of the external auditory meatus and sternal notch (AM-S) can be used as endpoints for optimal positioning. Thus, we aligned the head-elevated position with the AM-S in the horizontal plane and evaluated its effect on laryngeal visualization and ease of intubation using a McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope in patients with a simulated difficult airway.MethodsSixty-four patients were included in this prospective, crossover, randomized controlled trial. A cervical collar was used to restrict neck movement and mouth opening. The head-elevated position was achieved by raising the back section of the operation room table and ensuring that the end point was horizontally aligned with the AM-S (table-ramp method). The laryngeal view was randomly assessed in both head-flat and head-elevated positions based on the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score and modified Cormack–Lehane (MCL) grade. External laryngeal manipulation was not permitted when laryngeal visualization was scored. The trachea was intubated only once (in the second position). The ease of intubation was assessed based on the need for optimization maneuvers, intubation difficulty scale (IDS) scores and time to intubation.ResultsThe mean table-ramp angle required to achieve the horizontal alignment of AM-S was 17.5 ± 4.1°. The mean POGO score improved significantly in the head-elevated position (59.4 ± 23.8%) when compared with the head-flat position (37.5 ± 24%) (P < 0.0001). MCL grade 1 or 2a was achieved in 56 (85.9%) and 28 (43.7%) of patients in the head-elevated and head-flat positions, respectively (P < 0.0001). Optimization maneuvers for intubation were required in 7 (21.9%) and 17 (53.1%) patients in the head-elevated and head-flat positions, respectively (P < 0.0001). The IDS scores and time to intubation did not differ significantly between the two positions.ConclusionIn the head-elevated position, aligning the AM-S in the horizontal plane consistently improved laryngeal visualization without worsening the view when the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope was used in patients with simulated difficult airways. It also improved the ease of intubation, which reduced the need for optimization maneuvers.Trial registrationThis trial was registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04716218, on 20/01/2021.

Diabetes Mellitus Olan Hastalarda C-MAC Video Laringoskop ve Macintosh Laringoskopun Elektif Trakeal Entübasyon İçin Karşılaştırılması: Randomize Kontrollü Çalışma

Objective: C-MAC video laryngoscope and Macintosh direct laryngoscope were compared in terms of intubation conditions, during elective tracheal intubation in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who have a high risk for difficult airway. Material and Methods: One hundred and ten American Society of Anesthesiologist physical class II-III patients with DM undergoing elective surgery were randomized to be intubated using C-MAC video laryngoscope or Macintosh laryngoscope. Glottic view Cormack Lehane (CL) score, intubation time, intubation difficulty scale (IDS) score, and first attempt intubation success were compared. Results: Similar intubation times were detected [Macintosh laryngoscope: 39.6±30.1 seconds; C-MAC: 46.7±35.4 seconds (p=0.098). C-MAC provided significantly better CL scores]. Grade 1 CL laryngeal view was observed in 37 (68%) C-MAC vs. 26 (47.3%) Macintosh laryngoscope intubations (p=0.04). An IDS score of >5 was determined in 11 (20.4%) patients with C-MAC and in 10 (18.2%) with Macintosh laryngoscope (p=0.04), indicating an overall 20.1% moderate-to-severe intubation difficulty (p=0.536). The mean IDS score was 3.2±2.9 and 2.4±3.3 with C-MAC and Macintosh laryngoscopes, (p=0.04). First-attempt intubation success was 83.3% vs. 87.0% with C-MAC vs. Macintosh laryngoscope (p=0.786). Conclusion: In patients with DM, CMAC provided improved glottis visualization, similar intubation time and first-attempt intubation success as a first-attempt intubation device compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope. However IDS scores were higher with the C-MAC. The incidence of actual intubation difficulty was found 20.1% in this diabetic study population.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO ASSESS EASE OF INTUBATION WITH C-MAC VS DIRECT LARYNGOSCOPE, WHEN USED FOR INTUBATION WITH CLEAR PLASTIC DRAPES OVER MAYO STAND FOR IN COVID NEGATIVE PATIENTS DURING A PANDEMIC IN RESOURCE LIMITED SETTING

The aim of the study was to assess the time to endotracheal intubation, First-pass success when intubating with C-MAC and Direct laryngoscope with clear plastic drapes over a mayo stand. Standard anaesthesia machine and monitors Drugs for pre-medication &amp; general anaesthesia Anatomical face masks, video laryngoscope with blades 3 &amp; 4 Macintosh blade 3 &amp; 4, endotracheal cuffed tubes, Bougie, Clear plastic sheets, Mayo stand. Mayo stands containment setup is suspended over the patient’s head, neck and chest. The necessary Anaesthesia equipment required for intubation will be kept inside the containment setup. General anaesthesia induced with fentanyl, Propofol &amp; Succinylcholine. C- Mac laryngoscope with appropriate size blade will be kept with Group A patients, while Direct laryngoscope with appropriate size blade will be kept with Group B patients. The mean duration of intubation in secs was longer in Group B compared to group A ( 27.47 sec vs 21.4 sec). Based on the intubation difficulty scale score, Group B had more second attempts needed (26.67%) than Group A 6.67%) and also the second operator required in (16.67% vs 3.33%) Group B compared to Group A (p&lt;0.05). Based on CL grades among Group B vs Group A a statistically significant association was observed in relation to grade 1 (63.33%vs93.34%), Grade2a ( 23.34% vs 3.33%) and grade 2b ( 13.33%vs3.33%). We conclude that intubation with a C-MAC laryngoscope has a better glottis view, takes a lesser duration, and lesser number of attempts required for successful intubation when compared to that of the Macintosh laryngoscopy with a plastic drape on a mayo trolley.

Nasotracheal intubation performance with the mcgrath videolaryngoscope versus macintosh laryngoscope in oral and maxillofacial surgery- An observational study.

Nasotracheal intubation is the main route to secure the airway in oral and maxillofacial surgery patients. This study was aimed to compare the intubation times and glottis visualization of McGrath video laryngoscope with the Macintosh laryngoscope for routine nasotracheal intubation. Records of seventy-one ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) I-II patients were evaluated and allocated into two groups (McGrath video laryngoscope (VL) and Macintosh groups). Intubation times, modified intubation difficulty scale (MIDS) scores, and hemodynamic parameters (heart rate and mean arterial pressure) were compared after the anesthesia induction and the intubation. Mean intubation time in the McGrath group (24.9 ± 5.9 seconds) was significantly lower than that of the Macintosh group (28 ± 6.2 seconds; P = 0.037). Magill forceps were needed less in the McGrath group compared to the Macintosh group (13.89% vs. 42.86%; P = 0.009). Total MIDS scores were similar (P = 0.778). There was no significant difference in the hemodynamic parameters between the groups. The McGrath VL significantly reduced the intubation time and the use of Magill forceps compared with Macintosh direct laryngoscope and can be utilised effectively for routine nasotracheal intubation.

Comparative Evaluation of Difficult Intubation Predictors in Children Under Two Years of Ages.

BackgroundTracheal intubation is the most reliable way of securing an airway. Pediatric airway management is one of the significant challenges, especially for non-pediatric anesthesiologists. Early airway evaluation for detecting difficult intubation and preventing catastrophic events is necessary before anesthesia, especially in children. ObjectivesTherefore, this study was done to compare some valuable adult predictors in children under two years of age.MethodsThis prospective descriptive-analytical study was performed on 405 children under two years of age that were referred for elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation in Imam Hossein Hospital, Isfahan. Under sedation in a supine position, we measured items, including age, weight, height, stern omental distance (SMD), mouth opening (MO), neck circumference (NC), acromio-axillo-suprasternal notch index (AASI), and intubation difficulty scale score (IDS). An expert anesthesiologist did laryngoscopy and intubation, and difficult cases were recorded.ResultsOur study showed that the frequency of difficult intubation with IDS > 4 was %16, and with IDS > 5 was %3. The variables, including age, weight, height, and SMD, significantly predicted difficult intubation. The cut-off points for age < 6 months, weight < 5/9 kg, height < 61 cm, and SMD < 5/3 cm were obtained, respectively. Other variables, such as MO, AASI, NC, and sex, were unreliable predictors for difficult intubation.ConclusionsWe found that IDS > 4, age< 6-month, weight < 5/9 kg, and SMD < 5/3 cm are predictors for difficult intubation. It is helpful for the anesthesiologist to measure these predictions before anesthesia is started to find who has difficult intubation.

Randomized, Active-Controlled, Parallel-Group Clinical Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of FKScope® for Nasotracheal Intubation in Patients Scheduled for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Under General Anesthesia.

Most of the reports showed that videolaryngoscopy has better outcomes than direct laryngoscopy for nasotracheal intubation. The FKScope® comprises a semirigid and malleable stylet with a terminal camera and has been used to facilitate orotracheal intubation. However, its efficacy and safety for nasotracheal intubation remain unknown. This study compared FKScope® with Macintosh direct laryngoscopy for nasotracheal intubation. Sixty-four patients scheduled for oral and maxillofacial surgery requiring nasotracheal intubation were enrolled and randomly assigned to FKScope® (n = 32) or Macintosh group (n = 32). The primary outcome was time to successful intubation during the first attempt. Secondary outcomes included modified nasal intubation difficulty scale (MNIDS) scores; percentage of glottic opening (POGO); immediate postintubation side effects such as mucosal bleeding, dental injury, and lip lacerations; and postoperative side effects including nasal pain, sore throat, hoarseness, dysphagia, and dyspnea. The rates of successful first-attempt intubation were 87.5% and 90.6% in the FKScope® and Macintosh group, respectively (P = 0.69). Mean (± standard deviation) total intubation time was 68.7 ± 34.8 s in the FKScope® group compared with 61.5 ± 21.9 s in the Macintosh group (P = 0.35), despite a higher POGO for the FKScope® group (77 ± 27 vs. 41 ± 31, P ＜ 0.01). The MNIDS scores of the FKScope® group were significantly lower (0.8 ± 1.0 vs. 2.8 ± 1.4, P ＜ 0.01). The groups did not differ significantly regarding most postoperative side effects, although the FKScope® group had fewer lip lacerations (P = 0.04). The use of FKScope® improves the view of the glottic opening and is safe for nasotracheal intubation with normal airways. However, secretions and blood can obstruct the camera, and therefore, to select the patient carefully is necessary.

English

BACKGROUND Endotracheal intubation for the purpose of providing anaesthesia was first described by William Mc Ewan. Jackson1 stressed the importance of anterior flexion of the lower cervical spine, in addition to obvious extension of the atlanto-occipital joint. Sniffing position has been commonly advocated as a standard head positioning for direct laryngoscopy which is achieved by flexion of the neck on chest and extension of the head at the atlanto-occipital joint. Present study was designed to evaluate the glottis view and ease of intubation achieved with direct laryngoscopy in the sniffing position with that of 25 degree backup position in a study group of 100 patients divided in 2 groups of 50 each. METHODS This study is a controlled comparative study. Controlled trial in 50 consecutive patients in each group [Group I and Group II] was conducted on patients who underwent elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Inclusion Criteria - General anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation, Aged 18 to 60 years, American society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grades I and II. Exclusion Criteria - Patients with body mass index more than 30 kg/m2. 1. Bucked teeth. 2. Restricted neck movement. 3. Inter-incisor gap less than 35 mm. 4. Thyro-mental distance less than 6 mm. 5. Patients with risk of regurgitation and aspiration. 6. Pharyngeal pathology. 7. Limitation of anterior and posterior movement of mandible 8. Pregnant patients Groups wereGroup I – Sniffing position Group II– 25 degree back up position RESULTS The glottis visualization was assessed by Cormack Lehane grading which revealed that glottis view was better in 25 degree backup position than sniffing position. CONCLUSIONS In our prospective randomized study in a series of 50 patients undergoing general anaesthesia in SIMS &amp; RC, intubation difficulty scale (IDS) score was better in 25 degree backup position than sniffing position. It implies glottis view is better in 25 degree backup position than sniffing position. KEYWORDS Sniffing Position, 25 Degree Backup Position, Laryngoscopy

Evaluation of thyromental height as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation: a cross-sectional observational study

Background and objectivesSeveral anthropometric measurements have been suggested to identify a potentially difficult airway. We studied thyromental height (TMH) as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation. We also compared TMH, ratio of height to thyromental distance (RHTMD), and thyromental distance (TMD) as predictors of difficult airway. MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 300 adult surgical patients requiring tracheal intubation. Preoperatively airway characteristics were assessed. Standard anesthesia was administered. Degree of difficulty with mask ventilation, laryngoscopic view, duration of laryngoscopy, and difficulty in tracheal intubation (intubation difficulty scale score) were noted. Multivariate logistics regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for difficult laryngoscopy. ResultsLaryngoscopy was difficult in 46 of 300 (15.3%) patients; all 46 patients had Cormack-Lehane grade 3 view. Duration of laryngoscopy was 27........11...s in patients with difficult laryngoscopy and 12.7........3.9...s in easy laryngoscopy; p...=...0.001. Multivariate analysis identified that TMH, presence of short neck, and history of snoring were independently associated with difficult laryngoscopy. Incidence of difficult intubation was 17.0%. A shorter TMH was associated with higher IDS scores; r...=...-0.16, p...=...0.001. TMH and duration of laryngoscopy were found to be negatively correlated; a shorter TMH was associated with a longer duration of laryngoscopy; r...=...-0.13, p...=...0.03. The cut-off threshold value for TMH in our study is 4.4 cm with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 54%. ConclusionThyromental height predicts difficult laryngoscopy and difficult intubation.TMD and RHTMD did not prove to be useful as predictors of difficult airway.