Comparison of intubation procedure using macintosh laryngoscope and McGrath laryngoscope in emergency patients

Abstract

Background: Intubation is one of the essential procedures that performed in emergency condition to maintain airway patency and provide respiratory support in various clinical events. Laryngoscope is critically important to allow the operator to create a line of sight on the larynx to insert the endotracheal tube.

Objective: To compare the intubation attempt and duration between the use of Macintosh and McGrath laryngoscope in intubating emergency patients.

Methods: This observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted at the dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital, Banda Aceh. Authors will compare the intubation accuracy (attempt) and duration between the use of Macintosh and McGrath laryngoscope. The Mann-Whitney U test analysis was carried out in this study with a 95% confidence level.

Result: A total of 120 patients requiring emergency intubation were observed in this study with total study subject of 63 patients in Macintosh device (group I) and 57 patients in McGrath device (group II). The demographic characteristics included age, sex, body mass index and intubation indication were comparable between groups. Both groups (I vs II) showed a similar proportion of 1 time intubation attempt (84.1% vs 93%; p=0.131) and duration of intubation (10 vs 10; p=0.635).

Conclusion: There was no significant difference in intubation attempt (accuracy) and duration between the use of Macintosh and McGrath laryngoscope in emergency patients. Both laryngoscope modalities are equally effective in considering the accuracy and duration of intubation in emergency department patients.