A Comparison of C-MAC Videolaryngoscopy and Direct Laryngoscopy for Nasotracheal Intubation in Children: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy is successful in the majority of patients, even when a line-of-sight view of the glottis is not possible. Although poor glottic visualization is encountered between 1% and 9% of attempts, success can generally be achieved with additional force, external laryngeal manipulation, or the use of gum elastic bougies and stylets. However, poor glottic exposure is more likely to require prolonged or multiple intubation attempts and, subsequently, may be associated with complications such as oxygen desaturation or airway and dental injuries. In recent years, videolaryngoscopy has begun to play an important role in the management of patients with an unanticipated difficult or failed laryngoscopic intubation.

The C-MAC videolaryngoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) is a videolaryngoscope using a modified Macintosh blade, which may be a useful alternative both for routine and difficult airway management and for educational purposes.

In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, the purpose is to compare C-MAC and DL in terms of intubation times, hemodynamic response and adverse events associated with nasotracheal intubation in children undergoing dental procedures.