Conclusion
This study demonstrated that over a 24-month period use of the McGRATH MAC VL resulted in a cost reduction of around 55% compared to using the GlideScope for endotracheal intubation procedures performed at a major academic center. Over the first 3 months of the COVID-19 crisis, which our study included, use of the McGRATH VL increased while GlideScope use decreased. This was most likely related to the portability and smaller size of the McGRATH, which better facilitated intubations of COVID-19 patients.
Acknowledgements: The authors thank Craig Smith, Senior Anesthesia Technician, for his assistance with the cost information and excellent record-keeping related to the use of video laryngoscopes.
Corresponding author: Marc C. Torjman, PhD, Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, 111 South 11th St, Suite G-8290, Philadelphia, PA 19107; Marc.Torjman@Jefferson.edu.
Financial disclosures: Dr. Thaler has served as a consultant for Medtronic since September 2020. He has participated in 2 webinars on the routine use of video laryngoscopy.
Funding: This study was supported by the Department of Anesthesiology at Thomas Jefferson University.