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A GlideScope is a video laryngoscope system used to help clinicians see the airway during intubation. It includes a laryngoscope blade with a camera and a display that shows the vocal cords and nearby airway structures. The device can help guide placement of an endotracheal tube. It is used by trained anesthesia, emergency, critical care, and airway teams.
read more about glidescope ...A GlideScope is used during airway management when a clinician needs to place a breathing tube into the trachea. It may be used for routine intubation, difficult airway management, limited neck movement, teaching, or situations where a shared video view is useful. Video laryngoscopy can improve the view of the glottis in many cases. The device does not remove the need for airway assessment, backup plans, and skilled technique.
The blade is inserted into the mouth to lift or position airway tissue while the camera sends an image to the screen. The clinician watches the display to guide the endotracheal tube toward the vocal cords. Some GlideScope blades are hyperangulated and may require a shaped stylet to direct the tube. Suction, oxygenation, and patient positioning are managed during the procedure.
The clinician prepares the device, checks the screen, selects the blade size, and prepares the endotracheal tube. After sedation, anesthesia, or emergency airway preparation as appropriate, the blade is inserted and the airway view is obtained. The tube is advanced under video guidance into the trachea. Placement is confirmed with methods such as end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, chest movement, breath sounds, and clinical assessment.
GlideScope use can still cause dental injury, lip injury, bleeding, sore throat, airway trauma, failed intubation, or low oxygen if the airway is difficult. Blood, vomit, fogging, secretions, or a poor camera view can limit visibility. A good screen view does not always guarantee easy tube passage. Clinicians should have backup airway equipment and a plan for failed intubation.
No. A regular direct laryngoscope relies on the clinician looking directly into the airway, while a GlideScope uses a camera and screen.
No. The clinician controls the device and places the breathing tube. The system only helps visualize the airway.
Yes, it can be useful in many difficult airway situations, but it is not guaranteed to work in every case. Backup airway planning is still needed.
Some components may be reusable after approved reprocessing, while others are single-use. Handling depends on the model and product instructions.
GlideScope Core Intubation System. Verathon. https://www.verathon.com/glidescope-visualization-systems/glidescope-core. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
GlideScope Video Laryngoscopes. Verathon. https://www.verathon.com/video-laryngoscopes. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Endotracheal Intubation Techniques. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560730/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
How To Do Orotracheal Intubation Using Video Laryngoscopy. MSD Manual Professional Edition. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/critical-care-medicine/how-to-do-other-airway-procedures/how-to-do-orotracheal-intubation-using-video-laryngoscopy. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Airway Management: The Current Role of Videolaryngoscopy. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10532647/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.