Difficult Airway Management Algorithms Research Articles

Venous Malformation in Upper Airway - Anaesthetic Challenges and Management

Abstract We present a patient with a venous malformation involving the upper airway, who developed airway obstruction immediately after extubation, requiring reintubation and tracheostomy. Our reflection on the management of this case highlights several important learning points. These include: (i) the importance of clear communication between different medical specialties to promote shared situation awareness, (ii) limitations in training anaesthesiologists beyond standard difficult airway management algorithms and (iii) the implications of the skillset mix of doctors responding to airway emergencies.

Efficiency of laryngeal mask airway ProtectorTM and i-gel® as a conduit in Aintree catheter-guided fibreoptic tracheal intubation: a randomised clinical trial.

Fibreoptic intubation through a supraglottic airway device (SAD) is recom-mended in difficult airway management algorithms. The Difficult Airway Society published a guideline describing the details of this technique in 2011. This study was designed to compare the efficiency of two different 2nd generation SADs as a conduit for Aintree catheter-guided fibreoptic tracheal intubation. 80 adult patients with an ASA score of 1-3 undergoing elective surgical procedures were included in the study. The patients were intubated after randomization to two groups: the i-gel group and the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) Protector group. SAD insertion time and tracheal intubation time were recorded separately. Demographic data, changes in haemodynamic parameters during the procedure, and complications were noted. In the LMA Protector and i-gel groups, the number of attempts (1.14 ± 0.35 vs. 1.24 ± 0.49 times, P = 0.394), device insertion time (14.89 ± 8.11 vs. 17.84 ± 16.59 seconds, P = 0.896), and the need for an optimization manoeuvre (43.2% vs. 37.8%, P = 0.813) were similar (P > 0.05). The fibreoptic laryngeal appearance scale and haemodynamic parameters were similar (P > 0.05). However, the airway complication rate was significantly higher in the LMA Protector group than in the i-gel group (21.6% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.013). The most common complications were bronchospasm and bloody secretion on SAD. With the stable haemodynamic parameters, acceptable insertion time and lower complication rate, we concluded that the i-gel may be preferable in fibre-optic tracheal intubation. The rigid structure of the LMA Protector compared to the i-gel might contribute to this result.

Emergency Cricothyrotomy - step by step

Emergency cricothyrotomy is a live saving intervention to rapidly gain access to the airways in patients who cannot be intubated nor ventilated. Considering complications such as bleeding, thyroid and cricoid cartilage injury and creation of a false tract emergency cricothyrotomy should not be performed until non-invasive attempts including video laryngoscopy and the use of supraglottic airway devices have been exploited within a fixed difficult airway management algorithm. Methods of emergency cricothyrotomy can be differentiated in a catheter-over-needle, Seldinger-wire and surgical technique. However, success is less dependent from the choice of method but from individual experience and training. Despite a lack of evidence due to its infrequent use cricothyrotomy generally results in an acceptable success rate. In this review a selection of commercially available cricothyrotomy sets is presented, indications for their use are outlined and their handling is described.

Current practice of thoracic anaesthesia in Europe \u2013 a survey by the European Society of Anaesthesiology Part I \u2013 airway management and regional anaesthesia techniques

BackgroundThe scientific working group for “Anaesthesia in thoracic surgery” of the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI) has performed an online survey to assess the current standards of care and structural properties of anaesthesia workstations in thoracic surgery.MethodsAll members of the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) were invited to participate in the study.ResultsThoracic anaesthesia was most commonly performed by specialists/board-certified anaesthetists and/or senior/attending physicians. Across Europe, the double lumen tube (DLT) was most commonly chosen as the primary device for lung separation (461/ 97.3%). Bronchial blockers were chosen less frequently (9/ 1.9%).Throughout Europe, bronchoscopy was not consistently used to confirm correct double lumen tube positioning. Respondents from Eastern Europe (32/ 57.1%) frequently stated that there were not enough bronchoscopes available for every intrathoracic operation. A specific algorithm for difficult airway management in thoracic anaesthesia was available to only 18.6% (n = 88) of the respondents. Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is the most commonly used form of regional analgesia for thoracic surgery in Europe. Ultrasonography was widely available 93,8% (n = 412) throughout Europe and was predominantly used for central line placement and lung diagnostics.ConclusionsWhile certain „gold standards “are widely met, there are also aspects of care requiring substantial improvement in thoracic anaesthesia throughout Europe.Our data suggest that algorithms and standard operating procedures for difficult airway management in thoracic anaesthesia need to be established. A European recommendation for the basic requirements of an anaesthesia workstation for thoracic anaesthesia is expedient and desirable, to improve structural quality and patient safety.

Perioperative anesthetic management of reductive glossoplasty in a patient with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Abstract Introduction Postoperative management of patients with the congenital growth disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) can be complicated. The main clinical manifestations of the syndrome are macroglossia — which may hamper airway management —, prematurity, hemihypertrophy, omphalocele, embryonal tumours and episodes of neonatal hypoglycaemia. Objective Our main objective is to describe the perioperative management and potential anaesthetic complications in paediatric patients with BWS undergoing glossectomy. Methods Case report and literature review. Results We describe the case of an 11-month-old patient diagnosed with BWS who underwent reduction glossoplasty. We performed a comprehensive preoperative evaluation, taking into account potential anaesthetic complications derived from both macroglossia and prematurity, and the risk of hypoglycaemia. The procedure was performed under general anaesthesia. Intubation — performed according to difficult airway management algorithms — was uneventful and the patient was successfully extubated in the operating room. The patient remained stable during the postoperative period, with good respiratory dynamics, SatO2 > 96% and good glycaemic control. Oral intake was started 4 h after surgery, and she was discharged to the ward at 24 h. Conclusion BWS patients require a multimodal approach that includes detailed preoperative planning and knowledge of potential airway-related and systemic complications.

Unexpected difficult extubation due to mechanical cause following parotidectomy: a case report

Difficult airway management usually refers to intubation or extubation problems. We present a case report of difficult extubation, and airway management algorithm that was used in a female patient following parotidectomy. Although there are algorithms for difficult airway management, there are no recommendations for difficult extubation that is mechanically caused and where endotracheal tube cannot be easily removed. Such conditions are rarely mentioned in the literature,usually in the form of case reports. Inability to remove endotracheal tube due to mechanical causes is an urgent condition and calls for an algorithm and guidelines. The algorithm that was performed in this case went uneventfully, and the patient recovered well.

Difficult airway management algorithms: a directed review.

The primary aim of this study was to identify, describe and compare the content of existing difficult airway management algorithms. Secondly, we aimed to describe the literature reporting the implementation of these algorithms. A directed search across three databases (MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus) was performed. All articles were screened for relevance to the research aims and according to pre-determined exclusion criteria. We identified 38 published airway management algorithms. Our results show that most facemask employ a four-step process as represented by a flow chart, with progression from tracheal intubation, facemask ventilation and supraglottic airway device use, to a rescue emergency surgical airway. The identified algorithms are overwhelmingly similar, yet many use differing terminology. The frequency of algorithm publication has increased recently, yet adherence and implementation outcome data remain limited. Our results highlight the lack of a single algorithm that is universally endorsed, recognised and applicable to all difficult airway management situations.

Difficult airway management – an old challenge: a case report

Introduction: Obtaining a secured airway is a vital aspect during reconstructive surgery in patients with extensive post-burn mentosternalscar contractures. Such contractures can potentially lead to a “can’t intubate, can’t ventilate” scenario, otherwise rare butlife-threatening situation. We present a case of successful management of a paediatric case of anticipated difficult airway due toburn injury.Case description: A 14-year-old boy presented for repair of an extensive skin contracture of the neck, thorax and face due to mutilatingscarring. The boy was treated for 80% burn caused by gasoline flame 14 months prior to this surgery. Burn healing and scarringresulted in massive distortion of the facial and cervical anatomy, all implying difficult airway with a high probability of “can’t intubate,can’t ventilate” situation. Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope with loaded cuffed endotracheal tube N° 6.0 was used for visualisationof vocal cords through the mouth in light sedation with spontaneous breathing. After visualisation of the vocal cords, fentanyl(Fentanyl, GlaxoSmithKline) and thiopental (Thiopental, Rotexmedica) were administered and the trachea was intubated at the firstattempt. Balanced general anaesthesia was initiated and planned surgical procedure was successfully completed. The trachea wasextubated on the first postoperative day without any complication.Conclusion: Difficult paediatric airway and particularly “can’t intubate, can’t ventilate” situation is a problem associated with significantrisks and complications. Anticipating a difficult airway, having a structured approach with appropriate preparation, andunderstanding of difficult airway management algorithms are essential for success.Key words: airway management; burns; intubation

Emergency front of neck airway: What do trainers in the UK teach? A national survey.

Background and Aims:Front of neck airway (FONA) is the final step to deliver oxygen in the difficult airway management algorithms. The Difficult Airway Society 2015 guidelines have recommended a standardized scalpel cricothyroidotomy technique for an emergency FONA. There is a wide variability in the FONA techniques with disparate approaches and training. We conducted a national postal survey to evaluate current teaching, availability of equipment, experienced surgical help and prevalent attitudes in the face of a can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate situation.Material and Methods:The postal survey was addressed to airway leads across National Health Service hospitals in the United Kingdom (UK). In the anesthetic departments with no designated airway leads, the survey was addressed to the respective college tutors. A total of 259 survey questionnaires were posted.Results:We received 209 survey replies with an overall response rate of 81%. Although 75% of respondents preferred scalpel cricothyroidotomy, only 28% of the anesthetic departments considered in-house FONA training as mandatory for all grades of anesthetists. Scalpel-bougie-tube kits were available in 95% of the anesthetic departments, either solely or in combination with other FONA devices.Conclusion:The survey has demonstrated that a majority of the airway trainers in the UK would prefer scalpel cricothyroidotomy as emergency FONA. There is a significant variation and deficiency in the current levels of FONA training. Hence, it is important that emergency FONA training is standardized and imparted at a multidisciplinary level.

Management of the Difficult Airway in the Pediatric Patient.

Loss of airway control in children, if not resolved quickly, will lead to devastating consequences. Successful management of the pediatric difficult airway, both anticipated and unanticipated, is facilitated by preprocedure assessment and preparation. Accessibility of and continued hands-on training with modern airway instruments, familiarization with difficult airway guidelines, and collaboration with multidisciplinary airway teams can aid in the management of the difficult pediatric airway. This review outlines the importance of airway assessment and advanced airway equipment for children. It also discusses difficult airway management techniques and algorithms for the management and rescue of the pediatric difficult airway.

Two case reports of unexpected tracheal agenesis in the neonate: 3 C\u2019s beyond algorithms for difficult airway management

BackgroundHandling neonates with postnatal respiratory failure due to congenital airway malformations implies knowledge about emergency management of unexpected difficult airway. In these stressful situations both technical and communication skills of the caretakers are essential.Case presentationTwo cases with prenatally unknown tracheal agenesis are reported.ConclusionIn the presented cases, airway malformation and subsequent difficulties upon endotracheal intubation were not adequately communicated between caretakers. We discuss the aspects of culture, communication, and capnography.

Children with challenging airways: What about GlideScope® video-laryngoscopy?

BackgroundGlideScope® video-laryngoscopy is becoming increasingly used, including in paediatrics. However, to date, very few data are available on efficiency during situations involving difficult intubation. Our objective was to describe the usefulness of the GlideScope® in children with presumed challenging airway criteria. MethodsIn this observational study, all children with predicted criteria of potential difficult intubation and requiring general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation were prospectively enrolled over a 12-month period. The Cormack and Lehane (CMK) grade was first assessed by direct laryngoscopy. In case of a CMK≥3, the same experienced anaesthesiologist scored the CMK scale under GlideScope® videoscopy. Data related to GlideScope® use under difficult intubation conditions were analysed. ResultsOut of the sixty-one patients (median [25th–75th interquartile range] age of 12 [4–37] months) included, 37 (62%) patients have confirmed a high probability of difficult intubation. Compared to direct laryngoscopy, GlideScope® video-laryngoscopy was significantly associated with an improved CMK grade (P<0.001). Tracheal intubation with the GlideScope® was successful after the first attempt in almost one half of cases and ultimately in 100% of patients. The median time required for successful GlideScope® intubation was 42.5 [30–60] s. No per procedure complications were recorded. ConclusionIn children with challenging airways, GlideScope® video-laryngoscopy resulted in a significant improvement of the glottic view with an excellent success rate and satisfactory time to intubation. How these devices are to be positioned in difficult airway management algorithms and guidelines remain to be defined.

Difficult Airway Management in Patients Submitted to General Anesthesia. Is it a Matter of Devices or Predictive Scores?

Background: Incidence of difficult tracheal intubation in elective surgery population varies in a wide range, with estimated pooled frequency of 6.8%. Unanticipated difficult intubation has been reported in 1.5 8.5% of all general anesthesia. Among devices providing indirect laryngoscopy, Truview EVO2 ® offers advantages in terms of glottic exposure, short training, and low cost. Methods: Retrospective review of unexpected difficult intubation among 24.500 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia over a 44 months period. Direct laryngoscopy was first performed in all patients, thus, in case of any difficulty encountered, an alternative device was utilized. Incidence and characteristics of difficult intubation are reported. Preoperative airway evaluation parameters have been correlated with intubation difficulty. Results: Difficult tracheal intubation (DTI) was observed in 0.4% (90 patients). Truview laryngoscope has been used in 59 of 90 patients and succeeded in achieving intubation in 75% of cases. Among risk factors for difficult intubation, neither Mallampati class nor Body Mass Index (BMI) were shown to have high predictive value. An El-Ganzouri Risk Index (EGRI) score of 3 has been estimated to represent the cut-off value between easy and difficult intubation. Conclusion: Truview laryngoscope represents a useful tool in case of unexpected difficult intubation, and could be eventually introduced in a difficult airway management algorithm without burden on Unit costs and staff training. DTI predictive scores have been applied in clinical practice but still lack in cut-off values validation. As in our experience the risk score failed in predicting difficult airway, we speculate that the Anesthesiologist’s confidence with one or more alternative intubation devices could obviate the need for predictive scores. patient airway occurs, exposes the patient to the risk of complications basically related to hypoxia. Its incidence has been reported around 1-4% of patients with normal airway and, more recently, in a range of 1.5 8.5% of all general anesthesia [2,3]. Management of unanticipated difficult airways has been standardized in various algorithms, with an increasing need in updating related to development of novel devices [4].

Effect of Simulation on Compliance With Difficult Airway Management Algorithms, Technical Ability, and Skills Retention for Emergency Cricothyrotomy

Effect of Simulation on Compliance With Difficult Airway Management Algorithms, Technical Ability, and Skills Retention for Emergency Cricothyrotomy

Algorithm for difficult airway management in pediatrics

ObjectiveTo describe a series of activities structured for managing the difficult airway in pediatrics and to suggest an algorithm adapted to the individual child's conditions. Materials and methodsCase review of medical literature databases (PubMed, BIREME and MD consult); the search was based on the following keywords: algorithm, difficult airway, children and pediatrics in articles published during the last 10 years, including topic reviews, systematic reviews or algorithms. The principal authors who reviewed the articles were reviewed.The algorithm design is based on an informal consensus of pediatric anesthesiologists and on the review of all the published literature, in accordance with the availability of resources and the experience in our environment. ResultsThe result is a proposal for a simple algorithm including sequential one-way steps for managing the difficult airway in pediatrics. Particular emphasis is placed on situations such as a suspicious airway and a suggestion is made about the equipment and devices required to follow the algorithm. These equipment and devices may be adapted to the particular circumstances of the institution. ConclusionThis review summarizes the management of the difficult airway in pediatrics and is the first proposal ever submitted in Latin America.

Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia: Continuing Professional Development

Whenever possible, neuraxial anesthesia is the preferred technique for Cesarean delivery; however, under certain circumstances, general anesthesia remains the most appropriate choice. The purpose of this Continuing Professional Development module is to review the key issues regarding general anesthesia for Cesarean delivery. In developed countries, anesthesia-related maternal mortality and morbidity are both low. Mortality following Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia is attributable chiefly to failed intubation or other induction-related issues. Extubation can also be a danger period. The various methods of preventing difficult intubation and the associated consequences include airway assessment, fasting during obstetric labour, and pharmacological prophylaxis for aspiration. The traditional rapid sequence induction has been slightly modified because of the increased use of propofol and remifentanil. Difficult airway management algorithms specific to the pregnant woman are being developed and tend to recommend the use of supraglottic devices for unanticipated difficult intubation. The prevention of intraoperative awareness is another major consideration. Maintenance with halogenated agents at>0.7 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) is recommended; however, propofol maintenance can be an interesting option when uterine atony is present. Multimodal postoperative analgesia is recommended. A general anesthetic for Cesarean delivery should be based on the following principles: preventing aspiration, anticipating a difficult intubation, maintaining oxygenation, insuring materno-feto-placental perfusion and maintaining a deep level of anesthesia to avoid intraoperative awareness while minimizing neonatal effects.

Effect of Simulation Training on Compliance with Difficult Airway Management Algorithms, Technical Ability, and Skills Retention for Emergency Cricothyrotomy

The effectiveness of simulation is rarely evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a short training course on the ability of anesthesiology residents to comply with current difficult airway management guidelines. Twenty-seven third-year anesthesiology residents were assessed on a simulator in a "can't intubate, can't ventilate" scenario before the training (the pretest) and then randomly 3, 6, or 12 months after training (the posttest). The scenario was built so that the resident was prompted to perform a cricothyrotomy. Compliance with airway management guidelines and the cricothyrotomy's duration and technical quality were assessed as a checklist score [0 to 10] and a global rating scale [7 to 35]. After training, all 27 residents (100%) complied with the airway management guidelines, compared with 17 (63%) in the pretest (P < 0.005). In the pretest and the 3-, 6-, and 12-month posttests, the median [range] duration of cricothyrotomy was respectively 117 s [70 to 184], 69 s [43 to 97], 52 s [43 to 76], and 62 s [43 to 74] (P < 0.0001 vs. in the pretest), the median [range] checklist score was 3 [0 to 7], 10 [8 to 10], 9 [6 to 10], and 9 [4 to 10] (P < 0.0001 vs. in the pretest) and the median [range] global rating scale was 12 [7 to 22], 30 [20 to 35], 33 [23 to 35], and 31 [18 to 33] (P < 0.0001 vs. in the pretest). There were no significant differences between performance levels achieved in the 3-, 6-, and 12-month posttests. The training session significantly improved the residents' compliance with guidelines and their performance of cricothyrotomy.

Access to difficult airway equipment and training for rural GP-anaesthetists in Australia: results of a 2012 survey

In rural Australia, general practitioners (GPs) form the frontline for provision of medical services. Besides responsibilities for primary care via private practice, rural doctors often provide emergency and inpatient services for rural hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine access to difficult airway equipment and training among the GP-anaesthetist cadre in rural Australia. an online survey regarding availability of difficult airway equipment, access to ongoing training and inviting comments on rural anaesthesia in general. a questionnaire was distributed to rural doctors in January 2012 via membership databases of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and state-based Rural Doctor Workforce Agencies. 293 participants identified as a GP-anaesthetist working in rural Australia (65% response rate). Of these 83% were male, 17% female with the percentage of respondents from each state concordant with the distributions indicated by the 2010 Rural Health Workforce National Minimum Dataset. closed-ended questions were quantified and open-ended questions analysed to determine issues relevant to GP-anaesthetists. Only 53% of GP-anaesthetists reported access to a difficult airway trolley or box in their facility. Lack of availability of certain airway equipment was reported among GP-anaesthetists, with very few having access to advanced intubation aids such as videolaryngoscopes or fibreoptic devices (flexible fibrescopes and/or malleable fibreoptic stylets). Open-ended questions suggested that GP-anaesthetists desired such aids to manage difficult airways. Only 79% had access to surgical airway or paediatric airway equipment. Of the respondents, 58% reported involvement in prehospital medicine but only 12% had received training in this challenging environment. A formal arrangement for prehospital responses existed for only 7% of respondents. Despite the existence of well-publicised algorithms for difficult airway management and the need for specific equipment to manage the difficult airway, Australian GP-anaesthetists report difficulty accessing essential equipment for these infrequent but life-threatening events. This is surprising in the light of recommendations from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. The consequences of difficulty in airway management can be catastrophic. Equipment needs must be balanced against important considerations including ease of use, initial and ongoing training, and cost. Suggestions for affordable equipment and ongoing training for rural GP-anaesthetists are made. The involvement of GP-anaesthetists in prehospital responses occurs in the absence of formal arrangements and with a dearth of training. There is scope to improve rural prehospital responses in Australia, utilising the advanced skills of GP-anaesthetists in resuscitation and airway management.

The “inverted traffic light” obstetric difficult airway management algorithm

The “inverted traffic light” obstetric difficult airway management algorithm

Paediatric airway management: What is new?

Airway management plays a pivotal role in Paediatric Anaesthesia. Over the last two decades many improvements in this area have helped us to overcome this final frontier. From an era where intubation with a conventional laryngoscope or blind nasal intubation was the only tool for airway management, we have come a long way. Today supraglottic airway devices have pride of place in the Operating Room and are becoming important airway devices used in routine procedures. Direct and indirect fibreoptic laryngoscopes and transtracheal devices help us overcome difficult and previously impossible airway situations. These developments mean that we need to update our knowledge on these devices. Also much of our basic understanding of the physiology and anatomy of the paediatric airway has changed. This article attempts to shed light on some of the most important advances/opinions in paediatric airway management like, cuffed endotracheal tubes, supraglottic airway devices, video laryngoscopes, rapid sequence intubation, the newly proposed algorithm for difficult airway management and the role of Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) procedure in the management of the neonatal airway.