Background: The study aimed at comparing the efficacy of Airtraq with McCoy laryngoscope on ease of intubation with cervical immobilization in patients undergoing elective surgery.

Methods: Sixty consenting American Society of Anaesthesiologist’s physical status I-II patients (ASAPS-I, II), aged 18-50 years, scheduled for various surgeries requiring tracheal intubation were randomly assigned into two groups of thirty each to undergo intubation with Airtraq or McCoy laryngoscope with neck immobilisation using cervical collar. The ease of intubation based on Intubation Difficulty Scale (IDS) score, Cormack-Lehane grade of glottic view and impact on haemodynamic parameters were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with independent student t test and chi square test.

Statistical analysis: Chi Square test and t-test. 

Results: All patients in two groups had a comparable demographic profile and were successfully intubated. The Airtraq laryngoscope significantly reduced the IDS (mean = 0.663) as compared with both McCoy (mean = 2.2) (p = 0.001) and improved the Cormack-Lehaneglottic view (80% grade 1 view and no patients with grade 3 or 4 view). There were less haemodynamic variations during laryngoscopy with the Airtraq compared to the McCoy laryngoscope group.

Conclusion: In patients undergoing endotracheal intubation with cervical immobilisation, Airtraq laryngoscope was superior to the McCoy with greater ease of intubation and lower impact on haemodynamic variables.