Discussion
The results of our study demonstrated that CMAC®
videolaryngoscope reduces the difficulty of endotracheal
intubation as measured by IDS score and improves the view of
the glottic aperture in comparison to the McCoy laryngoscope
in patients having neck stabilization with the rigid cervical
collar. However, the total time taken to intubate, number of
attempts, maneuvers required were comparable with both
the devices.
Application of rigid collars in patients with suspected cervical
spine injury can decrease the mobility of cervical spine
by 30-50% and reduce the exacerbation of neurological
injury associated with laryngoscopy.[13] However, the
presence of a rigid collar not only prevents the alignment
Mo,[3,14] thereby increasing the incidence of airway related
complications.[15,16]
We found that CMAC® videolaryngoscope provided a
higher proportion of MCL Grade I visualizations compared
to McCoy laryngoscope. This is in accordance with the
previous trials.[16,17] The use of video technology in CMAC®
videolaryngoscope provides an extended view of 60% in the
vertical plane and 80% in the vertical plane of the glottic
area, which offers an advantage in cases of anteriorly placed
larynx.[18,19]