Factors Influencing the Time of Intubation Using C-MAC D-Blade® Video Laryngoscope: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose C-MAC D-Blade® (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) video laryngoscope (VL) has proved to be of immense utility in difficult intubation. But unfortunately, in an urgent situation, the predictable correct curvature of the endotracheal tube for effortless intubation is not met. We hypothesized that expertise is the most important variable in intubation and that novice students will be unable to intubate if the angle of curvature is incorrect. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was planned with 30 anesthesia residents, categorized into three groups based on their expertise in laryngoscopy. Students had to intubate an airway mannequin using the C-MAC D-Blade® VL with three different stylet angulations. The curvatures were 80, 100, and 120 degrees, which are commonly encountered in routine day-to-day practice. The time to get a stable glottic view, time to intubate, and ease of intubation were measured. Results The mean time to intubate was the least with 100-degree angulation in group C (19.60 ± 0.97) while the maximum time was in group A with 80-degree angulation (61.49 ± 3.69). A significant difference was noted in time to get a stable glottic view when compared between the groups. There was no difference in time to intubate with different stylet angulations when compared between groups. Conclusions Novices and experts could intubate even if the angle of curvature was incorrect taking more time. The time to laryngoscopy is significantly dependent on experience, but the time to intubate is influenced by the angle of curvature of the stylet.