Comparison of the glottic view during video-intubation in super obese patients: a series of cases.

Abstract

Videolaryngoscopes improve the view of the entry to the larynx in morbidly obese patients. Super obesity is one of the risk factors for difficult mask ventilation as well as difficult intubation. Super obese patients should be intubated awake either with a fiber-optic scope or with a videolaryngoscope. The glottic view during video-intubation in super obese patients using different devices was compared. The McGrath MAC (MGM) was used in all patients and then compared to the King Vision (KV) in three patients, the APA videolaryngoscope in two patients and the Airtraq Avant with a video camera in four patients. The pictures were of the same patient for two used devices. All obtained images were analyzed using the Percentage of Glottic Opening (POGO) scale. The POGO score for the MGM was better than for the KV and the APA but comparable to the Airtraq device. The images were processed electronically, and the best view of the laryngeal inlet that was obtained by the evaluated devices in the same patient was superimposed onto the other one and then compared.