Use of a new videolaryngoscope (GlideScope®) in the management of a difficult airway

Purpose: To describe the clinical use of a new videolaryngoscope in a patent who had repeatedly been difficult or impossible to intubate by conventional direct laryngoscopy. This device provided excellent glottic visualization and permitted easy endotracheal intubation. Clinical features: A 74-yr-old male presenting for repeat elective surgery had a history of failed intubations by direct laryngoscopy and pulmonary aspiration with a laryngeal mask airway. He refused awake flexible fibreoptic intubation. After the induction of general anesthesia, laryngoscopy was performed using a GlideScope(R). This provided complete glottic exposure and easy endotracheal intubation. Conclusion: This new videolaryngoscope provided excellent laryngeal exposure in a patient whom multiple experienced anesthesiologists had repeatedly found to be difficult or impossible to intubate using direct laryngoscopy. The clinical role of this device awaits confirmation in a large series of difficult airways.