Objective  To compare the cardiovascular responses and complications to tracheal intubation with Shikani seeing optical stylet or Macintosh laryngoscope in non-difficult airway patients and to assess the clinical values and prospects of Shikani seeing optical stylet.

  Methods  Forty female patients scheduled for gynecological laparoscopy or laparotomy under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to Shikani group or Macintosh group. Their mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate before and after intubation, esophageal intubation, time needed for intubating, and incidence of sore throat and hoarseness were recorded.

  Results  No significant difference was found on the demographic data between these two groups. In the Shikani group, the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were (69.0±6.7) mm Hg and (70.8±8.8) bpm before intubation and (86.0±11.6) mm Hg and (78.3±9.9) bpm after intubation. In the Macintosh group, the mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were (69.3±9.0) mm Hg and (71.2±12.5) bpm before intubation and (93.6±8.9) mm Hg and (87.6±13.5) bpm after intubation. Both groups had significantly higher blood pressure and heart rate after intubation (P < 0.05), while such change was smaller in Shikani group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in terms of intubation time, incidences of sore throat and hoarseness (P > 0.05).

  Conclusion  The cardiovascular response to Shikani seeing optical stylet is less severe than Macintosh laryngoscope.