Influence of laryngoscope design on heart rate and rhythm changes during intubation.

One hundred and twenty adult patients about to undergo surgery were premedicated with either meperidine or meperidine and atropine. After anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone and succinylcholine given, tracheal intubation was performed with the use of either a Magill or a Macintosh laryngoscope. There were no statistical differences in changes of heart rate and rhythm between the groups, as regards the type of premedication given or the design of laryngoscope used.