Use of a new videolaryngoscope (GlideScope®) in the management of a difficult airway

Richard M. Cooper, BSc MSc MD FRCPC

From the University of Toronto, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Address correspondence to: Dr. Richard M. Cooper, University of Toronto, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, 3EN-421, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada. Phone: 416-340-5164; Fax: 416-340-3698; E-mail: richard.cooper@uhn.on.ca

Purpose: To describe the clinical use of a new videolaryngoscope in a patient who had repeatedly been difficult or impossible to intubate by conventional direct laryngoscopy. This device provided excellent glottic visualization and permitted easy endotracheal intubation.

Clinical features: A 74-yr-old male presenting for repeat elective surgery had a history of failed intubations by direct laryngoscopy and pulmonary aspiration with a laryngeal mask airway. He refused awake flexible fibreoptic intubation. After the induction of general anesthesia, laryngoscopy was performed using a GlideScope®. This provided complete glottic exposure and easy endotracheal intubation.

Conclusion: This new videolaryngoscope provided excellent laryngeal exposure in a patient whom multiple experienced anesthesiologists had repeatedly found to be difficult or impossible to intubate using direct laryngoscopy. The clinical role of this device awaits confirmation in a large series of difficult airways.