King Vision® and GlideScope® in Difficult Airways

A Comparison of the King Vision® Channeled, King Vision® Non-Channeled, and Glidescope® Video Intubation Systems in Patients at Risk for Difficult Intubation - A Pilot Study

There are several advantages of video laryngoscopy; especially their ability to provide superior glottis visualization, as compared to traditional laryngoscopy.1-3 The purpose of this three arm study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the King Vision® Video Intubation Systems (AMBU-King Systems, Denmark) to the Cobalt GlideScope® (Verathon Medical Inc., USA) in patients with anticipated difficult airways.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 18 years of age
• Mallampati III-IV
• Neck circumference > 43cm
• Reduced mouth opening (< 4cm) or 3 Finger breath's (patient's own)
• Thyromental distance < 6cm

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mallampati I-II
• Neck circumference < 43cm
• Documented 'easy' intubation
• Previous history of failed intubation and failed bag-mask ventilation
• Under 18 years of age
• ASA IV
• Known unstable cervical spine injury
• Presentation for an emergency surgical procedure