GlideScope videolaryngoscope reduces the incidence of erroneous esophageal intubation by novice laryngoscopists

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the GlideScope videolaryngoscope for tracheal intubation by novice laryngoscopists compared with that of the Macintosh laryngoscope. Under supervision by staff anesthetists, non-anesthesia residents performed tracheal intubation using either the GlideScope videolaryngoscope (n = 100) or Macintosh laryngoscope (n = 100). The time required for airway instrumentation, the number of attempts required until successful intubation, and erroneous esophageal intubation were investigated. There were no significant differences in the time needed to secure the airway between the GlideScope videolaryngoscope and the Macintosh laryngoscope. Fewer attempts until successful intubation were made with the GlideScope videolaryngoscope than with the Macintosh laryngoscope (p < 0.05). Erroneous esophageal intubation with the GlideScope videolaryngoscope was less frequent than with the Macintosh laryngoscope (p < 0.05). Compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope, the GlideScope videolaryngoscope reduces the incidence of erroneous esophageal intubation by less experienced laryngoscopists.