The GlideScope Ranger® video laryngoscope can be useful in airway management of entrapped patients

BACKGROUND: Airway management of entrapped patients is challenging and alternatives to endotracheal intubation with a Macintosh laryngoscope must be considered. In this study, the GlideScope Ranger video laryngoscope has been evaluated as an alternative to standard laryngoscopy. METHODS: Eight anaesthesiologists from a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service intubated the trachea of a Laerdal SimMan manikin using the studied laryngoscopes in two scenarios: (A) unrestricted access to the manikin in an ambulance and (B) no access from the head end, simulating an entrapped patient. The time used to secure the airway and the scored level of difficulty were the main variables. RESULTS: In scenario A, all anaesthesiologists managed to secure the airway using both techniques within the 60-s time limit. In scenario B, all secured the airway when using the video laryngoscope, while 50% succeeded with endotracheal intubation using the Macintosh laryngoscope. The difference in the success rate was statistically significant (P=0.025). There were no significant differences in the time spent on endotracheal intubation in the two scenarios or between the devices. All stated that the availability of a video laryngoscope would make drug-facilitated intubation a realistic alternative when access to patients is limited. The lack of visual control when using the Macintosh laryngoscope excludes this technique in real-life settings. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the GlideScope Ranger may be merited in situations requiring endotracheal intubation by an experienced intubator in patient entrapment. Further studies are required to clarify whether performance in patients mimics that in a manikin.