Feasibility of McGrath® video laryngoscope for awake laryngoscopy and intubation

Abstract

Difficult and failed intubations, although rarely encountered, are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the current anesthetic practice. To reduce the incidence of difficult and failed intubations, several devices including the recently developed video laryngoscopes are available. In this paper, we evaluated the role of newly developed McGrath® video laryngoscope in a case of postburn contracture neck, with limited neck extension and mouth opening. Anticipating difficulty in securing airway with conventional laryngoscopy, we hereby successfully used the McGrath® video laryngoscope to secure the airway. The quality of laryngoscopy and intubation showed that this portable device can be very helpful in difficult airway management.