• Yoshihiro Hirabayashi, Hiroshi Hoshuijima, and Norifumi Kuratani.
• Department of Anesthesiology, International University of Health and Welfare, Nasushiobara 329-2763.
• Masui. 2013 Jul 1;62(7):879-85.

BackgroundIncreased evidence indicates that the Airtraq is useful for difficult tracheal intubations. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of the Airtraq in difficult airways, comparing with that of Macintosh laryngoscopy.MethodsThe systematic search, data extraction, critical appraisal, and pooled analysis were performed according to the PRISMA statement. The relative risk (RR), mean difference (MD), and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by the Comprehensive Meta-analysis version 2.2.040 software for dichotomous and continuous outcomes, respectively.ResultsSixteen randomized controlled trials included 863 tracheal intubations by Airtraq and 865 tracheal intubations by Macintosh laryngoscopy. Airtraq showed higher success rate (RR 1.242, 95%CI 1.137 to 1.357, P<0.00001) and shorter duration for instrumentation (MD-8.259 s, 95%CI-13.122 s to-3.396 s, P <0.00087).ConclusionsThere is considerable evidence that Airtraq has an advantage over Macintosh laryngoscope in difficult airways.

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