Evaluation of performance of C-MAC(®) video laryngoscope Miller blade size zero for endotracheal intubation in preterm and ex-preterm infants: A retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The preterm and ex-preterm babies form a separate group among the paediatric population with unique airway anatomy. The utility of C-MAC(®) Video laryngoscope (VL) for routine intubation of preterm babies has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study is to report the performance of C-MAC(®) VL Miller blade size-0 for endotracheal intubation in preterm babies at our institute. METHODS: After Institute Ethics Committee approval, a retrospective study was designed to evaluate the performance of C-MAC(®) VL for intubation in preterm and ex-preterm babies. The medical files, and video recordings of preterm babies up to 60 weeks of post-gestational age who had undergone surgery for retinopathy of prematurity from January 2014 to April 2016 were reviewed. All babies were intubated with C-MAC(®) Miller blade size-0. Demographic parameters, time to best glottic view (TTGV), time to intubate (TTI), ease and number of intubation attempts were assessed. Episodes of desaturation and complications related to intubation were recorded. RESULTS: Data of 37 preterm and ex-preterm babies were analysed. The mean age and weight at the time of surgery were 40.5 (±4.9) weeks and 2532 (±879) grams respectively. The median TTGV and TTI were 11.0 and 22.0 seconds. A total of 32 babies (86.5%) were intubated on initial attempt and five were intubated on second attempt. Stylet was used to facilitate intubation in all infants. There was no incidence of desaturation, mucosal injury or bleeding. CONCLUSION: C-MAC video laryngoscope Miller blade size 0 is suitable for endotracheal intubation in preterm and ex-preterm infants.