A study to evaluate and compare Parker Flex-Tip tube and polyvinyl chloride endotracheal tube for hemodynamic response during intubation

Abstract Background and Aims: Both laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation individually contribute to hemodynamic pressor response following endotracheal intubation. Parker Flex-Tip tracheal tube has a flexible, curved, smooth, centered, and tapered distal tip that is designed to facilitate rapid, easy, and nontraumatic intubation. The present study was conducted to compare Parker Flex-Tip and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) endotracheal tube (ETT) for hemodynamic response during intubation. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients of either sex of age 18–50 years, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical Status I or II scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation were included. In Group I ( n = 30), Parker Flex-Tip tube was used and in Group II ( n = 30), PVC ETT was used. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure were compared at various time intervals. Quantitative variables were compared using unpaired t -test and qualitative variables were compared using Chi-square test. P ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean basal value of HR was 81.33 ± 13.78 beats/min in Group I and 87.36 ± 13.34 beats/min in Group II ( P = 0.09). The difference between both the groups was found to be comparable at baseline, prelaryngoscopy, and just after laryngoscopy (AL) but this difference was found to be statistically significant just after intubation (AI) and at 1 min AI. In both groups, DBP started increasing just AL but the difference was not significant. This difference between the two groups was observed to be statistically significant at 1 min AI (81.73 ± 13.29 in Group I vs. 88.96 ± 10.27 in Group II, [ P = 0.02]). Conclusion: Parker Flex-Tip tube is beneficial in controlling the hemodynamic response during laryngoscopy and intubation. This effect is significantly evident in HR and DBP.