Airtraq for difficult airways: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background : Increased 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. Methods : The 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. Results : Sixteen 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). Conclusions : There is considerable evidence that Airtraq has an advantage over Macintosh laryngoscope in difficult airways.