Video laryngoscopy in paediatric anaesthesia in South Africa

Comparison of intubation conditions with CMAC Miller videolaryngoscope and conventional Miller laryngoscope in lateral position in infants: A prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Endotracheal intubation in lateral position in infants is a challenge. This difficulty may be surmounted to some extent by using videolaryngoscopes but the routine use of these devices as a tool to secure the airway in lateral position remains unevaluated. Therefore, we conducted a prospective, randomized controlled trial to compare the intubation conditions achieved with the CMAC videolaryngoscope and the Miller Laryngoscope in lateral position in infants. We hypothesized that CMAC videolaryngoscope would provide a better laryngoscopic view and reduce the time to intubation compared to the Miller blade.

METHODS

Sixty-four children aged <1 year, belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III requiring endotracheal intubation were randomized to undergo tracheal intubation with either the Miller laryngoscope (n = 32) or the CMAC videolaryngoscope (n = 32) in left lateral position. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane or thiopentone 5-8 mg/kg IV and atracurium 0.5 mg/kg IV. Total time taken to intubate was assessed as the primary outcome. Laryngoscopic view, intubation difficulty score, success rate of tracheal intubation, number of attempts, maneuvers used, and any airway complications were recorded as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The difference in the mean time to intubate (95% confidence interval) between the Miller and CMAC group was 6.1 (1.7-10.4) seconds. Furthermore, the CMAC videolaryngoscope provided a better laryngoscopic view compared to the conventional Miller blade. In addition, the Intubation Difficulty Scale score was less in the CMAC videolaryngoscope group.

CONCLUSION

The CMAC videolaryngoscope decreases the time taken to intubate and reduces the intubation difficulty when compared to the Miller laryngoscope. Therefore, the CMAC videolaryngoscope may be more useful device when intubating the trachea of infants in the lateral position.

Comparison of the Success of Two Techniques for the Endotracheal Intubation with C-MAC Video Laryngoscope Miller Blade in Children: A Prospective Randomized Study

Background. Ease of endotracheal intubation with C-MAC video laryngoscope (VLS) with Miller blades 0 and 1 has not been evaluated in children. Methods. Sixty children weighing 3-15 kg with normal airway were randomly divided into two groups. Intubation was done with C-MAC VLS Miller blade using either nonstyletted endotracheal tube (ETT) (group WS) or styletted ETT (group S). The time for intubation and total procedure, intubation attempts, failed intubation, blade repositioning or external laryngeal maneuver, and complications were recorded. Results. The median (minimum/maximum) time for intubation in group WS and group S was 19.5 (9/48) seconds and 13.0 (18/55) seconds, respectively (p = 0.03). The median (minimum/maximum) time for procedure in group WS was 30.5 (18/72) seconds and in group S was 24.5 (14/67) seconds, respectively (p = 0.02). Intubation in first attempt was done in 28 children in group WS and in 30 children in group S. Repositioning was required in 14 children in group WS and in 7 children in group S (p = 0.06). There were no failure to intubate, desaturation, and bradycardia in both groups. Conclusion. Styletted ETT significantly reduces time for intubation and time for procedure in comparison to nonstyletted ETT.