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To compare performance of the Pentax Airway Scope (AWS) video laryngoscope and the Macintosh direct laryngoscope, researchers performed a meta-analysis of 17 randomized, controlled trials involving 1800 adults undergoing oral or nasal tracheal intubation. Each study was classified as involving patients with either anticipated difficult or normal airways, based on patient characteristics, including morbid obesity, cervical spine immobilization, history of obstructive sleep apnea, and predicted difficult intubation (thyromental distance <6 cm, Mallampati class 3–4); nine trials involved difficult airways.
Whereas the Pentax AWS offered a superior glottic view, there were no differences in other outcomes, including rate of successful first pass…