Bronchoscopic Intubation Research Articles

Oral surgery with nasotracheal intubation in a patient with ectodermal dysplasia

Ectodermal dysplasiasare a rare group of heritable disorders involving theectodermalderivatives with only a few published reports involving its anaesthetic management. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy with ectodermal dysplasia presented for elective oral surgery under general anaesthesia with a surgeon preference for nasotracheal intubation to provide adequate surgical exposure. The patient had successful nasal flexible bronchoscopic intubation despite challenging tracheal intubation conditions. We summarise previous case reports and discuss anaesthetic considerations in ectodermal dysplasia , including reduced mucus production in the respiratory tract, laryngeal incompetence, potential for difficult tracheal intubation and hyperthermia from reduced or absent sweat glands.

Difficult Airway Society awake intubation guidelines: supraglottic airway-guided flexible bronchoscopic intubation as an alternative.

Difficult Airway Society awake intubation guidelines: supraglottic airway-guided flexible bronchoscopic intubation as an alternative.

A Prospective Observational Study of Video Laryngoscopy Use in Difficult Airway Management.

Video laryngoscopy has grown tremendously in popularity over the last decade for management of the anticipated difficult airway. The use of video laryngoscopy has not been adequately studied in the head and neck pathology patient population, including those with masses, previous head and neck surgery, or radiation. Prospective observational study. This study included 100 patients with head and neck pathology undergoing awake flexible bronchoscopic intubation for nonemergency surgery requiring general anesthesia. After the performance of awake flexible bronchoscopic intubation and induction of anesthesia, video laryngoscopy was performed with the CMAC D blade and Glidescope AVL. The primary outcome was the modified Cormack-Lehane view obtained on video laryngoscopy. One hundred patients were enrolled in the study. After exclusions, 92 patients underwent video laryngoscopy with both the CMAC D blade and the Glidescope AVL. Thirty-seven patients (40.2%) had a Cormack-Lehane view ≥3 with the CMAC D blade, and 28 patients (30.4%) had a Cormack-Lehane view ≥3 with the Glidescope AVL. There were no complications from awake flexible bronchoscopic intubation or video laryngoscopy. There is a high incidence of inability to obtain a view of the glottis with video laryngoscopy in patients with head and neck pathology, particularly airway masses. 3 Laryngoscope, 131:82-86, 2021.

Response to comments on "Awake supraglottic airway guided flexible bronchoscopic intubation in patients with anticipated difficult airways: a case series and narrative review".

Response to comments on "Awake supraglottic airway guided flexible bronchoscopic intubation in patients with anticipated difficult airways: a case series and narrative review".

Assessing Usefulness of Virtual Reality Mobile Application in Flexible Bronchoscope Airway Training (AURA study): A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction Flexible bronchoscopic intubation (FBI) is an important technique in managing an anticipated difficult airway, yet it is rarely performed and has a steep learning curve. We aim to evaluate if the integration of virtual reality gaming application into routine FBI training for emergency department doctors would be more effective than traditional teaching methods. Methods We conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare self-directed learning using the mobile application (Airway Ex) in the intervention group versus the control group with no mobile application use. All participants underwent conventional didactic teaching and low-fidelity simulation with trainer’s demonstration and hands-on practice on a manikin for FBI. Participants randomised to the intervention arm received an additional 30 minutes of self-directed learning using Airway Ex on preloaded electronic devices while the control arm did not. The primary outcome was time taken to successful intubation. Results Forty-five physicians (20 junior and 25 senior physicians) were enrolled, with male predominance (57.8%, 26/45). There was no difference in time taken to successful intubation (median 48 seconds [interquartile range, IQR, 41-69] versus 44 seconds [IQR 37-60], p=0.23) between the control and intervention groups, respectively. However, the intervention group received better ratings (median 4 [IQR 4-5]) for the quality of scope manipulative skills compared to control (median 4 [IQR 3-4], adjusted p=0.03). This difference remains significant among junior physicians in stratified analysis.

Awake SAD guided flexible bronchoscopic intubation in patients with anticipated difficult airways: a case series

Awake SAD guided flexible bronchoscopic intubation in patients with anticipated difficult airways: a case series

Shortened air-Q® SP versus Williams Intubating Airway for single-operator flexible bronchoscopic intubation: a randomized trial

Shortened air-Q® SP versus Williams Intubating Airway for single-operator flexible bronchoscopic intubation: a randomized trial

Combined video-laryngoscope and flexible bronchoscope intubation technique: a case report and systematic review

Combined video-laryngoscope and flexible bronchoscope intubation technique: a case report and systematic review

Guiding Flexible-Tipped Bougie Under Videolaryngoscopy: An Alternative to Fiberoptic Nasotracheal Intubation in Maxillofacial Surgeries.

Maxillofacial surgeries are known to have difficulty in airway management due to anatomical and functional reasons. Tumors of maxillofacial region and diseases of TM joint limit mouth opening as well as airway space. Various methods have been tried with success for nasotracheal intubation including fiberoptic-aided as well as blind nasal and light-guided intubation. Video laryngoscopy-assisted intubation uses visualization of glottis without the need of alignment of all the three axes of airway. Video laryngoscopy is being considered to increase the success rate in various different setups including critical care, pre-hospital and operating rooms. Flexible-tipped bougie guided by a video laryngoscope was used in patients with limited airway space undergoing maxillofacial surgery. In present study, airway of five patients posted for various maxillofacial surgeries was secured by passing flexible-tipped bougie through the nasopharyngeal airway and, once under the view of a McGrath videolaryngoscope, was advanced toward the glottis; the rotation of the bougie with the required flexion of the tip helped a quick redirection of bougie to enter the larynx at an angle. Our experience of five cases with anticipated difficult intubation normally judged to be manageable with fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation were managed without awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy using flexible-tipped bougie under vision of videolaryngoscopy. All patients were successfully managed with this technique. Flexible-tipped bougie could take the direction toward glottis under a videolaryngoscope in an anticipated difficult airway, making a place for airway management in patients with limited mouth opening.

Patient factors associated with difficult flexible bronchoscopic intubation under general anesthesia: a prospective observational study.

Patient characteristics associated with difficult tracheal intubation using a flexible bronchoscope (FB) under general anesthesia have not been prospectively evaluated. This observational study aimed to identify demographic and morphologic factors associated with difficult FB intubation. We recruited 420 adult elective surgery patients undergoing tracheal intubation during general anesthesia. Patients characteristics were recorded including age, sex, weight, height, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, history of snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, Mallampati score, upper lip bite test score, neck circumference and skinfold thickness, maximal neck flexion and extension angles, absence of teeth, Cormack and Lehane grade, presence of blood or secretions during intubation, as well as the inter-incisor, thyromental, sternothyroid, and manubriomental distances. The time (duration) needed to complete intubation (primary endpoint) and the number of attempts needed were correlated with these patient characteristics in a multivariable analysis. Intubation was successful on the first attempt in 409/420 patients (97%). Seven patients (1.7%) needed more than one attempt. Failure to intubate with the FB occurred in four patients (1%). A correlation was found between intubation duration and visibility impaired by secretions or blood (P < 0.001), higher neck skinfold thickness (P < 0.001), and larger endotracheal tube diameter (relative to a constant 5.5 mm FB; P < 0.001). The presence of secretions or blood that impair FB glottic visualization, a larger diameter endotracheal tube on the same size FB, as well as higher neck skinfold thickness may prolong the duration of FB intubation under general anesthesia. www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02769819); registered 5 May, 2016.

Comparison of glottic visualisation through supraglottic airway device (SAD) using bronchoscope in the ramped versus supine 'sniffing air' position: A pilot feasibility study.

Background and Aims:Airway management in obese patients is associated with increased risk of difficult airway and intubation. After failed intubation, supraglottic airway-guided flexible bronchoscopic intubation (SAGFBI) may be required. It is uncertain whether SAGFBI is best performed in the ramped versus conventional supine “sniffing air” position. We conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the logistics of positioning, compared glottic views, and evaluated SAGFBI success rates.Methods:We conducted a prospective, pilot study in patients with a body mass index (BMI) 30–40 kg/m2 undergoing elective operations requiring tracheal intubation. All patients were placed in a ramped position. After induction, a supraglottic airway device (SAD) was inserted. A flexible bronchoscope was inserted into the SAD and a photograph of the glottic view taken. The patient was repositioned to the supine position. A second photograph was taken. SAGFBI was performed. Images were randomised and assessed by two independent anesthetists.Results:Of 17 patients recruited, 15 patients were repositioned successfully. There were no differences in glottic views observed in the two positions. SAGFBI was successful in 92.9% of patients (median time 91.5 s). Haemodynamic changes were noted in 42.7% of patients which resolved spontaneously.Conclusion:Our pilot study was completed within 5 months, achieved low dropout rate and protocol feasibility was established. SAGFBI was successfully and safely performed in obese patients, with a median time of 91.5 s. The time taken for SAGFBI was similar to awake intubation using FBI and videolaryngoscopy. Our study provided preliminary data supporting future, larger-scale studies to evaluate glottic views in the ramped versus supine positions.

Awake videolaryngoscopy versus fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

The difficult airway remains an ongoing concern in daily anesthesia practice, with awake intubation being an important component of its management. Classically, fiberoptic bronchoscope-assisted tracheal intubation was the method of choice in the awake patient. The development of new generation videolaryngoscopes has revolutionized the approach to tracheal intubation in the anesthetized patient. The question whether videolaryngoscopes have a place in the intubation of the difficult airway in the awake patient is currently being addressed. Randomized controlled trials and their meta-analysis have shown that videolaryngoscopes provide similar success rates and faster intubation times when compared with fiberoptic bronchoscope intubation in awake patients with difficult airways. Videolaryngoscopy is a valid technique that should be considered for difficult airway management in the awake patient.

Preparation for Advanced Airway Management: Preparation for Awake Intubation

Awake intubation is a key technique in anesthesia, allowing for the safe management of a patient with signs and predictors of a difficult airway/intubation. It is commonly undertaken electively, but can also be used in an emergency. An appropriate history must be taken, along with review of investigations (e.g CT scan, nasendoscopy), followed by a physical examination and development of a safe management plan. A variety of local anesthetic methods exist for topicalization of the airway (2-4% lidocaine), including nerve blocks (glossopharyngeal, recurrent laryngeal, superior laryngeal) to assist this. Sedation and amnesic techniques commonly include the use of benzodiazepines (midazolam), opioids (remifentanil infusion) and alpha agonists (dexmedetomidine). Knowledge of the side effects of these are paramount, including the cardiac and central nervous system with local anesthetic toxicity. 20% lipid emulsions are available in the event of this. This review contains 4 figures, 5 tables, and 25 references. Keywords: awake flexible bronchoscopic intubation, awake endoscopic intubation, remifentanil, dexmedetomidine, airway anesthesia, glossopharyngeal nerve block, recurrent laryngeal nerve block, superior laryngeal nerve block, local anesthetic toxicity, lipid emulation.

Comparison of i-Gel as a Conduit for Intubation between under Fiberoptic Guidance and Blind Endotracheal Intubation during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Randomized Simulation Study.

Purpose This study aimed to compare intubation performances among i-gel blind intubation (IGI), i-gel bronchoscopic intubation (IBRI), and intubation using Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL) applying two kinds of endotracheal tube during chest compressions. We hypothesized that IGI using wire-reinforced silicone (WRS) tube could achieve endotracheal intubation most rapidly and successfully. Methods In 23 emergency physicians, a prospective randomized crossover manikin study was conducted to examine the three intubation techniques using two kinds of endotracheal tubes. The primary outcome was the intubation time. The secondary outcome was the cumulative success rate for each intubation technique. A significant difference was considered when identifying p < 0.05 between two devices or p < 0.017 in post hoc analysis of the comparison among three devices. Results The mean intubation time using IGI was shorter (p < 0.017) than that of using IBRI and MCL in both endotracheal tubes (17.6 vs. 29.3 vs. 20.2 in conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube; 14.6 vs. 27.4 vs. 19.9 in WRS tube; sec). There were no significant (p < 0.05) differences between PVC and WRS tubes for each intubation technique. The intubation time to reach 100% cumulative success rate was also shorter in IGI (p < 0.017) than that in IBRI and MCL in both PVC and WRS tubes. Conclusions IGI was an equally successful and faster technique compared with IBRI or MCL regardless of the use of PVC or WRS tube. IGI might be an appropriate technique for emergent intubation by experienced intubators during chest compressions.

Features of adequate intubating security in patients with odontogenic and tonsilogenic neck phlegmons

Recently, a tracheostomy was considered the method of choice for provide ventilating of patients with deep neck phlegmons, but current trends recognize that tracheal intubation with bronchoscope is the most rational way of adequate breathing security in such patients. Objective - to investigate the peculiarities of features of adequate intu bating security in patients with odontogenic and tonsilogenic neck phlegmons. 70 patients with deep neck phlegmons of odontogenic 4(7 (67%)) and tonsilogenic origin - (23 (33%)) have been investigated. 47 (67%) suffered from descending mediastinitis. Tracheal intubation was performed using orotracheal laryngoscope, bronchoscope or through tracheostomy. 33 (47.1%) patients underwent orotra cheal intubation with a bronchoscope, 34 (48.6%) with a laryngoscope, and only in three cases (4.3%) tracheostomy was used. Bronchoscopic intubation was performed in 57.4% of patients with odontogenic phlegmons, and only in 26.1% cases of oropharyngeal spaces suppuration. The percentage of tracheostomies was the same in two groups of patients and showed 4.3%. Mortality rate was 12.9%. Thus, 57.4% of patients with odontogenic neck phlegmons need for bronchoscopic tracheal intubation, a tracheostomy is used extremely rarely (4.3%). Intubation with laryngoscope is possible in 70% of patients with tonsilogenic suppuration. Comparison of tracheal intubation in patients with deep neck phlegmons with and without descending mediastinitis is prospects for further research.

A Technique of Awake Bronchoscopic Endotracheal Intubation for Respiratory Failure in Patients With Right Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension.

Patients with pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure have a high risk of clinical deterioration and death during or soon after endotracheal intubation. The effects of sedation, hypoxia, hypoventilation, and changes in intrathoracic pressure can lead to severe hemodynamic instability. In search for safer approach to endotracheal intubation in this cohort of patients, we evaluate the safety and feasibility of an alternative intubation technique. Retrospective data analysis. Two medical ICUs in large university hospitals in the United States. We report a case series of nine nonconsecutive patients with compromised right heart function, pulmonary hypertension, and severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who underwent endotracheal intubation with a novel technique combining awake bronchoscopic intubation supported with nasally delivered noninvasive positive pressure ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula. All patients were intubated in the first attempt without major complications and eight patients (88%) were alive 24 hours after intubation. Systemic hypotension was the most frequent complication following the procedure. Awake bronchoscopic intubation supported with a noninvasive positive pressure delivery systems may be feasible alternative to standard direct laryngoscopy approach. Further studies are needed to better assess its safety and applicability.

Safety and efficacy of rescue flexible bronchoscopic intubation using the Bentson floppy-tip guidewire via a supraglottic airway in critically ill children.

Difficulty in tracheal intubation in paediatric intensive care patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Delays to intubation and interruption to oxygenation and ventilation are poorly tolerated. We developed a safe and atraumatic tracheal intubation technique. A floppy-tipped guidewire and airway exchange catheter were placed to a pre-determined length under bronchoscopic guidance while oxygenation and ventilation was maintained via a supraglottic airway device (SAD). We performed a retrospective review of this technique on patients who were either known to have or who had an unexpected difficultly in intubation. We describe the safety and experience of this in a broad range of critically ill children. Thirteen patients, median (IQR [range]) (9.0 (5.0-10.0 [4.0-12.0]) kg and 15.4 (12.1-23.2 [3.3-49.7]) months) underwent emergency tracheal intubation using this technique, after unsuccessful attempts at intubation using standard laryngoscopy blades. All intubations were successful at the first attempt using this technique and no airway trauma or significant clinical deteriorations were recorded.

Flexible bronchoscopic intubation through the AuraGain™ laryngeal mask versus a slit Guedel tube: a non-inferiority randomized-controlled trial

AuraGainTM, a novel third-generation laryngeal mask, can facilitate insertion of a gastric tube and provide the potential advantage of intubation. Data are lacking on intubation through the AuraGain laryngeal mask. Eighty-eight hip or knee surgery patients were enrolled in this parallel randomized-controlled trial. We hypothesized that intubation time using the AuraGain laryngeal mask would be no longer than that for standard flexible bronchoscopic intubation over a slit Guedel tube, with a non-inferiority margin of five seconds. The following data were recorded during a maximum of three intubation attempts: intubation time, number of intubation attempts, degree of resistance to advance the endotracheal tube, and mask placement (i.e., Brimacombe score). Follow-up outcomes, including neck pain, hoarseness, and dysphagia, were also measured two and 24 hr postoperatively. Patients and outcome assessors remained blinded until the last examination. Mean intubation time was similar between the Guedel tube and AuraGain groups (23.6 sec vs 21.4 sec, respectively). The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference in mean intubation time between groups fell below our pre-specified non-inferiority margin; therefore, we found the AuraGain laryngeal mask to be non-inferior to the slit Guedel tube (adjusted group difference, -1.6 sec; 95% CI, -3.7 to 0.5). Successful intubation was achieved in the majority of patients (≥ 95%) in each group on the first attempt. No resistance to insertion of the endotracheal tube was encountered in the majority of patients in each group, and no complications were reported during the 24-hr postoperative period. There was no difference in the Brimacombe score or in the status of postoperative morbidity between the two groups. We conclude that flexible bronchoscopic intubation through an AuraGain laryngeal mask can be achieved at least as fast as standard bronchoscopic intubation without contributing to additional patient morbidity or postoperative discomfort. www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT 02570269. Registered 23 September 2015.

Successful tracheal intubation with video laryngoscope when awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy failed in a patient with hypopharyngeal mass

Video laryngoscope is one of best alternative in managing difficult airways. Our patient presented with left side neck pain and hoarseness of voice for three months, dysphagia to solids for two months. Computed tomography revealed large hypopharyngeal mass and a diagnosis of carcinoma of hypopharynx was made. As endoscopic Ryle’s tube insertion by gastroenterologist was unsuccessful so he was posted for Feeding jejunostomy under general anaesthesia. We anticipated difficult endotracheal intubation. Our first attempt to secure airway with awake fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation was unsuccessful. Using an alternative method with bougie and video laryngoscopy, the trachea was successfully intubated. In rare clinical scenario fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation may fail, hence we need to be prepared with the backup plan for airway management. A video laryngoscope might be useful in such situations.

Clinical application of a novel endoscopic mask: a randomized controlled, multi-center trial in patients undergoing awake fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation

BackgroundAwake fiberoptic bronchoscopic tracheal intubation is usually regarded as an effective method in the management of predicted difficult airway. Hypoxia during awake nasal fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation leads to discontinuation of the procedure, prolonged manipulation time and increased risk of severe complications. The main aim of the study was to test whether the novel endoscopic mask is helpful for hypoxia during the intubation.MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled, multi-center study. 55 patients were recruited, but one patient was lost to follow-up. Finally, 54 patients (19 man and 35 women) were analyzed. After entering the operating room, nasal catheter oxygen-providing was given in the control group, and the treatment group received endoscopic mask oxygen-providing, with a flow rate of 3 L/min, lasting into the end of the intubation. Primary outcomes included mean arterial pressure, heart rate, minimum pulse oxygen saturation and incidence of pulse oxygen saturation ≤ 90%. Secondary outcomes included number of intubation attempts and time to intubation. All outcomes were finally measured.ResultsMinimum pulse oxygen saturation during awake nasal fiberoptic bronchoscopic tracheal intubation was significantly higher in the endoscopic mask intubation group (91.7% ± 4.7%) than that the nasal catheter intubation group (87.6% ± 8.2%, P = 0.031. Furthermore, the incidence of pulse oxygen saturation ≤ 90% was significantly lower in the endoscopic mask intubation group (20.0%, 5/25) than that in the nasal catheter intubation group (51.7%, 15/29, P = 0.037). But mean arterial pressure of during intubation was significantly higher in the endoscopic mask group (100.0 ± 13.3 vs 90.3 ± 21.8, P = 0.049). In addition, there were no differences in the number of intubation attempts (P = 0.45) or time to intubation between the two groups (P = 0.38).ConclusionsThe endoscopic mask was safely used in awake fiberoptic bronchoscopic tracheal intubation, with advantages of stable blood pressure and potential prevention of desaturation. Beginners for the intubation procedure and patients at high risk of hypoxia could benefit from the use of the endoscopic mask.Trial registrationTrial registration: www.chictr.org.cn. Registration No.: ChiCTR-TRC-13004086. Date of Registration: 8th, Sep, 2013.