Awake Fiberoptic Intubation Research Articles

Awake fiberoptic intubation with double lumen tube for severe predicted difficult airways: Could it be feasible with a rigid fiberoptic stylet?

Awake fiberoptic intubation with double lumen tube for severe predicted difficult airways: Could it be feasible with a rigid fiberoptic stylet?

A comparative study of midazolam alone or in combination with dexmedetomidine or clonidine for awake fiberoptic intubation

Background:Awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) is the gold standard technique for managing patients with anticipated difficult airway. Conscious sedation is desirable, not only to make the procedure more tolerable and comfortable for the patient but also to ensure optimal intubating conditions. Ideal sedation regime for AFOI should provide comfort, cooperation, hemodynamic stability, and amnesia along with maintenance of spontaneous respiration. Several sedative agents have been assessed over the past two decades for this purpose but α2 agonists appear to be the favorable choice owing to its sedative, analgesic, amnestic, and sympatholytic properties along with good hemodynamic profile.Aims:The present study has been aimed to recognize the characteristics of dexmedetomidine, clonidine, and midazolam and to compare their efficacy in providing optimal intubating conditions as well as hemodynamic stability during AFOI.Settings and Design:A prospective double-blind randomized study done in tertiary care hospital.Materials and Methods:Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Classes I and II aged 18–60 years with anticipated difficult airway were randomly allocated into three groups. All the patients received injection midazolam bolus followed by sedation infusion of midazolam, dexmedetomidine, and clonidine according to the allocated group. Primary outcome includes the time to achieve Ramsay Sedation Score (RSS) ≥2, time taken in intubation, intubation score, comfort score for fiberoptic insertion and intubation, and patient tolerance after intubation. The secondary outcome was hemodynamic, and respiratory variables include changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and respiratory rate during the procedure.Statistical Analysis:All data were recorded, summarized, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using SPSS 16.0 version (Chicago, Inc., USA). The data were presented in mean ± standard deviation. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results:All the three groups were comparable in terms of demographic profile. Time to achieve RSS ≥2 and mean intubation time was significantly less in Groups D and C as compared to Group M (P < 0.001). Among groups, Group D took least time to achieve RSS ≥2 (5.53 ± 0.74) and mean intubation time (4.53 ± 0.91). Similarly, overall intubation score, comfort, and patient tolerance score were significantly more in Group M as compared to Groups D and C (P < 0.001). Among the groups, Group D achieved least intubation score (3.80 ± 0.67) and comfort score (2.53 ± 0.74). Although Groups D and C have a lower mean HR and MAP during the procedure and intubation compared to Group M, the incidence of SpO2 is most frequent with clonidine.Conclusions:Patients who received α2 agonist were calmer and cooperative with less pain and discomfort than the patients who received midazolam. Dexmedetomidine allows better endurance, stable hemodynamics, and patent airway as compared to clonidine.

Advanced airway training in the UK: A national survey of senior anesthetic trainees.

Background and Aims:High-quality training in advanced airway skills is imperative to ensure safe anesthetic care and develop future airway specialists. Modern airway management skills are continually evolving in response to advancing technology and developing research. Therefore, it is of concern that training provisions and trainee competencies remain current and effective.Material and Methods:A survey questionnaire based on the airway competencies described in the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ curriculum and Difficult Airway Society guidelines was posted to all United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service hospitals to be completed by the most senior anesthetic trainee (ST 5–7, resident).Results:A total of 149 responses were analyzed from 237 hospitals with eligible anesthetic trainees (response rate 63%), including 53 (36%) and 39 (26%) respondents who had completed higher and advanced level airway training respectively. Although clinical experience with videolaryngoscopy was satisfactory, poor confidence and familiarity was identified with awake fiberoptic intubation, high frequency jet ventilation, at risk extubation techniques, and airway ultrasound assessment. Only 26 (17%) respondents had access to an airway skills room or had regular airway emergency training with multidisciplinary theater team participation. Reported barriers to training included lack of training lists, dedicated teaching time, experienced trainers, and availability of equipment.Conclusions:This national survey identified numerous deficiencies in airway competencies and training amongst senior anesthetic trainees (residents) in the UK. Restructuring of the airway training program and improvements in access to training facilities are essential to ensure effective airway training and the capability to produce future airway specialists.

Awake Fiberoptic Intubation with Two Different Techniques of Local Anaesthetic Administration (Transtracheal Injection Versus Ultrasonic Nebulization) in Patients Undergoing Maxillofacial Surgery

Awake Fiberoptic Intubation with Two Different Techniques of Local Anaesthetic Administration (Transtracheal Injection Versus Ultrasonic Nebulization) in Patients Undergoing Maxillofacial Surgery

Innovative use of fibreoptic bronchoscope as a flexible, manoeuvrable stylet during C-MAC videolaryngoscopy

The C-MAC videolaryngoscope has been used along with bougies, pliable metal stylet and optical stylet during the management of the difficult airway. The fibreoptic bronchoscope (FOB) was used as a last resort in our patient to direct the endotracheal tube into the trachea. A 74-year-old male (American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status III) who had undergone cervical spine instrumentation 12 years prior was scheduled for laparoscopic prostatectomy. On examination, he was found to have restricted neck movements. In view of the anticipated difficult airway, awake fibreoptic intubation was planned, for which the patient did not give consent. A FOB with a preloaded endotracheal tube was used as a flexible stylet. The fibrescope was manoeuvred towards the glottis which was visualised with the help of the C-MAC videolaryngoscope, resulting in successful intubation.

Failure to secure airway with awake fiberoptic bronchoscope-assisted intubation in a case of cushing's syndrome

Failure to secure airway with awake fiberoptic bronchoscope-assisted intubation in a case of cushing's syndrome

Comparison of two different tracheal tube designs for awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation

Comparison of two different tracheal tube designs for awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation

Efficacy of Adding Low-Dose Ketamine to Dexmedetomidine Versus Low-Dose Ketamine and Propofol for Conscious Sedation in Patients Undergoing Awake Fiber-optic Intubation.

Background and Aims:Conscious sedation is the key for successful AFOI. This trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine and low dose of ketamine against propofol and low dose ketamine.Materials and Methods:Sixty patients subjected for general anesthesia were invited to participate in the study and randomly allocated into two equal groups: D-K (n = 30) had been received a bolus dose of both ketamine 0.5mg /kg and dexmedetomidine 1ug/kg over 10 min. Then continuous infusion of ketamine 0.5mg /kg and dexmedetomidine 1ug/kg. The second group (P-K group) (n = 30): had been received a bolus dose of both ketamine 0.5mg/kg and propofol 1mg/kg over 10 min. Then continuous infusion of ketamine 0. 5mg/kg and propofol 1mg/kg.Results:The intubation time was statistically significant shorter within the D-K group (58.9 ± 6.1) versus P-K group (63.4 ± 5.3) with p-value 0.02. The shorter time needed to achieve the OAA/S score = 2 was in the D-K group (2.25 ± 0.75) versus (2.9 ± 0.79) in P-K group with (P-value 0.004). The intubation scores were insignificant different between both groups except vocal cord opening which was statistical better among D-K group with P-value 0.03. The significant hypotensive recorded data were among P-K group while the decreased heart rate were recorded in D-K group. Eighty percentages of patients had excellent score of satisfaction within the D-K gp against 47% among the patients within P-K gp with P-value 0.01.Conclusion:The concomitant administration of low dose of ketamine with dexmedetomidine had better intubation time and sedation scores with higher patient satisfaction scores than the combination of propofol and low dose of ketamine.

Pneumothorax following successful awake nasal fiberoptic intubation: A case report

Pneumothorax following successful awake nasal fiberoptic intubation: A case report

Dexmedetomidine in difficult airway management with a fibre-optic bronchoscope in the awake patient with Klippel–Feil Syndrome

Klippel-Feil Syndrome is a disease characterised by congenital fusion of cervical vertebra, which leads to cervical limitation and instability. In these cases, the best option is the orotracheal intubation with the fibre-optic bronchoscope with the patient awake. The advantage is that cervical movements that could lead to neurological damage are minimised. In these patients, adequate sedation, together with instillation of local anaesthetic in the pharynx and hypopharynx, is the key to reducing patient discomfort and achieving successful orotracheal intubation. Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2- adrenergic receptor agonist that produces sedation and analgesia at the locus coeruleus without producing respiratory depression, as well as maintaining patient collaboration. The case is presented of a patient with Klippel-Feil Syndrome and difficult airway management, who was given a dexmedetomidine infusion at 0.6μg/kg/h as sedation for an awake fibre-optic endotracheal intubation.

Awake fiberoptic orotracheal intubation using a modified Guedel airway in a patient with craniocervical instability and an anticipated difficult airway - A case report -

In patients with upper cervical instability, airway management may provoke subluxation of the craniocervical region and neurologic injury, and can be challenging for the anesthesiologist. Endotracheal intubation using a fiberoptic bronchoscope is frequently used in these patients to minimize spine motion, but this procedure may fail in patients with altered airway anatomy. When fiberoptic endotracheal intubation fails in these patients, optional intubation methods are limited. We describe successful awake fiberoptic orotracheal intubation using a modified Guedel airway divided in the midline for a 59-year-old man with an anticipated difficult airway, due to limited mouth opening, a nasopharyngeal tumor, and craniocervical spine instability after failure of conventional fiberoptic orotracheal intubation. Keywords: Airway; Bronchoscope; Guedel airway; Instability; Neck

Failed fibre optic intubation in a difficult airway- an anaesthetic nightmare

Awake fibreoptic intubation is the gold standard for an anticipated difficult airway, but it can fail even in expert hands. Supraglottic devices cannot be used in cases of oral masses or in large masses of the neck with distorted glottis. Thus, one should have alternative plans for securing the airway without causing hypoxia and the decision to perform tracheostomy must be taken at the right time.

Clinical Comparative Study Between Dexmedetomidine, Magnesium sulphate and Ketofol versus Midazolam for Sedation During Awake Fiberoptic Nasotracheal Intubation in Predicted Difficult Air ways Patients

Background and objectives: Awake fiber optic intubation (AFOI) is recommended technique in securing the airway in predicted difficult airway patients with sedation. However, it is not easy to achieve a comfortable sedation so conscious sedation is the key for a successful AFOI. The goal of the study to compare different conscious sedation strategies aimed to improve comfort and safety in patients prepared for elective surgeries. Subjects and Methods: Case control, randomized controlled study in predicted difficult airway patients scheduled for elective surgery under GA carried out at AL-Azhar University Hospitals after approval by the local ethical committee. 120 patients of age group 18-60 years old with ASA I and II prepared for nasal (AFOI) under conscious sedation after giving their informed written consent to participate in our study. The patients were randomly assigned into 4 groups: Group dexmedetomidine (DEX), group ketofol, group magnesium sulfate and group midazolam. HR, MAP, Oxygen saturation and end tidal CO2 were monitored. Sedation score, patient tolerance, patient satisfaction and intubation score (vocal cord movement and coughing) were assessed. Results: All patients were successfully intubated by fiber optic and none of them developed bradycardia or reduced MAP more than 20% from the base line during intubation. Group DEX mild decrease in MAP and HR ( 0.05). Group ketofol and midazolam patients were sedated deeper after the start of the study drugs than group DEX and none of the patients were sedated to a score of < 2 (modified OAA/S score) in either of the groups. Group magnesium showed lighter sedation level significantly different with other groups. Conclusion: Study showed DEX provides optimum sedation without compromising airway or hemodynamic stability with favorable intubation time and less intubation attempts during AFOI in comparison to magnesium sulphate, ketofol and midazolam patients with better patient tolerance and satisfaction.

Clinical Comparative Study Between Dexmedetomidine, Magnesium sulphate and Ketofol versus Midazolam for Sedation During Awake Fiberoptic Nasotracheal Intubation in Predicted Difficult Air ways Patients

Background and objectives: Awake fiber optic intubation (AFOI) is recommended technique in securing the airway in predicted difficult airway patients with sedation. However, it is not easy to achieve a comfortable sedation so conscious sedation is the key for a successful AFOI. The goal of the study to compare different conscious sedation strategies aimed to improve comfort and safety in patients prepared for elective surgeries. Subjects and Methods: Case control, randomized controlled study in predicted difficult airway patients scheduled for elective surgery under GA carried out at AL-Azhar University Hospitals after approval by the local ethical committee. 120 patients of age group 18-60 years old with ASA I and II prepared for nasal (AFOI) under conscious sedation after giving their informed written consent to participate in our study. The patients were randomly assigned into 4 groups: Group dexmedetomidine (DEX), group ketofol, group magnesium sulfate and group midazolam. HR, MAP, Oxygen saturation and end tidal CO2 were monitored. Sedation score, patient tolerance, patient satisfaction and intubation score (vocal cord movement and coughing) were assessed. Results: All patients were successfully intubated by fiber optic and none of them developed bradycardia or reduced MAP more than 20% from the base line during intubation. Group DEX mild decrease in MAP and HR ( 0.05). Group ketofol and midazolam patients were sedated deeper after the start of the study drugs than group DEX and none of the patients were sedated to a score of < 2 (modified OAA/S score) in either of the groups. Group magnesium showed lighter sedation level significantly different with other groups. Conclusion: Study showed DEX provides optimum sedation without compromising airway or hemodynamic stability with favorable intubation time and less intubation attempts during AFOI in comparison to magnesium sulphate, ketofol and midazolam patients with better patient tolerance and satisfaction.

RETRACTED: Proficiency of Dams Tulip-i® in awake fiberoptic orotracheal intubation for difficult airway

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief as it contains fabricated/falsified data. The Editor-in-Chief decision was based on the investigation by the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists which concluded that no research was conducted and all the data including patient backgrounds were fabricated. The society also concluded that the corresponding author, Dr. Ueshima presented the names of the individuals not involved or only partially involved in research as lead authors, presented the names of the individuals not involved in research as co-authors and submitted papers without the agreement of the co-authors. The investigation report can be found here.

Pre-selection of primary intubation technique is associated with a low incidence of difficult intubation in patients with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher

The incidence of difficult intubation (DI) in obese patients may reach a two-digit figure. No studies have assessed the effect of primary use of special intubation devices on lowering the incidence of DI. We assessed the effect of primary selection of special intubation techniques on the incidence of DI in patients with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher. Data from 546 patients with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher who underwent bariatric surgery at Wolfson Medical Center from 2010 through 2014 was retrospectively extracted and analyzed for demographics, predictors of DI and intubation techniques employed. Difficult intubation was defined as the presence of at least one of the followings: laryngoscopy grade 3 or 4, need for >1 laryngoscopy or intubation attempt, need for changing the blade size, failed direct laryngoscopy (DL), difficult or failed videolaryngoscopy (VL-Glidescope), difficult or failed awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) and using VL or awake AFOI as rescue airway techniques. Primary intubation techniques were direct DL, VL and AFOI. We correlated the predictors of DI with the actual incidence of DI and with the choice of intubation technique employed. The overall incidence of DI was 1.6% (1.5% with DL vs. 2.2 with VL + AFOI, p = 0.61). With logistic regression analysis, age was the only significant predictor of DI. Predictors of DI that affected the selection of VL or AFOI as primary intubation tools were Mallampati class 3 or 4, limited neck movement, age, male gender, body mass index and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The lower incidence of DI in our study group may stem from the primary use of special intubation devices, based on the presence of predictors of DI.

Comparison between lignocaine nebulization and airway nerve block for awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy-guided nasotracheal intubation: a single-blind randomized prospective study.

BackgroundThe preferred management strategy for difficult airways is awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy-guided intubation, which requires effective airway anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and acceptance. This randomized single-blind prospective study was conducted to compare lignocaine nebulization and airway nerve block for airway anesthesia prior to awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy-guided intubation.MethodsSixty adult patients scheduled for surgical procedures under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to two groups. Group N received jet nebulization (10 ml of 4% lignocaine) and Group B received bilateral superior laryngeal and transtracheal recurrent laryngeal nerve blocks (each with 2 ml of 2% lignocaine) followed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy-guided nasotracheal intubation. All patients received procedural sedation with dexmedetomidine. The intubation time, intubating conditions, vocal cord position, cough severity, and degree of patient satisfaction were recorded. Student’s t test was used to analyze parametric data, while the Mann-Whitney U test was applied to non-parametric data and Fisher’s test to categorical data. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe time taken for intubation was significantly shorter in Group B [115.2 (14.7) s compared with Group N [214.0 (22.2) s] (P = 0.029). The intubating conditions and degree of patient comfort were better in Group B compared with Group N. Although all patients were successfully intubated, patient satisfaction was higher in Group B.ConclusionsAirway nerve blocks are preferable to lignocaine nebulization as they provide superior-quality airway anesthesia. However, nebulization may be a suitable alternative when a nerve block is not feasible.

Two-Stage Technique Used to Manage Severe Upper Airway Obstruction and Avoid Surgical Tracheostomy: A Case Report.

Severe upper airway obstruction is commonly managed with surgical tracheostomy under local anesthesia. We present a 49-year-old woman with postradiotherapy laryngeal fixation and transglottic stenosis for dilation of a pharyngeal stricture who refused elective tracheostomy. A 2-stage technique was used, which involved an awake fiberoptic intubation, followed by the transtracheal insertion of a Cricath needle and ventilation using an ejector-based Ventrain device. We discuss management aspects of this clinical scenario and the principles by which the Ventrain works.

Hemodynamic Responses and Safety of Sedation Following Premedication with Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl during Fiberoptic-assisted Intubation in Patients with Predicted Difficult Airway.

Background:Awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) is the gold standard for the management of predicted difficult airway, and inappropriate sedation is a major cause leading to its failure.Aims:The primary objective was to compare the heart rate (HR) changes that accompany AFOI following sedation with dexmedetomidine and fentanyl. Secondary objectives included comparison of changes in blood pressure, patient comfort, ease of intubation, and degree of sedation.Settings and Designs:This prospective double-blinded randomized study was conducted in a tertiary care institution.Subjects and Methods:Forty patients with anticipated difficult airway requiring AFOI were included in the study. Group A received dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg whereas Group B received fentanyl 2 μg/kg. After topical anesthesia of the airway, AFOI was performed.Statistical Analysis Used:Fisher's exact test, independent two-sample t-test, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used as applicable.Results:The hemodynamic parameters were comparable in both the groups except at 1 min postintubation when fentanyl group had significantly higher HR. There were lower alertness and muscle tone scores in dexmedetomidine group. Total comfort score was significantly higher in fentanyl group. Though more patients in dexmedetomidine group showed that no reaction to intubation and more patients in fentanyl had slight grimacing, the difference was insignificant. The ease of intubation was similar in both the groups.Conclusion:Though dexmedetomidine1 μg/kg and fentanyl 2 μg/kg premedication results in comparable hemodynamics and ease of intubation, in view of enhanced patient comfort, dexmedetomidine premedication is advantageous in patients with anticipated difficult airway undergoing AFOI.

Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation for patients with difficult airway

Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation is a useful technique, especially in patients with airway obstruction. It must not only provide sufficient anesthesia, but also maintain spontaneous breathing. We introduce a method to achieve this using a small dose of fentanyl and midazolam in combination with topical anesthesia. The cases of 2 patients (1 male, 1 female) who underwent oral maxillofacial surgery are reported. They received 50 µg of fentanyl 2–3 times (total 2.2–2.3 µg/kg) at intervals of approximately 2 min. Oxygen was administered via a mask at 6 L/min, and 0.5 mg of midazolam was administered 1–4 times (total 0.02–0.05 mg/kg) at intervals of approximately 2 min. A tracheal tube was inserted through the nasal cavity after topical anesthesia was applied to the epiglottis, vocal cords, and into the trachea through the fiberscope channel. All patients were successfully intubated. This is a useful and safe method for awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation.