Identification of Blindspots during GlideScope Videolaryngoscopy V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identification and Measurement of Blindspots with the GlideScope videolaryngocosope when compared with Direct Macintosh Laryngoscopy
IRAS ID
243765
Contact name
Rehana Iqbal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research and Enterprise Services , St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Does the GlideScope Laryngoscope have more anatomical blindspots when compared with Macintosh laryngoscopy in healthy adult patients?
During anaesthesia a breathing tube is inserted into the windpipe. The act of visualising the opening of the windpipe is called laryngoscopy. Laryngoscopy is performed in two main ways. Macintosh laryngoscopy requires a straight line of sight using a Macintosh blade which is used to lift the jaw. GlideScope avoids the need for direct line of sight by placing a camera at the tip of a similar blade. Both devices are routinely used.
A clearer view of the opening to the windpipe is generally achieved with GlideScope however it is not known if the different point of view allows the same visualisation of other airway structures. Furthermore, the position of the video camera close to the windpipe prevents visualisation of the oral structures behind the camera. The breathing tube must be passed beside these structures which may be damaged. Case reports have described damage to the tonsils and pharyngeal arches when the GlideScope is used.
We aim to recruit adult patients requiring a breathing tube for non emergency surgery at St George's Hospital. Patients will be randomised to laryngoscopy with either GlideScope or Macintosh laryngoscopy. The structures seen in the airway during laryngoscopy will be documented. Laryngoscopy will then be repeated with the alternate device and the structures seen called out. The breathing tube will only be passed once on the second laryngoscopy. If the GlideScope is used to pass the breathing tube then the distance it is passed blindly will be measured. The structures seen will be compared between the two devices.
The results will allow us to determine potential sites for trauma due to the presence of blindspots. This would have significance in patients with airway pathology.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0933
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion