Comparison of the Miller and Macintosh laryngoscopes in simulated pediatric trauma patient: a pilot study

INTRODUCTION: Airway management in pediatric trauma patients is challenging. Direct laryngoscopy is the gold standard for endotracheal intubation in emergency and trauma patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of Miller (MIL) and Macintosh (MAC) laryngoscopes when employed in emergency pediatric intubation scenarios. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, crossover, single-center study on novice physicians recruited on a voluntary basis. Each participant performer endotracheal intubation using Miller or Macintosh laryn­goscopes during two airway scenarios: Scenario A — normal airway; Scenario B — difficult airway, defined as scenario in which the patient was placed on backboard with neck immobilization performer using rigid cervical collar. The order of use of one or other of the devices was randomized with a ratio of 1:1. The pri­mary endpoint was the first attempt success rate. RESULTS: The effectiveness of the first intubation attempt in Scenario B for MAC was 36.8%, for MIL — 44.7%; while in Scenario A for MAC this was 36.8%, for MIL — 44.7%. During Scenario A, the median duration time of intubation using MIL was 24.5 s [IQR; 21–32.5] and 23 s [IQR; 20.5–31] for MAC. During Scenario B, median intubation time with the MAC laryngoscope was 40.5 [IQR; 36.5–47] s, and with MIL 37.5 [IQR; 33–44.5] seconds. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that in trauma pediatric patients the Miller laryngoscope is associated with higher first attempt success rates than the Macintosh laryngoscope. These data suggest that for patients with cervical spine immobilization, the Miller laryngoscope should be the preferred method of intubation in emergency medicine conditions