Background: This prospective, randomized, single blind, single operator study was conducted to compare hemodynamic responses when endotracheal intubation was performed using the Bonfils intubation fibrescope versus the C-MAC videolaryngoscope.
Method: Forty-four ASA I patients aged between 18 and 60 years, scheduled for elective surgery requiring endotracheal intubation were recruited. They were randomized into the Bonfils group or C-MAC group. Hemodynamic changes, laryngeal view, duration of intubation and post intubation complications were evaluated. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation were monitored pre and post-induction, pre and post-intubation, and at 1 minute intervals thereafter for 10 minutes.
Results: Endotracheal intubation was successful at first attempt in 90.9% in both groups. Heart rate was significantly higher in the Bonfils group (p < 0.05) compared to the C-MAC group and values were sustained throughout the study. There was no difference in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) between the two groups. Mean time to intubation was significantly longer in the Bonfils group (28.8 vs. 24.7 seconds, p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in laryngeal view and post intubation complications between the groups.
Conclusion: Intubation using the Bonfils intubation fibrescope took longer, and resulted in significantly higher heart rate when compared with the C-MAC videolaryngoscope.