Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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In the preceding 20 years, many randomized-controlled trials and meta-analyses have compared direct Macintosh laryngoscopy with videolaryngoscopy. The videolaryngoscope blades have included both traditional Macintosh blades and hyperangulated blades. Macintosh and hyperangulated blades differ in their geometry and technique for tracheal intubation; certain patient populations may benefit from one blade type over another. The primary objective of this systematic review was to assess whether published meta-analyses comparing direct Macintosh laryngoscopy to videolaryngoscopy have accounted for the videolaryngoscope blade type. Secondary objectives evaluated heterogeneity among practitioner experience and specialty, clinical context, patient population, and original primary study outcomes. ⋯ Heterogeneity across important clinical variables is common in meta-analyses comparing direct Macintosh laryngoscopy to videolaryngoscopy. To better inform patient care, future videolaryngoscopy research should differentiate blade type, clinical context, and patient-related primary outcomes.