Clinical benefits of visualization of airway anatomy and manipulation of the endotracheal tube cuff with the GlideScope in the morbidly obese patient during tracheotomy.

Inadvertent deflation of the endotracheal tube cuff during a tracheotomy can complicate the surgical procedure, especially in a morbidly obese patient. Also, the anesthesia provider may lose control of the airway, with the inability to reintubate in case of airway edema, airway secretions, or airway fire. The use of the GlideScope video laryngoscope (Verathon Inc, Bothell, Washington) in the morbidly obese patient undergoing a tracheotomy has clinical benefits. This device allowed the visualization of the airway anatomy in 2 patients and the manipulation of the punctured endotracheal tube cuff in one case.