Airtraq Causes Less C-Spine Movement Than Macintosh Laryngoscope

Studies have shown the Airtraq, a single-use optical laryngoscope, to be superior to direct laryngoscopy using a Macintosh blade for intubation in both routine airways (JW Emerg Med Nov 3 2006) and difficult airways (JW Emerg Med Feb 8 2008). A recent study also showed that the Airtraq causes less cervical spine movement, although cervical motion was assessed with a single static radiograph only (JW Emerg Med Jun 13 2008). In the current study, researchers in Canada used continuous fluoroscopy to assess C-spine movement during intubation performed with the Airtraq (provided by the manufacturer) and the Macintosh laryngoscope in 24 healthy elective surgery patients.

After general anesthesia and neuromuscular blockade were induced, a single an…