Randomised Controlled Trial of Intubation With the McGrath Series 5 Video Laryngoscope vs the Macintosh Laryngoscope

• Difference in Learning to Use the Scopes [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Is there a difference between trainee anaesthetists in learning to use the scopes
• Quality of View of the Vocal Cords [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Number of Attempts to Secure Successful Intubation [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Is there a difference in the number of attempts required to secure successful intubation ?
• Incidence of Initial Oesophageal Intubation [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Number of Intubations Taking More Than 70 Seconds [ Time Frame: At Analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
• Incidence of Low Arterial Saturation During Intubation [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
• Incidence of Visible Trauma to the Airway [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]

• Is There a Difference Between Trainee Anaesthetists in Learning to Use the Scopes? [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Is There a Difference in the Quality of View of the Vocal Cords Obtained ? [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Is There a Difference in the Number of Attempts Required to Secure Successful Intubation ? [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Is There a Difference in the Incidence of Initial Oesophageal Intubation ? [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Is There a Difference in the Number of Intubations Taking More Than 70 Seconds? [ Time Frame: At Analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
• Is There a Difference in the Incidence of Low Arterial Saturation During Intubation? [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
• Is There a Difference in the Incidence of Visible Trauma to the Airway? [ Time Frame: At analysis ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]

The simplicity of use and intuitive function of the McGrath video-laryngoscope suggests it may have a bigger role than as a back-up to conventional direct laryngoscopy and could possibly be the first-line laryngoscope for situations where difficult intubations are more likely or more hazardous. The incidence of difficult or failed intubation for an individual anaesthetist is related to their experience, decreasing as experience increases. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the McGrath laryngoscope when used by relatively inexperienced anaesthetists, who are those most likely to encounter difficulties.

The null hypotheses to be tested is that there is no difference between the Macintosh and McGrath laryngoscope in terms of ease and success in intubation.

• Device: McGrath
  Tracheal intubation, using Mcgrath video-laryngoscope
  Other Name: Aircraft Medical McGrath Series 5 Video Laryngoscope
• Device: Tracheal intubation using Macintosh Laryngoscope
  Tracheal intubation using Macintosh Laryngoscope

• Active Comparator: Intubation c McGrath videolaryngoscope
  Tracheal Intubation using McGrath video-laryngoscope
  Intervention: Device: McGrath
• Active Comparator: Intubation using Macintosh Laryngoscope
  Tracheal intubation using Macintosh Laryngoscope
  Intervention: Device: Tracheal intubation using Macintosh Laryngoscope

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults (18 years and over) scheduled for elective surgery whose anaesthetic plan would normally include oral intubation using a Macintosh laryngoscope blade after induction of general anaesthesia and who have given valid informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients requiring special techniques for intubation such as rapid sequence induction
• Adults who have learning difficulties
• Are unconscious or very severely ill
• Have a terminal illness; are in an emergency situation
• Have a mental illness
• Have dementia
• Prisoners
• Those who could be considered to have a particularly dependent relationship with the investigator and other vulnerable groups.