A Two-Operator Technique for GlideScope-Assisted Endotracheal Intubation
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The primary objective of this study is to compare the first attempt success rate of endotracheal intubation using the GlideScope video laryngoscope when performed by two operators versus a single operator. Secondary objectives include assessing the time to intubate, the need for optimization maneuvers, the effect of the presence of predictors of difficult intubation, the occurrence of adverse events during intubation such as oxyhemoglobin desaturation to less than 90% measured by pulse oximetry, the incidence of airway trauma, and the incidence and severity of post-op sore throat. The main question it aims to answer is: Is endotracheal intubation performed using the Glidescope video laryngoscope with an intubating stylet by two operators, non-inferior to the same procedure performed by single operator in terms of first attempt success rate? Researchers will compare first attempt success rate of endotracheal intubation using the GlideScope video laryngoscope when performed by two operators versus a single operator to see if assistance in using the GlideScope provides similar first attempt success rate of endotracheal intubation and thus guarantees securing a difficult airway. Participants will be enrolled in one of two groups over 9 months of work. They will be further stratified into blocks according to the presence of at least one predictor of difficult intubation. Patients allocated to the control group will be intubated using the GlideScope by a single operator and those allocated to the experimental group will be intubated using the GlideScope with the assistance of a second operator.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult population ≥ 18 years of age * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class I to III * Elective procedures * Patients requiring orotracheal intubation with a single-lumen tube under general anesthesia Exclusion Criteria: * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) IV or V * Emergency procedures * Patients who require awake or asleep fiberoptic intubation * Patients who require nasal intubation * Patients who require double-lumen endotracheal tube (ETT) * Patients who are already intubated * Patients who require rapid sequence induction (uncontrolled Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, full stomach) * Patients with an oropharyngeal/laryngeal pathology (tumor, abscess) * Patients with maxillary or mandibular fracture