Validation of the glidescope video laryngoscope in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND: GlideScope laryngoscopy provides a glottic view equal or superior compared to Macintosh laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation in adult patients. Data evaluating GlideScope laryngoscopy in pediatric patients are lacking. This study compared intubation times of GlideScope laryngoscopy vs Macintosh laryngoscopy in pediatric patients. METHODS: Sixty ASA I-III patients, aged 10 years or less, were included in this study. Prior to intubation, airway characteristics were measured, and all patients were given an airway class by a separate anesthesiologist using a Macintosh laryngoscope. Patients were then randomly assigned for endotracheal intubation using a Macintosh laryngoscope or the GlideScope, and intubation time was measured. All blades were investigated for blood traces as a surrogate of laryngeal injury. RESULTS: Demographic data and airway characteristics were not statistically significant different between groups. GlideScope intubation time (14 +/- 5 s) was not different from Macintosh intubation time (13 +/- 5 s). Blood traces were not observed on Macintosh or GlideScope blades. CONCLUSION: The GlideScope video laryngoscope is equally suitable to facilitate orotracheal intubation in pediatric patients compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope with respect to intubation time and laryngeal trauma.