Standard GlideScope Outperforms the Cobalt GlideScope in the ED

While video laryngoscopy outperformed direct laryngoscopy in a number of studies (NEJM JW Emerg Med Jun 7 2013, NEJM JW Emerg Med Jun 1 2012), there have been few studies comparing different video laryngoscopes (NEJM JW Emerg Med Feb 22 2013), and fewer still comparing different versions of the same video laryngoscope. In a retrospective database analysis, researchers compared performance of the standard GlideScope video laryngoscope and the Cobalt GlideScope, which incorporates a disposable plastic blade and cover over a flexible video baton. The analysis included all adults intubated using either device in the emergency department of a Level I trauma center over a 6-year period.

Most intubations were performed by second- and third-year res…