Background The paucity in round-the-clock availability of advanced tools like flexible bronchoscopes and video laryngoscopes makes it preferable to have alternative easily available gadgets for securing the airway in patients with cervical spine injuries where head and neck movements must be strictly avoided. This study compared the paraglossal technique of Miller blade insertion with the McCoy and Macintosh laryngoscope blades on the Cormack and Lehane grading (CLG) in patients with simulated restricted neck mobility.

Methods We randomized 90 patients undergoing general anesthesia to be intubated either using Miller blade (Group-Mill), McCoy blade (Group-McCoy), or Macintosh blade (Group-Mac) following neck restriction using a soft cervical collar. CLG grade, the number of intubation attempts, use of bougie, intubation time, and hemodynamic parameters were noted. Nonparametric data were compared using the chi-squared test and parametric data using one-way analysis of variance.

Results Group-MILL had significantly higher patients with Grade-1 CLG compared to Group-Mac (p = 0.02). The number of attempts, use of bougie, and intubation time were, however, comparable among the three groups. The hemodynamic parameters at intubation were not significantly different among the groups.

Conclusion In adult patients with simulated restricted neck, the Miller laryngoscope blade, despite providing a better laryngeal view, showed no benefit in decreasing the intubation time when compared to the McCoy or Macintosh blades.

Article published online:
02 May 2024

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