Glidescope®cobalt videolaryngoscope

GlideScope® Cobalt video laryngoscope is a novel indirect laryngoscope for tracheal intubation. It consists of a reusable high-resolution miniature video camera and light source, and a disposable transparent sheath that enshrouds the video camera, thereby preventing contact with the patient. To evaluate the per formance of GlideScope® Cobalt, endotracheal intubation was performed in 100 consecutive patients requiring tracheal intubation for surgery. The time to complete instrumentation, the visualization of the glottis by the Cormack-Lehané grade and optimizing procedures were recorded. GlideScope®Cobalt allowed successful intubation in all patients examined, including two patients with difficult airway with the Macintosh laryngoscope. Endotracheal intubation was performed within one minute in 83 cases. GlideScope® Cobalt provided Cormack-Lehané grade 1 or 2 visualization of the glottis in 100 patients. It was easily handled not only by experienced anesthetists but also by novice personnel. GlideScope® Cobalt could be an effective aid to airway management in surgical patients.