Aircraft launches “low-cost” video laryngoscope worldwide
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Aircraft Medical has launched its new McGrath Mac video laryngoscope globally. The UK firm claims it is the first low-cost laryngoscope for use during routine intubations, where a flexible plastic tube is placed into a patient’s windpipe to keep the airway open. During the procedure, a laryngoscope is inserted via the mouth to visualise the airway. Edinburgh-based Aircraft hopes the product will make video intubation technology more accessible, as adoption of the technology has been limited by high prices and tight hospital budgets. The McGrath Mac was CE marked for sale in Europe in May 2010. As it is classified as a rigid laryngoscope, it is exempted from premarket notification requirements, Aircraft told Clinica, but was registered with the US FDA review in September. Over 50 million routine intubations are performed worldwide each year, Aircraft estimates. The company also markets the McGrath series 5 laryngoscope, which is already available in several countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific. The series 5 is targeted at the specialist market for difficult airway procedures, while the Mac is better adapted for everyday clinical practice, said the firm.