GlideScope Blade Size Affects Glottic Visualization for Difficult Pediatric Intubations

To determine the effect of GlideScope blade size on laryngoscopic view in children with difficult airways, researchers in Korea enrolled 23 patients (mean age, 8 years) with modified Cormack and Lehane grade glottic views ≥3a (epiglottis visible and can be lifted) by Macintosh direct laryngoscopy, with and without the BURP maneuver (JW Emerg Med Apr 13 2005). Patients underwent GlideScope laryngoscopy with both a weight-appropriate–sized blade and a blade one size smaller, in random order. One experienced attending anesthesiologist performed all laryngoscopies, with and without the BURP maneuver.

Median glottic views without the BURP maneuver were grade 4 with direct laryngoscopy, 3b (epiglottis can be seen but not elevated) with the weight-…