Comparative analysis of direct laryngoscopy and video laryngoscopy performance by medical students in simulated airway management scenarios

Abstract

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of video laryngoscopes and Macintosh laryngoscopes for intubation by novices in a mannequin model.This study was conducted at our institution- Karuna Medical College, Hospital. A total of 50 house surgeons were included in this study. All 50 participants intubated on the airway trainer using a video laryngoscope and a conventional method using a Macintosh laryngoscope. Group A: Video laryngoscopy, Group B: Conventional Laryngoscopy. The following parameters such as – time taken to visualize vocal cords, time taken to intubate, POGO scoring, ease of intubation, etc. were recorded.Video laryngoscope performed better in terms of time-related metrics, glottis visibility, and injury prevention to lip and teeth. Both devices had a similar ease of intubation and number of attempts. The results provide evidence supporting the advantages of the video laryngoscope in certain aspects of intubation procedures. The video laryngoscope had several benefits over the Macintosh laryngoscope, such as top quality visualization of airway structures and an easier intubation process for novices. The video laryngoscope provides superior visualization of the larynx, requires fewer external adjustments, and reduces the number of intubation attempts compared to direct laryngoscopy using a Macintosh blade.