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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Cooper
Richard M
RM
University of Toronto, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. richard.cooper@uhn.on.ca
D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000379:methods*; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery