Comparing the novel GlideScope Groove videolaryngoscope with conventional videolaryngoscopy: a randomized mannequin study of novice providers

Abstract

Study objective: To compare the GlideScope Groove (GG) with conventional GlideScope videolaryngoscopy (GVL) and direct laryngoscopy (DL) on intubation times, intubation attempts, and glottic visualization of an airway mannequin by medical students.

Design: Randomized crossover trial.

Setting: Intensive care unit of an academic tertiary-care hospital.

Participants: 34 medical students with no airway management experience.

Measurements: Each participant received standardized video instruction on all three laryngoscopes and was given 10 minutes to practice with each device. The participants had two attempts using DL, and then had two attempts each with either the GG or GVL in random order.

Measurements: Time-to-intubate the mannequin in seconds was recorded. Secondary outcomes were Cormack-Lehane grade and number of intubation attempts, also recorded.

Main results: The median number of seconds required to successfully intubate the mannequin with DL, GVL, and GG were 17.4 seconds [interquartile range (IQR) 13.2 - 22.1)], 17.7 seconds (IQR 14.9 - 21.0), and 21.7 seconds (IQR 15.4 - 37.0), respectively. No differences in time-to-intubate was noted among the three devices (P = 0.45). A Cormack-Lehane grade 1 view was obtained for 25 of 34 participants (74%) with DL, 32 of 34 participants (94%) with GVL, and 34 of 34 participants (100%) with GG. First-attempt intubation success was 30 of 34 participants (88%) with DL, 34 of 34 participants (100%) with GVL, and 11 of 34 participants (32%) with GG. Using the GG, 6 of 24 participants (18%) required three attempts. More attempts were required for the GG than for DL (P < 0.001) or GVL (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: GG was not superior to DL or GVL in time-to-intubate an airway mannequin.

Keywords: Airway management devices; Education; Intubation; Mannequin; Videolaryngoscopy.