A comparison of the Glidescope and Karl Storz DCI videolaryngoscopes in a paediatric manikin

Abstract

A new paediatric Glidescope (Cobalt GVL Stat) has recently become available. This varies in design from the Karl Storz DCI videolaryngoscope, as it possesses a short curved disposable blade compared with the narrower straighter blade of the Storz. We compared the time taken for tracheal intubation under normal and difficult intubation conditions in a paediatric manikin. A total of 32 anaesthetists completed four intubations in a random order, with each participant blinded to the airway condition. We hypothesised there would be no difference between the devices. The results showed no difference in tracheal intubation time between the Glidescope and the Storz videolaryngoscope. The mean (SD) times under normal conditions were 18.8 (5.2) s vs 19.9 (6.1) s, (p = 0.16), respectively. Under difficult conditions the times were 22.6 (10.5) vs 27.0 (14.2) s, (p = 0.13), respectively. There were no differences in the visual analogue scores for field of view, ease of use, willingness to use in an emergency, and overall satisfaction.