Video Laryngoscopy Versus Direct Laryngoscopy in Novice Users: A Manikin Study

Objective: Videolaryngoscopes are widely accepted and being commonly used by inexperienced medical staff. However, there is not a single satisfactory videolaryngoscope type that is suitable for all patients. We aimed to determine whether videolaryngoscopes are superior to direct laryngoscopes for novice users. Material and Methods: Seventy fifth-grade medical students without any experience of performing tracheal intubation, participated in the study. Size 3 blades of Macintosh, Miller, McGrath Mac and Airtraq laryngoscopes were used in the scope of the study. All intubations were performed on a manikin with normal airway using 7.5 mm internal diameter cuffed tracheal tube with a stylet. We compared the different laryngoscopes considering the time to intubation, success rate, ease of use, dental trauma incidence and requirement for optimization maneuvers. Results: Time to successful intubation, dental trauma incidence, the use of device rotation maneuver and user difficulty scores were significantly higher for Airtraq laryngoscope. According to the results of the questionnaire filled out by the participants, McGrath laryngoscope was found to provide the easiest use and be the most appropriate device for learning tracheal intubation. Conclusion: Although video laryngoscopy provides successful visualization, there is a possibility of failure in tracheal intubation. Therefore, advantages and disadvantages of each device should be judged on its own merits.

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