Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
Comparing McGRATH® MAC, C-MAC®, and Macintosh Laryngoscopes Operated by Medical Students: A Randomized, Crossover,
Myungju Shin1, Sun Joon Bai1, Ki-Young Lee1
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and the Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
We hypothesized that the McGRATH MAC would decrease the time of intubation compared to C-MAC for novices. Thirty-nine medical students who had used the Macintosh blade to intubate a manikin fewer than 3 times were recruited. The participants performed sequential intubations on the manikin in two simulated settings that included a normal airway and a difficult airway (tongue edema). The intubation time, success rate of intubation, Cormack-Lehane grade at laryngoscopy, and difficulty using the device were recorded. Each participant was asked to identify the device that was most useful. The intubation time decreased significantly and by a similar amount to the McGRATH MAC and C-MAC compared to the Macintosh blade (P < 0.001 and P = 0.017, resp.). In the difficult airway, the intubation times were similar among the three devices. The McGRATH MAC and C-MAC significantly increased the success rate of intubation, improved the Cormack-Lehane grade, and decreased the difficulty score compared to the Macintosh blade in both airway settings. The majority of participants selected the McGRATH MAC as the most useful device. The McGRATH MAC and C-MAC may offer similar benefits for intubation compared to the Macintosh blade in normal and difficult airway situations.
Insights
For novice medical students, both the McGRATH MAC and C-MAC video laryngoscopes significantly reduced intubation time and improved success rates compared to the traditional Macintosh blade in simulated normal and difficult airways.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Anesthesiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- The Macintosh blade is a standard tool for endotracheal intubation.
- Novice users may face challenges with traditional laryngoscopes, particularly in difficult airway scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of the McGRATH MAC and C-MAC video laryngoscopes against the Macintosh blade for novice intubators.
- To evaluate intubation time, success rate, and ease of use in simulated normal and difficult airways.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-nine novice medical students performed manikin intubations using Macintosh, McGRATH MAC, and C-MAC devices.
- Simulated normal and difficult (tongue edema) airways were used.
- Intubation time, success rate, Cormack-Lehane grade, and device difficulty were recorded.
Main Results:
- Both McGRATH MAC and C-MAC significantly reduced intubation time and increased success rates compared to the Macintosh blade.
- In difficult airways, intubation times were similar across all three devices.
- McGRATH MAC and C-MAC improved glottic visualization (Cormack-Lehane grade) and reduced perceived difficulty.
Conclusions:
- McGRATH MAC and C-MAC offer significant advantages over the Macintosh blade for novice intubators in both normal and difficult simulated airways.
- The majority of participants preferred the McGRATH MAC, suggesting potential for improved training and clinical practice.
