Endotracheal intubation using a GlideScope video laryngoscope by emergency physicians: a multicentre analysis of 345 attempts in adult patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use and success rates of the GlideScope (GVL) by emergency physicians (EPs) during the initial two years after its introduction.

METHODS: We performed an observational study using registry data of five emergency departments. The success rates in adult patients were evaluated and compared with those of conventional laryngoscope (CL).

RESULTS: The GVL was used in 345 (10.7%) of 3233 intubation attempts by EPs. The overall success rate of the GVL was not higher than a CL (79.1% vs 77.6%, p=0.538). The success rate for the patients with difficult airway was higher in the GVL than a CL (80.0% vs 50.4%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: The GVL was not used frequently by EPs during the initial two years after its introduction. Although the GVL provides a better glottic view, the overall success rates were similar to a CL. The GVL may be useful in patients with difficult airway.