Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-fscjk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-23T12:38:48.818Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

An evaluation of the GlideScope®, a new video laryngoscope for difficult airways: a manikin study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 April 2006

F. J. Benjamin
Affiliation:
Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, UK
D. Boon
Affiliation:
Christchurch Hospital, Department of Anaesthesia, Christchurch, New Zealand
R. A. French
Affiliation:
Christchurch Hospital, Department of Anaesthesia, Christchurch, New Zealand
Get access

Extract

Summary

Background and objectives: The GlideScope® is a new video laryngoscope. The aim of our study was to assess its use compared to a Macintosh blade in airway scenarios on the Airman airway simulator. The scenarios were: ‘normal’ or resting state of the manikin, pharyngeal obstruction, cervical rigidity and tongue oedema. Methods: Thirty anaesthetists from the Christchurch Anaesthetic Department attempted to pass a bougie or stylet through the vocal cords of the manikin with a size 3 Macintosh blade, then the GlideScope. View at laryngoscopy, ease of ‘intubation’ and whether they thought the GlideScope would be useful in clinical practice were recorded. Results: Forty three percent (P = 0.02) found an improved view with the GlideScope in the pharyngeal obstruction scenario. In the other scenarios there was no significant difference in view. Reportage of ease of intubation showed no statistical difference in any scenarios. However, 93% of anaesthetists considered having the GlideScope would be useful if faced clinically with one or more of the studied scenarios. Conclusions: The GlideScope improved the view in one of three difficult airway situations when used by anaesthetists with no formal training in its use. No single airway device offers a solution to all scenarios, however, we consider that the GlideScope is a useful addition to the range of difficult airway devices available.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
© 2006 European Society of Anaesthesiology

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Cooper RM. Use of a new videolaryngoscope (GlideScope®) in the management of a difficult airway. Can J Anaesth 2003; 50: 611613.Google Scholar
Agrò F, Barzoi G, Montecchia F. Tracheal intubation using a Macintosh laryngoscope or a GlideScope® in 15 patients with cervical spine immobilization. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90: 705706.Google Scholar
Rai MR, Dering A, Verghese C. The GlideScope® system: a clinical assessment of performance. Anaesthesia 2005; 60: 6064.Google Scholar
Lim TJ, Lim Y, Liu EHC. Evaluation of ease of intubation with the GlideScope® or Macintosh laryngoscope by anaesthetists in simulated easy and difficult laryngoscopy. Anaesthesia 2005; 60: 180183.Google Scholar
Henderson JJ, Popat MT, Latto IP, Pearce AC. Difficult Airway Society guidelines for management of the unanticipated difficult intubation. Anaesthesia 2004; 59: 675694.Google Scholar
Goodwin N, Latto IP, Hodzovic I, Williams G, Hall JE. The rigid nasendoscope as a tool for difficult tracheal intubation: A manikin study. Anaesthesia 2003; 58: 675679.Google Scholar
Doyle DJ. Awake intubation using the GlideScope® video laryngoscope: initial experience in four cases. Can J Anaesth 2004; 51: 520521.Google Scholar
Doyle DJ, Zura A, Ramachandran M. Videolaryngoscopy in the management of the difficult airway. Can J Anaesth 2004; 51: 95.Google Scholar
Lim Y, Lim T, Liu EHC. Ease of intubation with the GlideScope or Macintosh laryngoscope by inexperienced operators in simulated difficult airways. Can J Anaesth 2004; 51: 641642.Google Scholar
Kaplan MB, Berci G. Videolaryngoscopy in the management of the difficult airway. Can J Anaesth 2004; 51: 94.Google Scholar