Comparison of cuff inflation method with curvature control modification in thermosoftened endotracheal tubes during nasotracheal intubation - A prospective randomised controlled study

A comparison of intubating conditions for nasotracheal intubation with standard direct Macintosh laryngoscope versus C-MAC® video laryngoscope employing cuff inflation technique in adult patients

Background and Aims:

While performing laryngoscopy during nasotracheal intubation (NTI), the tip of the advancing endotracheal tube (ETT) generally lies along the posterior pharyngeal wall. The inflation of the ETT cuff brings it anterior towards the glottis. The present study was planned to compare the intubating conditions for NTI with standard direct Macintosh laryngoscope versus C-MAC^® video laryngoscope (VL) employing ETT cuff inflation technique.

Methods:

This prospective randomised study was carried out on 50 patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II, age 18–60 years of either sex with an indication for NTI under general anaesthesia. They were randomly divided into two groups: group VL (n = 25): C-MAC^® VL and group ML (n = 25): Macintosh laryngoscope. The primary outcome was to compare the total duration of NTI (T), while the secondary outcomes were to compare the need for cuff inflation or assistance with Magill forceps for successful NTI, the total number of attempts to achieve successful NTI, haemodynamic effects and complications.

Results:

T was significantly higher in group ML than group VL (P < 0.001). The intubation was successful with cuff inflation in all the patients in group VL, however, six patients of group ML required assistance with Magill forceps (P = 0.022). The haemodynamic parameters were all significantly higher at 3 min in group ML in comparison to group VL.

Conclusion:

The cuff inflation technique when used along with C-MAC^® VL had more success rate, required lesser time and had minimal postoperative complications in comparison to the Macintosh laryngoscope.