Are There Predictors of Difficult GlideScope Intubation?

Poor mandibular protrusion and short sternothyroid distances predicted more difficult GlideScope intubation, although the success rate with the GlideScope in this study was 99.75%.

Traditional clinical markers of difficult intubation are based on direct laryngoscopy, and little is known about predictors of difficult intubation with video laryngoscopy. In a prospective study of 400 adult patients who were undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery, investigators performed detailed pre-intubation analyses to identify clinical characteristics that predict difficult GlideScope intubation. The evaluation included history of snoring, Mallampati class, mandibular protrusion assessment (using the upper lip bite test [Journal Watch Emergency Medicine Mar 12 2003]), interincisor distance, neck circumference, thyromental and sternothyroid distances with the neck extended, and manubriomental distance with the neck flexed …

Reviewing Author

Ron M. Walls, MD, FRCPC, FACEP, FAAEM

Disclosures

Speaker's bureauAirway Management Education Center, LLC

EquityAirway Management Education Center, LLC

Grant / Research supportAgency for Health Care Research and Quality

Editorial boardsManual of Emergency Airway Management; Rosen's Emergency Medicine; UpToDate; Scientific American Medicine

Leadership positions in professional societiesAssociation of Academic Chairs in Emergency Medicine (President)

Ron M. Walls, MD, FRCPC, FACEP, FAAEM

Disclosures

Speaker's bureauAirway Management Education Center, LLC

EquityAirway Management Education Center, LLC

Grant / Research supportAgency for Health Care Research and Quality

Editorial boardsManual of Emergency Airway Management; Rosen's Emergency Medicine; UpToDate; Scientific American Medicine

Leadership positions in professional societiesAssociation of Academic Chairs in Emergency Medicine (President)