Blind Intubation Research Articles

Blind Nasotracheal Intubation in a Patient With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Severe Cervical Spine Deformities: A Case Report on Challenges and Approaches to Difficult Airway Management

Blind Nasotracheal Intubation in a Patient With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Severe Cervical Spine Deformities: A Case Report on Challenges and Approaches to Difficult Airway Management

Aintree Catheter Versus Gum Elastic Bougie for Airway Exchange Using the i-Gel Supraglottic Device: A Cadaver Study.

Airway compromise is the third leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. Most combat medics carry supraglottic airway (SGA) devices for airway management. However, exchanging an SGA device for a definitive airway can be challenging, especially in austere environments. This study aims to compare the Aintree intubation catheter (AIC) to the gum elastic bougie (GEB) as adjuncts for performing airway device exchange with the i-gel SGA device in place. This randomized crossover cadaver study of 48 participants examined the success rate of two endotracheal introducers (AIC and GEB) when performing a blind airway exchange with an i-gel in place. Study participants were combat medics (MOS 68W), physician assistant students, physician assistant staff, emergency medicine (EM) physician residents, and emergency medicine attending physicians attending classes at the installation Medical Simulations Training Center. Each participant performed up to three attempts using both endotracheal tube introducers on the same cadaver. The primary outcome was successful airway exchange rate with each device, and the secondary outcome was time to successful airway exchange. Although the AIC had a slightly higher success rate of 33% compared to the GEB success rate of 30%, this result was not statistically significant, P = .56. Similarly, participants completed successful airway exchanges with the AIC faster, with a mean time of 86.5 seconds (95% CI: 71.2 to 101.9) versus 101.2 seconds (95% CI: 85.5 to 116.9) with the GEB. However, this result was also not statistically significant, P = 0.18. This study demonstrates no significant difference in success rate and time to completion of successful iterations of airway exchanges between the two devices. Although the AIC performed slightly better overall, these results are not statistically significant. Additionally, blind exchange intubations appear to be of high risk with minimal success, so we recommend against this technique in routine practice.

Comparison of Tracheal Intubation Using the Air-Q ILA and LMA Blockbuster Among Adults Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Air-Q intubating laryngeal airway (ILA) is associated with a 58-77% success rate in blind intubation. The newer laryngeal mask airway (LMA) blockbuster is specially designed to facilitate easier endotracheal intubation and may have a higher success rate. The current study aimed to compare the success rate of endotracheal intubation using the Air-Q ILA and LMA blockbuster. After ethics committee approval and informed written consent, 140 adult patients with normal airways who were scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation were recruited for this randomized controlled trial. Blind endotracheal intubation was performed using the Air-Q ILA in group A and the LMA blockbuster in group B with special maneuvers and/or tubes in the second attempt. Fibreoptic bronchoscope (FOB) guidance was used in the third attempt if required. The primary outcome was the success rate of intubation without FOB assistance. The number of attempts for supraglottic airway (SGA) insertion, the time taken for SGA insertion, and the overall intubation time was also noted. The success rate of intubation without FOB guidance was significantly higher in group B than in group A [91.4% vs 55.7%; relative risk (RR) 1.68; (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34, 2.11); p<0.0001]. The number of attempts for SGA insertion was similar in groups A and group B [87% vs 90%; RR 1.03; (95% CI-0.92, 1.16); p=0.60]. The times for successful SGA insertion and endotracheal intubation were also similar between the groups. The LMA blockbuster offers a significantly higher success rate for endotracheal intubation without FOB guidance than the Air-Q ILA in adult patients with normal airways. However, an increased success rate was achieved with the use of a specially designed flexible endotracheal tube and maneuvers.

Comparison of three supraglottic airway devices for blind tracheal intubation by novice practitioners: A randomized manikin study.

Supraglottic airway (SGA) devices are good alternatives for failed intubations or difficult airways. The aim of our study was to compare the success of intubation with SGA devices such as LMA Fastrach® (LMA Fastrach), Ambu Aura-i® (Aura-i), and Cookgas Air-Q® (Air-Q) in an airway manikin by novice practitioners. This study was conducted in a randomized crossover design using a manikin model. Following training on the equipment used, 36 6th-year medical students were randomized into six groups. Participants performed three stages of intubation as follows: the first stage (1S) as SGA insertion, the second stage (2S) as intubation through the SGA, and the third stage (3S) as the removal of the SGA over the intubation tube. The primary outcomes were intubation success and duration. The successful intubation rate (Stage 1S + 2S + 3S) was 100% for LMA Fastrach and Air-Q and 83.3% for Aura-i (P = 0.002). The median time to intubation was 54.4 s, 55.8 s, and 58.7 s for LMA Fastrach, Aura-i, and Air-Q, respectively (P = 0.794). Our study shows that novice practitioners can proficiently utilize LMA Fastrach, Air-Q, and Aura-i as SGAs in airway management. LMA Fastrach and Air-Q are more successful for endotracheal intubation than Aura-i. While the successful intubation time with SGA is similar for all three devices, the successful SGA insertion time is shorter with LMA Fastrach and Aura-i compared to Air-Q. Practitioners preferred LMA Fastrach and Air-Q more than Aura-i.

Capnography-assisted airway management by awake blind nasal intubation in maxillofacial surgeries: An observational study

Background: Maxillofacial surgery patients frequently pose challenges to airway management due to anatomical and functional constraints. While fiber-optic-aided nasotracheal intubation is considered the gold standard, not all medical facilities have access to fiber-optic bronchoscopes, particularly in low-resource settings. In such situations, awake nasal tracheal intubation is often the safest approach for managing patients with known or suspected difficult airways. Aims and Objectives: (1) To assess the technique of capnography-assisted airway management by awake blind nasal intubation (ABNI) in maxillofacial surgeries. (2) To find out any complications encountered by the technique of capnography-assisted airway management by ABNI in maxillofacial surgeries. Materials and Methods: 40 patients undergoing various maxillofacial surgeries and in whom blind nasotracheal intubation was attempted were included in this study. The institutional ethical committee approved the study, and informed consent was obtained from all the patients. The number of attempts for ABNI, successful versus failed ABNI, and complications encountered were studied. SSPS 21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 23 (57.50%) males and 17 (42.50%) females. There was a male preponderance, with the M: F ratio being 1:0.73. The mean age of the patients was 40.97±8.92 years. In 36 (90%) of the patients, the intubation could be successfully done. In 19 (47.50%) patients, blind nasal intubation was successfully done in the first attempt; 2 attempts were required in 15 (37.50%) patients, and 3 attempts were required in 2 (5%) patients. Epistaxis (10%) and sore throats (7.5%) were the most common complications in the studied cases. Conclusion: Capnography-assisted ABNI is an effective technique for airway control in patients undergoing maxillofacial surgeries with an acceptable complication rate.

ANKYLOSIS OF THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT

Introduction: Difficult intubation is a very dreaded situation in anesthesia and is frequently encountered in maxillofacial surgery15.7%(1)particularlyinpatientswithankylosisofthejoint temporomandibular (TMJ) the scarcity of equipment used in the event of difficult intubation (ID) such as that a nasofibroscopy represents a challenge and requires the use of other techniques (2). The interest of our study is to show the importance of capnography and ultrasound guidance during an ID blind nasotracheal. Comment: It concerns the management of the respiratory tract of a patient aged 41 years and 78 kg followed for epilepsy since childhood, substegretol 200mgx2/jet with congenital TMJ ankylosis. On the basis of preoperative clinical and radiological results, we have found the criteria for ID in particular the impossibility of opening the mouth and with the resources available, an intubation nasotracheal surgery under general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing was considered and a written informed consent for an emergency tracheotomy if required has been obtained from the patient. The procedure successively consisted of pre-oxygenation of the facial mask, xylocaine 0.05% a been sprayed into the right nostril, 0.05% xylocaine gargle, blockage of the laryngeal nerves superior by transcutaneous injections of lidocaine 1% and intra-tracheally, then we performed sedation with propofol 50mg. Blind nasotracheal intubation was successful in one uneventful attempt per No. 6.5 mm reinforced probe, the verification was made by visualizing the intra-tracheal probe at through ultrasound and confirmation by capnography. The anesthesia was completed by the administration of fentanyl 250 gamma, propofol 100 mg and rocuronium 40mg. Maintenance of anesthesia was performed by a mixture of isoflurane (1.5%) and oxygen and air (50%:50%). The patient was extubated after the surgical procedure and the operation was a success. Conclusion: The anesthesia of patients with TMJ ankylosis represents a situation where the difficulties tracheal intubation should be considered in principle, and where an anticipatory strategy should be developed. Due to the absence of anasofibroscopy, the anesthetic treatment must be carried out by a team experienced and trained in blind ID.

A randomised controlled trial to compare blind intubation success through LMA Blockbuster® and I-Gel® LMA.

Laryngeal mask airway-blockbuster (LMA-BT) is a relatively new supraglottic airway device (SGAD). In this study, we compared LMA-BT with I-Gel LMA for efficacy of blind tracheal intubation. We conducted a single-blind prospective study after ethical approval. One hundred American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Grade I-III (age 18-60 years) patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included and randomly divided into 2 groups. Blind tracheal intubation was performed through LMA-BT ( n = 50) and I-Gel ( n = 50) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The primary aim was to evaluate the first pass success rate of blind tracheal intubation through the LMAs. The secondary objectives noted were attempts and ease of LMA insertion, total time taken for LMA insertion, airway seal pressure of LMA, ease of NGT insertion through LMA, fibre-optic grading of laryngeal view through LMA, overall success rate and time of intubation through LMA, time for LMA removal, and complications, if any. In the LMA-BT group, the first pass success rate ( P < 0.019) and the overall success rate of intubation ( P < 0.005) were significantly higher than in the I-Gel group. Using LMA-BT also resulted in statistically significant shorter intubation time ( P < 0.0001) with higher airway seal pressure as compared to I-Gel ( P < 0.001). The difference in the first attempt insertion, number of insertion attempts, ease and time of LMA insertion and removal after intubation, and postoperative complications were comparable among the groups. LMA-BT is a superior device as compared to I-Gel LMA as a conduit for blind tracheal intubation.

Unravelling Anaesthetic Challenges in Neonate with Cavernous Haemangioma: A Case Report

Haemangiomas are developmental vascular abnormalities characterised by hyperplasia of blood vessels, usually veins and capillaries. Haemangiomas show a higher prevalence in females. More than 50% of lesions are found in the head and neck region, with a particular preponderance over the face, lips, buccal mucosa, tongue, palate, and trunk. The aetiology can be neoplastic or reactive, influenced by factors such as hormones, infections, and trauma. Large lingual vascular malformations may present with obstructive symptoms, including difficulty in breathing, chewing, swallowing, and speech, which can lead to delays in linguistic development and compromised airway function. Haemangiomas are more susceptible to trauma, which can result in bleeding and further compromise the airway. Typically, this kind of presentation is managed conservatively until obstructive symptoms arise, at which point surgical removal or local site steroid instillation is considered. Here, a case of a 28-day-old child with a cavernous haemangioma of the tongue who was scheduled for excision and instillation of Kenacort injection at the base of the tongue has been reported. Due to the child’s small age and the presence of a lingual mass, the use of intravenous anaesthetic agents was precluded. In this case, because of the non-availability of a paediatric fibreoptic bronchoscope, blind nasal intubation was considered for securing the airway. Managing a compromised airway is a challenging situation, even for an experienced anaesthesiologist, in a routine operating room set-up. However, maintaining spontaneous ventilation is a crucial element during general anaesthesia.

Ease of endotracheal intubation with the conventional polyvinyl chloride endotracheal tube versus wire-reinforced flexometallic tube through the intubating laryngeal mask airway: A comparative study.

The aim of our study was to compare the ease of intubation when using conventional PVC tubes versus the wire-reinforced flexometallic tubes with the ILMA-FastrachTM. The number of attempts, time taken and additional maneuvers were noted. Intra-operative hemodynamic changes, post-operative sore throat, bleeding and hoarseness of voice was recorded over a period of 24 hours. After informed consent, 60 ASA I-II patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia were allocated to undergo blind intubation with the PVC tube or the wire-reinforced flexometallic tube. More attempts were required for successful intubation using the wire-reinforced tube than the PVC tube with 76.7% passing in the first attempt in the PVC, and 53.3% passing in the first attempt in the flexometallic group. (P = 0.4). Average time for intubation in the PVC group: 28.24 ± 7.22 seconds. Average time for intubation in the flexometallic tube: 45.8 ± 15.78 sec. Occurrence of post-operative sore throat was 13.3% in the PVC group and 26.6% in the flexometallic group, with minimal hoarseness of voice 3.3% in the PVC group and 10% in the flexometallic group. There was also a slightly higher hemodynamic response in those who were intubated with the flexometallic tube than a PVC tube. Intubating via the ILMA-Fastrach with the PVC tube offered better intubating conditions with regards to lesser time taken, lesser attempts, less manipulation, and less hemodynamic variations as compared to the patients who were intubated using the wire-reinforced tube.

Blind Bi-canalicular Intubation Versus Endoscopic Guided Intubation in Treatment of Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Children

Blind Bi-canalicular Intubation Versus Endoscopic Guided Intubation in Treatment of Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Children

Changing trend of airway management in patients with temporomandibular joint ankylosis; A 9 year retrospective appraisal in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria

Study objectiveTemporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) presents a serious airway management challenge as rigid laryngoscopy is not possible. Administration of anesthesia to these patients requires flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope, trained personnel and monitoring facilities. These equipment and trained personnel are not readily available in resource limited countries. The main objective of this article is to report the changing trends of airway management in patients with TMJA in our centre over the last 9 years. DesignThis was a retrospective study conducted from January 2014 to December 2022. The period of review was grouped into 3 yearly periods (2014–2016, 2017–2019 and 2020–2022). SettingDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital and Noma Children Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Patients A total of 117 patients were studied. Data retrieved include gender, age, etiology of ankylosis, duration of ankylosis, type of airway management and complications. Interventions Type of airway management. Conducted includeBlind nasal tracheal intubation, awake flexible fibreoptics, sleeping flexible fibreoptics and tracheostomy. MeasurementsAnesthetic chart, age, duration and laterality of TMJA. Main resultsA total of 117 TMJA patients (56 males and 61females) were recruited into the study. Age ranged from 5 to 40 years. Mean ± SD 16.5(7.85). Bulk of the patients were between age 1–30 years. During the 2014–2016 review, tracheostomy was the main airway management procedure in 20 (17.1%) patients, while only 1 (0.8%) case of blind nasal tracheal intubation was observed. In the 2020–2022 review, most of the airway management was awake fibre-optics in 48 (41.0%) patients and sleeping fibre-optics in 27 (23.1%) patients. Only 2 (1.7%) cases of death was observed in the tracheostomy subjects. ConclusionAirway management in TMJA patients have evolved over the years in our centre. Surgical airway management which has many shortcomings is no longer encouraged because of improved facilities and personnel.

Bronchoscopic Localization of Tracheoesophageal Fistula in Newborns With Esophageal Atresia: Intubate Above or Below the Fistula?

PurposeIn neonates with suspected type C esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) who require preoperative intubation, some texts advocate for attempted “deep” or distal-to-fistula intubation. However, this can lead to gastric distension and ventilatory compromise if a distal fistula is accidentally intubated. This study examines the distribution of tracheoesophageal fistula locations in neonates with type C EA/TEF as determined by intraoperative bronchoscopy. MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective review of neonates with suspected type C EA/TEF who underwent primary repair with intraoperative bronchoscopy between 2010-2020. Data were collected on demographics and fistula location during bronchoscopic evaluation. Fistula location was categorized as amenable to blind deep intubation (>1.5 cm above carina) or not amenable to blind deep intubation intubation (<1.5 cm above carina or carinal). ResultsSixty-nine neonates underwent primary repair of Type C EA/TEF with intraoperative bronchoscopy during the study period. Three patients did not have documented fistula locations and were excluded (n=66). In total, 49 (74%) of patients were found to have fistulas located <1.5 cm from the carina that were not amenable to blind deep intubation. Only 17 patients (26%) had fistulas >1.5 cm above carina potentially amenable to blind deep intubation. ConclusionsMost neonates with suspected type C esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula have distal tracheal and carinal fistulas that are not amenable to blind deep intubation. Level of EvidenceLevel III.

Comparison of the LMA BlockBuster and intubating LMA as a conduit to blind tracheal intubation.

Primary aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of Intubating LMA (ILMA) and blockbuster LMA in terms of first pass success rate, ease and duration taken for blind tracheal intubation. The present prospective randomised study was conducted on 70 patients of either sex aged 18-60 years belonging to ASA physical status I or II. Patients were randomly allocated to either, group I and group B of n = 35 each. In group I and B patients were intubated using ILMA and LMA BlockBuster respectively. Insertion time and ease of placement of supraglottic device, total time taken for successful intubation, number of attempts for endotracheal tube (ETT) placement, and ease of placement of ETT, were recorded. In both groups, the supraglottic device was placed on the first attempt in 88.6% patients. The first-attempt success rate for ETT placement was 71.4% in group I versus 94.3% in group B, (P = 0.01) with an overall success rate of 88.5% in group I and 100% in group. More failure rate was observed in group I (11.4%) compared to group B (0%). The total time taken for successful intubation in group I was 11.53 ± 6.410 sec and 9.17 ± 2.749 sec in group B (P = 0.04). We conclude that the modifications in the design of LMA Blockbuster (>95° angle, availability of the parker flex tube 27-30°angle of the emergence of airway tube) make it a more convenient, effective, simpler, and faster intubating device than ILMA.

Comparison of Blockbuster LMA with Air Q LMA for Success of Blind Tracheal Intubation in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

Background: Blockbuster Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a device gaining popularity in airway management, and advantageous in ventilation and intubation. Air Q LMA is a supraglottic airway device with a shorter and wider breathing tube designed for ventilation as well as intubation in difficult airway. We aimed to evaluate the success of tracheal intubation using these devices. Methods: Overall 80 participants aged 18-60 years with ASA I and II were randomized into Group A (Air Q LMA) and Group B (Blockbuster LMA) using computer generated random numbers. The objectives of our study were to evaluate first pass successful intubation, ease, time and attempts taken for device insertion, oropharyngeal leak pressure, time for LMA removal and post operative complications. Association between variables were assessed with chi square test and unpaired t test. Result: There was a statistically significant difference in the first pass successful intubation between the groups which was higher in Group B (90%) than Group A (60%) (P&lt;0.001), the overall successful intubation was more in Group B 97.5% compared to Group A 85%. The device insertion was easy in 85% patients in Group A and 95% patients in Group B. The time taken for introduction of Air Q was longer (38.15±4.92sec) when compared with blockbuster LMA (26.25±4.44sec), (P&lt;0.001). Mean Oropharyngeal leak pressure of blockbuster LMA (32.40±3.99cmH2O) was greater than Air Q LMA (29.10±2.61cmH2O), (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Blockbuster LMA provides greater success of blind tracheal intubation when compared to air Q LMA.

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Success Rate of Blockbuster Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway Versus Fastrach Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway During Blind Endotracheal Intubation.

Background A new piece of equipment, the Blockbuster (BB) Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (ILMA; Tuoren MedicalIndia, Gurugram, India), was created in 2012. Dr. Chandy created the Fastrach (F) ILMA in 1997, which is another supraglottic airway equipment. The primary purpose of this study was to compare the success rateof intubation with BB-ILMA and F-ILMA. Methods In the chosen age category of >20 to <70 years, undergoing general anesthesia for intubation with ILMAs, 55 patients were in the BB-ILMA(group B), and 55 patients were in the F-ILMA (group F). These ILMAs were put in after the induction and checked to see if adequate ventilation was accomplished with either of these devices. Once ventilation had been attained, weproceeded with fiberoptic scope to visualize the glottis, followed by blind intubation. The primary objective was to compare the first pass successful intubation of BB-ILMA and F-ILMA. The secondary objectives were ease of LMA insertion, time taken for intubation, hemodynamic changes, glottis fiberoptic view, and complications. Results The first pass successful intubation of the BB-ILMA and F-ILMA are 94.5% and87.3%, respectively, whereas thetime taken for intubation in BB-ILMA and F-ILMA are 25.02 seconds (s) and42.77 s with ap-value of 0.0001, indicating a statistically significant relationship. Conclusion When compared to the F-ILMA (group F), the BB-ILMA (group B) has a higher success rate for blind tracheal intubation, with lesser time taken for intubation and fewer complications.

Comparison of clinical performance of Ambu® AuraGain™ and BlockBuster® in anaesthetised preschool children-A randomised controlled trial.

Supraglottic airway (SGA) devices are a boon to paediatric airway management. The clinical performances of the BlockBuster® laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and Ambu® AuraGain™ in preschool children were compared in this study. After ethical approval and trial registration, this randomised controlled study was conducted on 50 children, aged 1-4 years, randomised into two groups. Appropriate sized Ambu® AuraGain™ (group A) and LMA BlockBuster® (group B) were placed as per the manufacturer's recommendation under general anaesthesia. Appropriate size of the endotracheal tube was then chosen and inserted through the device. Primary objective of the study was to compare the oropharyngeal seal pressure (OSP), and secondary objectives were the first attempt intubation success rate, overall intubation success rate, SGA insertion time, intubation time, haemodynamic changes and postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications. The Chi-square test was used to analyse the categorical variables, while the intragroup comparison of mean changes in outcomes was evaluated by the unpaired t-test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Demographic parameters were uniformly distributed in both the groups. The mean OSP in group A was 26.6 ± 0.95 cm H2O and in group B was 29.08 ± 0.75 cm H2O. Both the devices were successfully inserted in all the patients. The success rate of blind endotracheal intubation through the device in first attempt was 4% in group A and 80% in group B. Postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications were relatively less in group B. LMA BlockBuster® provides higher OSP and provides a higher success rate of blind endotracheal intubation in paediatric patients.

Comparison of Ease and Success of Intubation through LMA Blockbuster and Ambu Aura-I in Patients Receiving General Anesthesia

Background: Airway gadgetry is expanding at an exponential rate. It is imperative to understand the intubating characteristics of supraglottic devices so that the choice of device in patients is based on evidence rather than just the design. The present study was conducted to compare blind intubation with blockbuster LMA and Ambu Aura-i. Methodology: Sixty patients of either sex, 20 to 60 years of age, ASA I–III, scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia, were included in this prospective, randomized, comparative study. Group A (n = 30) patients were intubated with AmbuAura-i, and Group B (n = 30) patients were intubated using BlockBuster LMA. Results: Endotracheal intubation was found easy in 76% of the patients and difficult in 10% of the patients intubated with Ambu Aura −i. A 13.3% failure rate was observed in group A. Intubation success rate of 100% was observed in Group B. 86.6% of patients were easily intubated, and seven patients were intubated with a bit of difficulty (P-value 0.010). The mean time of SGD insertion in Group A was 14.77 ± 5.563 seconds, and in Group B was 21.87 ± 7.186 seconds (P-value 0.000). SGD insertion attempts were significantly higher in Group B when compared to Group A (P-value 0.025). Conclusion: Although AA-i requires less time for the placement of SGD, blockbuster LMA remains the better choice with a 100% success rate of blind orotracheal intubation.

Usability testing of a blind intubation device for intubation novices: a randomized crossover simulation study.

A new blind intubation device (BID) has been developed for endotracheal intubation. This study aimed to test the usability of the BID in comparison to direct laryngoscopy (DL) and video laryngoscopy (VL) with inexperienced healthcare providers for endotracheal intubation. This was a randomized crossover simulation study. Participants who had conducted fewer than five live intubation sessions were included in the study. The manikin simulation was conducted using a Laerdal trainer airway manikin. Participants performed intubation using all three devices, DL, VL, and BID. The primary outcome was intubation success rate in the first pass the secondary outcome was intubation time to first ventilation, and the tertiary outcome was dental injury. A total of 45 healthcare workers who were novices in intubation participated in this study, including 13 physicians (interns), 14 emergency medical technicians, and 18 nurses. The intubation success rates in the first pass with BID, DL, and VL were 93.3%, 91.1%, and 97.8%, respectively (P=0.53). The intubation times to first ventilation with BID, DL, and VL were 13.15±6.16, 19.07±7.71, and 17.31±6.57 seconds, respectively (P<0.01). The proportions of dental injuries associated with BID, DL, and VL were 0% for physicians; 28.6%, 14.3%, and 0%, respectively for emergency medical technicians; and 27.8%, 11.1%, and 16.7%, respectively for nurses. We performed a pilot study to test the usability of the new BID. There was no significant difference in intubation success rate in the first pass among BID, DL, and VL. The intubation time to first ventilation was shorter with the BID compared to DL and VL.

Combined use of Jackson Rees circuit with end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring: an easy and safer technique during awake blind nasal intubation

Combined use of Jackson Rees circuit with end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring: an easy and safer technique during awake blind nasal intubation

Case report: Nasal polyp exfoliated into the tracheal tube in a patient with a difficult airway during nasotracheal intubation

BackgroundDifficult airway has always been one of the greatest challenges for anesthesiologists. Patients with difficult airways and severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) often find themselves in life-threatening danger before their artificial airway is established and after their artificial airway is removed.Case presentationThe study reported a case of nasal polyps shedding into the tracheal tube when nasotracheal intubation in a patient diagnosed with a difficult airway and OSAHS; the patient was being prepared for a transoral tonsillectomy under general anesthesia. The uniqueness of this case was that nasal polyps were scraped off using the tracheal tube during nasotracheal intubation, and detected in real-time; this ultimately prevented an airway foreign body obstruction. Reviewing the literature on intubation methods for difficult airways, awake endotracheal intubation guided by fiberoptic bronchoscopy remains to be the gold standard for airway management. Additionally, nasotracheal intubation can provide more operating space for oral surgery. In this case, the unexpected nasal polyp fell off into the tracheal tube during intubation, as is visualized on the following pictures. This fortunate event prevented the nasal polyp from falling into the trachea and bronchus.ConclusionIt is necessary to rule out any nasal abnormalities in patients requiring nasotracheal intubation; otherwise, blind nasal intubation may be dangerous.