Conventional Direct Laryngoscopy versus Videolaryngoscopy with the GlideScope®: A Neonatal Manikin Study with Inexperienced Intubators

We hypothesized that because the view of the glottis is better with videolaryngoscopes, successful intubation in neonates would be accomplished in a shorter time with the GlideScope (R) (Verathon, Inc., Bothell, WA) videolaryngoscope (GVL). Forty-five students of the University of Athens, inexperienced in both techniques, participated in the study (21 medical students and 24 nursing students, crossover randomized study). Following a brief educational session, each participant practiced and attempted intubation on a neonatal manikin using conventional laryngoscope and GVL, as many times as required to secure the airway. The time required to successful intubation and the number of attempts with each device were recorded. No significant difference was observed between the number of attempts required for successful intubation with either laryngoscope. The time required for the first successful intubation with the conventional laryngoscope was significantly shorter compared with that required with the GVL (p = 0.0013). There was no difference regarding the time required for the successful intubation between medical and nursing students, using the conventional laryngoscope or the GVL. The number of attempts to successful intubation with either device did not differ. The time required for intubation with the GVL was longer, and this is probably due to a design flaw.