CS#63 Airtraq vs Macintosh in obese patients placed in the ramped position

Anaesthesia 2012, 67, 980–985
D. Ranieri Jr S. M. Filho, S. Batista and P. do Nascimento Jr
Serviço de Cirurgia Baria´trica do Hospital do Coraça˜o de Balnea´rio Camboriu, Camboriu, Brazil
Department of Anaesthesiology, BotucatuMedical School –UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil

This study compared intubation conditions produced by the Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopes when used in obese patients in the ramped position. One hundred and thirty-two patients having bariatric surgery were placed in the ramped position and randomly assigned to have their tracheas intubated using either the Macintosh or an Airtraq laryngoscope. Mean (SD) intubation times were 37 (23) s and 14 (3) s for Macintosh and Airtraq, respectively.
Compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope, the Airtraq laryngoscope provided an improved vocal cord view as assessed by the Cormack and Lehanescore. One patient in the Macintosh group had a failed intubation and intubation was achieved with the Airtraq.


For obese patients in ramped position, Airtraq affords faster tracheal intubation than the Macintosh laryngoscope. Also, after tracheal intubation, mean arterial pressure 3 min after tracheal intubation was lower for individuals in the Airtraq group

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