McGrath MAC Video Laryngoscope Does Not Provide Adequate Direct Views of the Airway

When used to obtain a direct view — for which it was not designed — the McGrath was associated with more difficult intubation and worse glottic views than a conventional Macintosh laryngoscope.

Video laryngoscopes improve glottic view and first-attempt intubation success compared with direct laryngoscopes. Curved blade designs help “see around corners” and can obtain adequate video views of the glottic inlet even in difficult airways. Concerns about sudden equipment failure and maintenance of direct laryngoscopic skills call into question whether indirect (video) laryngoscopy should be used exclusively. Traditionally shaped video laryngoscopes can be used to obtain direct or video views and may be a solution.

In a single-center study, 158 patients older than 16 years undergoing elective surgery were randomized to intubation with a traditional Macintosh direct laryngoscope, a McGrath MAC video laryngoscope used as an indirect laryng…

Reviewing Author

Calvin A. Brown III, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)

Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)

Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair

Calvin A. Brown III, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)

Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)

Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair

McGrath MAC Video Laryngoscope Does Not Provide Adequate Direct Views of the Airway

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Reviewing Author