Evaluation of a low-cost videolaryngoscope – a randomized controlled pilot study

Abstract

Introduction:

Endotracheal intubation is one of the fundamental skills that should be mastered by the anesthesiologist. One of the important causes of anesthesia related mortality and morbidity is airway related events. Several video laryngoscopes are available in the market to facilitate intubation both in and out of the hospital scenarios. These devices are precluded by their cost and availability especially in developing countries.

In this pilot study we have evaluated a custom made low-cost straight blade video laryngoscope (v-scope) which can be attached to a smartphone, compared to a conventional Miller blade with regards to time taken for intubation, when performed by trainee anesthesiologists. Ours is the first low cost laryngoscope that is based on a straight blade design.

Methodology: Forty adult patients posted for elective surgeries under general anesthesia were randomized into groups of twenty each. Patients of the first group were intubated with the aid of a Millers blade and bougie using a paraglossal technique. The other group was intubated with a low-cost video laryngoscope (v-scope) under similar conditions. All intubations were performed by trainee anesthesiologists. The primary objective was the time taken for intubation. The time taken for visualization of glottis (t1), further time taken for successful passing of endotracheal intubation (t2) were also noted. The ease of intubation, use of additional maneuvers, hemodynamic response and any adverse events were also noted.