Comparison of the Cobalt Glidescope® video laryngoscope with conventional laryngoscopy in simulated normal and difficult infant airways*

Abstract

To evaluate the new pediatric Glidescope (Cobalt GVL Stat) by assessing the time taken to tracheal intubation under normal and difficult intubation conditions. We hypothesized that the Glidescope would perform as well as conventional laryngoscopy. A new pediatric Glidescope became available in October 2008. It combines a disposable, sterile laryngoscope blade and a reusable video baton. It is narrower and longer than the previous version and is available in a greater range of sizes more appropriate to pediatric use. We performed a randomized study of 32 pediatric anesthetists and intensivists to compare the Cobalt GVL Stat with the Miller laryngoscope under simulated normal and difficult airway conditions in a pediatric manikin. We found no difference in time taken to tracheal intubation using the Glidescope or Miller laryngoscope under normal (29.3 vs 26.2 s, P = 0.36) or difficult (45.8 and 44.4 s, P = 0.84) conditions. Subjective evaluation of devices for field of view (excellent: 59% vs 53%) and ease of use (excellent: 69% vs 63%) was similar for the Miller laryngoscope and Glidescope, respectively. However, only 34% of participants said that they would definitely use the Glidescope in an emergency compared with 66% who would be willing to use the Miller laryngoscope. The new Glidescope performs as well as the Miller laryngoscope under simulated normal and difficult airway conditions.