Comparison of GlideScope video laryngoscope and intubating laryngeal mask airway with direct laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation.

The aim of this study was to determine whether GlideScope video laryngoscope (GVL) and intubating laryngeal mask airway (i-LMA) improve the intubation success rate and could be easily learned and performed by paramedic students when compared with the direct laryngoscopic (DL) method. The study was designed as a prospective randomized crossover trial that included 121 paramedic students. All participants were asked to intubate each Ambu Airway Management Trainer manikins after the lecture and demonstration. Successful intubation was defined as the passage of the tube through the vocal cord within 60 s. At the end of the study, a questionnaire survey was given to all participants about their preferences, and they were requested to define each method on an easy-difficult scale. Successful intubation was achieved by 95 students (78.5%) with DL, 112 students (92.6%) with i-LMA, and 111 students (91.7%) with GVL. Mean time of intubation was 25.06±14 s for DL, 22.32±12 s for i-LMA, and 22.63±10 s for GVL. Success rates of i-LMA and GVL were significantly higher compared with DL (P=0.005 and P=0.006, respectively). No significant difference was determined between i-LMA and GVL in terms of successful intubation (P>0.05). This study showed that GVL and i-LMA provided better intubation success rates and were easier for paramedic students when compared with the classic DL method.