In spite of the development of a lot of airway devices in the past 2 decades, tracheal
intubation problems were the most common primary airway problems.
The GlideScope® Video Laryngoscope (Verathon, Bothell, WA) is a video laryngoscopy system
with a two-segment blade, the distal portion of which houses a charge-coupled device that
contains a micro-video camera that transmits images to a 7-inch video liquid crystal
display (LCD) monitor. The GlideScope® can be used for routine intubation but is also
commonly used as an alternative device for difficult or failed airways. It is
particularly useful in cases where cervical motion or mouth opening is limited,
preventing creation of a "straight line" of sight from the operator to the glottis .
GlideScope improves the laryngeal view as one of its advantages due to the blade angle of
60° which is designed to improve the glottic view without the need of alignment of the
oral, pharyngeal, and tracheal axes and also without adding additional lifting force.
Fibreoptic intubation with a flexible bronchoscope is an important airway management
skill in which anaesthesiologists should be proficient. Unfortunately, clinical
experience shows that even with reasonable experience and practice, fibreoptic intubation
can be challenging. It requires a high degree of manual dexterity, an ability to
manoeuvre quickly under stressful clinical situations, and rigorous training and practice
to maintain a high level of skill.
Thus, whereas fibreoptic intubatThus, whereas fibreoptic intubation can be used rapidly
for intubation, video laryngoscopy may be an effective alternative, especially in
patients with an anticipated difficult airway. However, it remains unclear whether
video-assisted airway management using the GlideScope provides significant advantages
over flexible bronchoscopy in patients with potentially difficult airways , Video
laryngoscopy is increasingly used for difficult airway management in anaesthesia,
intensive care units and emergency departments. Recently, video laryngoscopy has been
incorporated into various difficult airway management algorithms, being recommended as
one of the initial steps in the management of difficult airways .