Predictors of difficult videolaryngoscopy with GlideScope® or C-MAC® with D-blade: secondary analysis from a large comparative videolaryngoscopy trial

Br J Anaesth. 2016 Jul;117(1):118-23. doi: 10.1093/bja/aew128.

Abstract

Background: Tracheal intubation using acute-angle videolaryngoscopy achieves high success rates, but is not without difficulty. We aimed to determine predictors of 'difficult videolaryngoscopy'.

Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a data set (n=1100) gathered from a multicentre prospective randomized controlled trial of patients for whom difficult direct laryngoscopy was anticipated and who were intubated with one of two videolaryngoscopy devices (GlideScope(®) or C-MAC(®) with D-blade). 'Difficult videolaryngoscopy' was defined as 'first intubation time >60 s' or 'first attempt intubation failure'. A multivariate logistic regression model along with stepwise model selection techniques was performed to determine independent predictors of difficult videolaryngoscopy.

Results: Of 1100 patients, 301 were identified as difficult videolaryngoscopies. By univariate analysis, head and neck position, provider, type of surgery, and mouth opening were associated with difficult videolaryngoscopy (P<0.05). According to the multivariate logistic regression model, characteristics associated with greater risk for difficult videolaryngoscopy were as follows: (i) head and neck position of 'supine sniffing' vs 'supine neutral' {odds ratio (OR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.14, 2.31]}; (ii) undergoing otolaryngologic or cardiac surgery vs general surgery (OR 1.89, 95% CI [1.19, 3.01] and OR 6.13, 95% CI [1.85, 20.37], respectively); (iii) intubation performed by an attending anaesthestist vs a supervised resident (OR 1.83, 95% CI [1.14, 2.92]); and (iv) small mouth opening (OR 1.18, 95% CI [1.02, 1.36]).

Conclusion: This secondary analysis of an existing data set indicates four covariates associated with difficult acute-angle videolaryngoscopy, of which patient position and provider level are modifiable.

Keywords: airway management; intratracheal; intubation; laryngoscopy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laryngoscopes*
  • Laryngoscopy / instrumentation*
  • Laryngoscopy / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Video Recording*