Does a new videolaryngoscope (glidescope) provide better glottic exposure?

BACKGROUND: The GlideScope (Saturn Biomedical Systems Inc, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) is a new videolaryngoscope designed as an alternative to the conventional laryngoscope. It was designed to facilitate glottic exposure during tracheal intubation. This study assessed the effectiveness of the GlideScope in providing glottic exposure.

METHODS: One hundred and three patients requiring general anesthesia for elective surgery were enrolled in this study. Under full monitoring, all patients were given fentanyl, propofol or thiopentone and muscle relaxant for induction. In each patient laryngoscopy was performed first with a Macintosh blade (size 3), then with the GlideScope. The optimal view of the larynx that could be achieved with each instrument was recorded and assessed using the grading scale of Cormack and Lehane (C&L grade). Intubation was performed with the GlideScope.

RESULTS: The grading decreased in the majority (93.6%, 44/47) of patients with C&L grade > 1 when using the GlideScope. Of the 22 patients who were considered as subjects of difficult intubation, 20 had an improved laryngoscopic grade with GlideScope. One hundred and one patients were intubated successfully at the first attempt.

CONCLUSIONS: The laryngeal view was better in the GildeScope group using this grading system. The GlideScope provided a better view of the glottis and is a useful alternative in airway management.