Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Awake Nasotracheal Intubation with Flexible Video Rhino-Laryngoscopes
Published on: August 2, 2024
Endotracheal Intubation Comparing Airtraq and McCoy Laryngoscope in Patients with Simulated Cervical Spine
Prashant Kumar1, Pradeep Kumar Moolchandani1, Jyoti Sharma2
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Pt. B D Sharma Pgims, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
Objectives:
Sniffing position for laryngoscopy requires flexion of the lower and extension of upper cervical spine and atlanto-occipital joint. Laryngoscopy is challenging in cervical spine pathology. This study was conducted to compare Airtraq with McCoy for ease of intubation in patients with simulated cervical immobilization.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred patients belonging to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists I-III of 20-60 years requiring intubation were randomly allocated into two groups - Group A (Airtraq) and Group M (McCoy laryngoscope). Philadelphia collar was applied in all patients before induction of anesthesia. Parameters observed were the number of attempts for intubation, intubation time, glottic view, intubation difficulty score (IDS), success rate, and hemodynamic changes.
Results:
Demographic profiles were comparable. First-attempt success was higher in Group A. Mean intubation time was higher in Group M ( P < 0.001). CL Grade 1, 2a, 2b, and 3a in Group A was 66%, 26%, 8%, and 0%, respectively, in Group M was 34%, 48%, 12%, and 6%, respectively ( P = 0.008). The percentage of glottic opening score was higher in Group A ( P < 0.001). IDS was better in Group A ( P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Both Airtraq and McCoy laryngoscope offer high success rates in simulated difficult airways. However, Airtraq provides improved ease of intubation, better glottic view, and lesser hemodynamic alterations as compared to McCoy laryngoscope.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Endotracheal Tube Extubation
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals....

