Comparison of GlideScope Specific Stylet to Malleable Stylet for GlideScope Intubation

The GlideScope video laryngoscope (Verathon) is an intubating device that uses a high-resolution camera embedded into a plastic laryngoscope blade. An LED provides illumination. The GlideScope often provides a good laryngoscopic view, but passing the endotracheal tube (ETT) through the vocal cords is sometimes difficult. Because of the 60 degree anterior curvature of the GlideScope's blade, ETT's must have stylets inserted so that the ETT distal tip can be positioned anteriorly. Various authors have recommended different angles of the ETT to optimally place it into the trachea. Previous study demonstrated that 90 degree sharp bend was both faster and subjectively easier in a heterogeneous group of intubators. With the introduction of a rigid GlideScope Specific Stylet by the manufacturer, the question arises as to the the best configuration of stylet for the ETT. Therefore, this prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial is proposed.

The null hypothesis is that there will be no difference between the GlideScope Specific Stylet and the standard malleable stylet.