Complication Of Intubation Research Articles

Incidence of Airway Complications in ICU.

To show the incidence of airway complications in ICU. Endotracheal intubation is an essential skill performed by multiple medical specialists to secure a patient's airway as well as provide oxygenation and ventilation through the oral route or nose. The goal of endotracheal intubation in the emergency setting is to secure the patient's airway and obtain first-pass success. There are many indications for endotracheal intubation, including poor respiratory drive, questionable airway patency, hypoxia, and Hypercapnia. These indications are assessed by evaluating the patient's mental status, conditions that may compromise the airway, level of consciousness, respiratory rate, respiratory acidosis, and level of oxygenation. In the setting of trauma, a Glasgow Coma Scale of 8 or less is generally an indication for intubation. There are many different complications of intubation as hoarseness of voice, dental injuries, arytenoid dislocation, laryngeal stenosis, tracheal stenosis and tracheomalacia. . 150 patients who were sat in the ICU that developed certain complications. 86 patients (57.3%) were sitting in the ICU develoed certain complications. Liver diseases were the main cause of ICU admission 34 (22.7%) patients then shock 32 (21.3%) patients. Blockage of endotracheal tube was the main ICU complications 18 (12%) patients then sinusitis 16 (10.7%) patients. Endotracheal intubation is a lifesaving procedure and its complications are significant problems in ICUs. A successful procedure of intubation avoids complications. Skilled endotracheal intubation in the ICU decreases the complications.

Pre-emptive epinephrine nebulization prior to nasotracheal intubation for mandibular fracture fixation surgeries: Does it really differ? A randomised controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Introduction Isolated mandibular fractures as any other fracture are associated with pain and inflammation which possess difficulty for both laryngoscopy and intubation. Nasotracheal intubation is relatively more efficient in individuals with isolated mandibular injuries. Epistaxis is the most common complication of nasal intubation. This study aimed to highlight the role of preoperative usage of epinephrine 1:1000 combined with lidocaine as a nebulization session before induction of anaesthesia as a method to spread vasoconstriction and analgesia. Methods The patients were randomly assigned to one of two equal groups; nasal Lidocaine drops followed by Oxymetazoline nasal drops (OL as control group) or Epinephrine mixed with Lidocaine as nebulization session (EL as the study group). Our primary measures were to estimate the degree of epistaxis and its effect on intubation time. Results Lidocaine with epinephrine as a nebulization session prior to NTI has statistically significant less intubation time (37.8 ± 6.32) versus (42.16 ± 5.1) in the control group with p- value (0.000028). This correlates with higher incidence of moderate nasal bleeding in OL group (7/60 = 11.66%) versus (4/60 = 6.66%) in EL group and P- value = 0.01. EL mixture has a higher priority of decreasing surgical blood loss. Mean± SD measures were (406.86 ± 89.6) and (468.6 ± 139), p-value = 0.00026*in EL and OL groups respectively. Conclusion Despite being time consuming measure. Yet, lidocaine epinephrine nebulization session can be considered as an efficient method for prophylaxis against nasotracheal intubation induced epistaxis, to control intraoperative field bleeding, acts as an adjuvant to control intraoperative pain and protects against postextubation nasal complications.

Cricoid chondronecrosis: a serious complication of prolonged endotracheal intubation

Chondronecrosis is a rare life-threatening complication of endotracheal intubation. This case is a patient with a history of severe brain injury, who developed a cricoid chondronecrosis after prolonged intubation. The complication was suspected when decannulation led to upper airway obstruction and was confirmed by laryngoscopy and computed tomography. We discuss the diagnosis of the condition, the causative factors, treatment through a literature review.

Tracheal crusting: A rare but fatal complication of Endotracheal Intubation

Endotracheal intubation is an intervention frequently performed in the hospital setting in order to protect the central airway and provide mechanical support for ventilation. The complications of the endotracheal tube include tracheitis, tracheal stenosis, tracheomalacia, and granuloma formation. Tracheal crusting following tracheitis is a very rare but fatal complication of endotracheal intubation especially in children. Tracheal crusting should be kept in mind as a differential for weaning failure. Several cases of tracheal stenosis after extubation have been reported. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no cases of obstructive tracheal crusting in children following tracheitis in the current literature. Here, we present the case of a 1-year-old girl who developed complications as a result of intubation.

Are the HEAVEN criteria reliable as a predictive tool for emergency airway management? A systematic review

Background: Airway management is one of the most vital skills used by advanced airway providers. Anticipating a difficult airway is crucial for the risk-benefit analysis and may help providers to determine the optimal airway management approach. Existing difficult airway assessment tools may have limited application in emergency airway management. In addition, these do not incorporate physiological factors. More recently, Davis and Olvera proposed the HEAVEN criteria as a novel difficult airway predictive tool for emergency airway management. The objective of this study is to review HEAVEN as a novel airway prediction tool. Material and Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results of a comprehensive search in three major databases, as well as hand searching, were screened in title/abstract and full-text stages. We included the journal articles which review HEAVEN as a novel airway prediction tool with both retrospective and prospective study designs. The population included patients requiring rapid sequence intubation (RSI) or delayed sequence intubation (DSI). Two investigators independently extracted the data with an electronic table in Microsoft Word. Due to the heterogeneity in included study designs, settings, methods, study outcomes, and measurement of the studies, we did not carry out a meta-analysis. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Results: Out of 103 records, only four studies were included. The most cited criterion was the anatomical challenge, which was significantly associated with first-attempt success in three studies. Most studies on HEAVEN did not support physiological factors as predictors of difficult intubation. Two studies reported significant associations between individual HEAVEN criteria and first-attempt success without desaturation. Some included studies reported significant associations between anatomical HEAVEN criteria (extremes of size, anatomical challenge, vomit/blood/fluid, and neck mobility) and difficult airway view. Furthermore, a prospective study reported that hypoxemia and vomit/blood/fluid were significantly associated with intubation complications. Based on the results of the RoB analysis, there wasn’t considerable bias in a great number of included studies. Conclusion: The HEAVEN criteria may represent a development over the traditional approaches. HEAVEN assessment tool considers both physiological and anatomical factors. In addition, all HEAVEN elements can be performed in emergent situations. The HEAVEN criteria seem to be a useful tool to predict difficult airways. There was a variation among studies in the definition of the difficult airway. There is currently no consensus on the definition of a difficult airway, which may explain some of the heterogeneity of the results of this systematic review. Due to the heterogeneity in included studies, we did not carry out a meta-analysis. Therefore, we suggested that future studies should consider homogeneous patient populations, a uniform study design, a matching study setting, and a widely accepted definition of the difficult airway to provide the opportunity to perform meta-analyses. The controversial results of studies highlighted a requirement for more prospective studies with an appropriate study design and considering the possible confounding factors to reach more reliable evidence.

NONINVASIVE MECHANICAL VENTILATION MANAGEMENT AND HACOR SCORE IN ACUTE HYPOXEMIC RESPIRATORY FAILURE INDUCED BY INFLUENZA A (H1N1): A CASE REPORT

Influenza is a highly contagious, acute viral infection that affects the respiratory system, and causes global outbreak in humans. It is usually self-limited, may progress to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and eventually leads to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). The main objective was to describe a case report of careful management of NIV in SARS caused by influenza A H1N1 virus, using the HACOR score. The patient exhibited clinical, radiological and laboratory improvement after 4 days of NIV treatment. She was discharged from ICU after 7 days and from the hospital after 10 days. NIV in AHRF is feasible in well-selected patients. Special attention to ventilator settings should be taken particularly to the expired tidal volume, allowing less hospitalization time, orotracheal intubation complications, and therefore, reducing hospital costs. Under these conditions, the new HACOR score can be very useful to avoid unduly delay of intubation time and increased mortality.

A Randomized Comparison of Effects of Budesonide Spray and K-Y Gel as an Endotracheal Tube Cuff Lubricant on Incidence of Postoperative Sore Throat

PurposePostoperative sore throat (POST) is a frequent postoperative complication. Preinduction budesonide inhalation is effective in POST prevention. However, it requires inhaler equipment and patient cooperation. Budesonide spraying on the endotracheal (ETT) cuff is simple and can be performed on most patients requiring endotracheal intubation. This study aims to compare the effects of budesonide spray and K-Y gel as an ETT cuff lubricant on the incidence and severity of POST. DesignRandomized and triple-blinded study. MethodsOne hundred patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery were randomly allocated into the budesonide group (n = 50) and the K-Y gel group (n = 50). In the budesonide group, 200 mcg of budesonide was sprayed on the cuff of the ETT. For the K-Y gel group, the ETT cuff was lubricated with K-Y gel. A visual analog scale was used to assess the severity of POST at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. Other complications of tracheal intubation and adverse effects of budesonide were also recorded. FindingsCompared to the K-Y gel group, the budesonide group had a significantly lower overall incidence of POST (30% versus 54%, P = .032) and reduced the risk of POST by 24% (relative risk reduction = 24%, 95% CI, 5.23-42.77, P = .012) as well as the incidence of hoarseness (8.6% vs 34%, P = .001) and cough (0% vs 8%, P = 0.041). No incidence of drug-related side effects was reported in both groups. ConclusionsSpraying budesonide on the ETT cuff significantly reduces the incidence and severity of POST.

Comparison of Success Rate and Safety of Nasotracheal Intubation by Conventional and Finger-Guided Method in Patients Undergoing Maxillofacial Surgery.

Different techniques have been introduced to reduce the complications of nasotracheal intubation. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of nasotracheal intubation complications in finger-guided and conventional methods. In this double-blind randomized trial study, 70 patients who were candidates for oral and maxillofacial surgery who required nasal intubation were included in the study finally of which 33 patients with conventional method and 35 patients with finger-guided tubes in the nasopharynx were analyzed at the end of the study. Variables such as success rate, hemodynamic response, and complications of intubation were compared between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of hemodynamic response to intubation (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of success in tracheal intubation (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of epistaxis immediately after intubation (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of nasal turbine fractures (P > 0.05). However, the frequency of submucosal intubation in the conventional method was significantly higher than the other group (P = 0.02). Nasotracheal intubation using the finger guiding technique in the nasopharynx is associated with a higher success rate and less complications after intubation such as epistaxis and submucosal intubation compared to the conventional method.

Rare Complication of Difficult Intubation Using a Double- lumen Tube: Thoracic Esophageal Perforation

Rare Complication of Difficult Intubation Using a Double- lumen Tube: Thoracic Esophageal Perforation

Comparison of the Hemodynamic Effects of Intubation via Fastrach Laryngeal Mask Airway with Standard Direct Laryngoscopy in Hypertensive Patients

Background/Aim: In this study, hemodynamic response and postoperative complications of intubation via laryngoscopy compared to laryngeal mask airway were investigated in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: Following ethics committee approval, 120 ASA II-III patients (aged 18-65 years) with stage 1 or 2 hypertension who required endotracheal intubation in an elective surgery were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group L (n = 60) was defined as the direct laryngoscopy in endotracheal intubation group, and Group F (n = 60) used the Fastrach LMA in endotracheal intubation. The HR, SAP, DAP, MAP and SpO2 were recorded at baseline (after premedication by midazolam), after anesthesia induction (when no response was recorded to TOF stimulation), during intubation, and on minutes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 after intubation. The patients were transferred to the recovery room after extubation. Patients were asked at the postoperative 30th minute whether they experienced a sore throat or hoarseness. To check pharyngolaryngeal morbidity, sore throat and hoarseness were assessed by a 4-point scale. Results: Demographic characteristics were found to be similar in both groups. Thyromental and sternomental distance and difficulties in mask ventilation were found to be similar. It was found that time to intubation was significantly higher in group F. In group L, the HR, DAP and MAP values increased on minute 0 after intubation when compared to the baseline values and returned to baseline values within one minute. In group F, the HR, SAP, DAP and MAP decreased on minute 0 compared to the baseline. Postoperative morbidity was comparable between the groups. No significant difference was found in sore throat and hoarseness between the groups. Conclusion: Intubation via LMA is more advantageous in alleviating hemodynamic responses. Intubation via direct laryngoscopy is a more rapid method when compared to intubation via LMA. There was no significant difference in upper respiratory tract morbidity between the groups.

886: EXTUBATION OUTCOMES: CALCULATED RISK OR LUCK OF THE DRAW?

Introduction: Prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with longer hospitalization and higher mortality rates. Minimizing intubation duration is key in preventing such complications. Many factors have been assessed to predict the outcome of extubation, including Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI), Spontaneous Breathing Trial, and cough strength but 10-29% of patients who met these criteria still experience reintubation. Although there are no clear definitions of extubation failure, generally it is defined as required reintubation within 48 hours of a planned extubation. This study aims to address the extubation failure rate at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport hospital and provide insight on what patient characteristics were associated with failed extubation outcomes. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study of intubated patients from 7/2020 – 4/2022 was conducted. Patient characteristics, hospitalization duration, reason for reintubation, oxygen requirements and disposition were recorded. Results: A total of 725 patients were intubated during the study. The most common indication for intubation was airway protection, surgical intervention and respiratory distress. Twenty-eight patients required reintubation in less than 48 hours and met our criteria for extubation failure. The reintubation rate was 3.8%. Approximately 54% of patients were male with average age of 62 years old. Average time to extubation failure was less than 24 hours. Average RSBI prior to extubation was reported as 59.75 with 8% of patients having a successful T-piece trial. The main cause of reintubation was airway protection. Out of the 28 subjects, 12 underwent tracheostomy after reintubation. The mortality rate in this study was 14% among patients who had extubation failure. Conclusions: Extubation failure is associated with an increase in the duration of mechanical ventilation, greater need for tracheostomy and higher mortality rate. Average reintubation rate or extubation failure rate is 10-20%. Lack of standardized practice for predicting extubation outcomes or standardized definitions of extubation failure puts patients at risk of intubation complications and death. Multicentered prospective studies are required for the development of standardized extubation practices to improve patient outcomes.

Postintubation Tracheal Stenosis: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Tracheal stenosis (TS) is a well-recognized yet underdiagnosed complication of prolonged intubation. Mechanisms include tracheal injury during intubation and ischemia of tracheal mucosa at the site of the endotracheal tube cuff and resultant fibrotic stenosis. TS usually develops 3–6 weeks following extubation and is often misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma. We report two such cases who developed TS following prolonged intubation.

Factors associated with complications of submental intubation in 339 patients with facial fractures: A German retrospective cohort study

PurposeFor nearly four decades, submental intubation (SI) has been introduced and employed to avoid tracheostomy in facial trauma cases where nasal/oral intubation is infeasible or associated with possible risks. The purposes of this study were to estimate the frequency and to identify variables associated with complications of SI (CSI). MethodsThe authors organised a retrospective cohort study and enrolled a group of patients with facial trauma and SI during a seven-year interval at two German level one trauma centres where SI has routinely been used in complex facial trauma cases. The predictor variables included demographic, medical, dental, fracture-related, operative, and postoperative parameters. The outcome variable was CSI. We used descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses at the 0.05 significant level. ResultsThe sample included 339 patients (24.5% females, 9.4% had complications) with an average age of 58.2 ± 12.0 years (range, 17–89). Bivariate analyses revealed nine significant variables. However, forward stepwise multiple logistic regression modelling identified three variables statistically associated with CSI: smoking (OR, 691.8; 95% CI, 75.9 to 6303.9; P < 0.0001; number needed to harm [NNH], 6), moderate to high gingival inflammation (OR, 786.7; 95% CI, 66 to 9378.9; P = 0.002; NNH, 12), and postoperative use of chlorhexidine mouthwash (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.77; P = 0.0003; number needed to treat [NNT], 2). Conclusionssmokers and subjects with gingivitis were more likely to experience CSI. Postoperative chlorhexidine rinsing was the potentially modifiable, albeit low-OR, factor. These findings could help to draw an effective guideline against the CSI.

IATROGENIC PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM AND PNEUMOTHORAX AFTER SMALL-BORE FEEDING TUBE PLACEMENT IN A PATIENT WITH EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME

IATROGENIC PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM AND PNEUMOTHORAX AFTER SMALL-BORE FEEDING TUBE PLACEMENT IN A PATIENT WITH EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME

A randomized comparison between the VivaSight double-lumen tube and standard double-lumen tube intubation in thoracic surgery patients.

Thoracic surgery often demands separation of ventilation between the lungs. It is achieved with double-lumen tubes (DLTs), video double-lumen tubes (VDLTs) or bronchial blockers. We tested the hypothesis that intubation with the VivaSight double-lumen tube would be easier and faster than with a standard DLT. Seventy-one adult patients undergoing thoracic procedures that required general anaesthesia and one-lung ventilation (OLV) were enrolled in this randomized, prospective study. Patients were randomly assigned to procedure of intubation with a standard DLT or VDLT. The collected data included: patients' demographics, surgery information, anthropometric tests used for difficult intubation prediction, specifics of intubation procedure, tube placement, fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) use, lung separation, trachea temperature, and reported complications of intubation. For DLTs compared to video-double lumen tubes, intubation time was significantly longer (125 vs. 44 s; P<0.001), intubation graded harder (P<0.05) and FOB use was more prevalent [8 (20.5%) vs. 0; P<0.05]. The use of VDLTs when compared with standard-double lumen tubes offers reduced intubation time and is relatively easier. Also, the reduced need for fibreoptic bronchoscopy may improve the cost-effectiveness of VDLT use. In addition, constant visualization of the airways during the procedure allows to quickly correct or even prevent the tube malposition. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04101734.

Laryngeal injury following endotracheal intubation: Have you considered reflux?

Laryngotracheal injury is an increasingly common complication of intubation and mechanical ventilation, with an estimated 87% of intubated and ventilated patients developing a laryngotracheal injury often preventing their rehabilitation from acute illness. Laryngotracheal injuries encompass a diverse set of pathologies including inflammation and oedema in addition to vocal cord ulceration and paralysis, granuloma, stenosis, and scarring. The existing literature has identified several factors including intubation duration, endotracheal tube size, type and cuff pressures, and technical factors including the skill and experience of the endoscopist. Despite these associations, a key aspect in the sequelae of laryngotracheal injuries is due to reflux and is not clearly related to iatrogenic and mechanical factors.Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a type of reflux that contaminates the upper aerodigestive tract. The combination of patient positioning and continuous nasogastric tube feeding act to affect the upper aerodigestive tract with acidic and non-acidic refluxate that causes direct and indirect mucosal injury impeding healing.Despite laryngopharyngeal reflux being an established and recognised causative factor of upper aerodigestive tract inflammatory pathology and laryngotracheal injury, it is very understudied in critical care. Further, there is yet to be an agreed pathway to assess, manage and prevent laryngotracheal injury in intubated and ventilated patients. The incidence of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the intubated and mechanically ventilated patient in the intensive care unit is currently unknown. Prospective studies may allow us to understand further potential mechanisms of upper aerodigestive tract injury due to laryngopharyngeal reflux and herald the development of preventative and management strategies of laryngopharyngeal reflux-mediated upper aerodigestive tract injury in critically ill patients.

Comparison of SaCoVLM™ video laryngeal mask-guided intubation and i-gel combined with flexible bronchoscopy-guided intubation in airway management during general anesthesia: a non-inferiority study

BackgroundWhen a difficult airway is unanticipatedly encountered and the initial laryngoscopic intubation fails, a supraglottic airway device (SAD) may be placed to aid ventilation and oxygenation, and act as a conduit for intubation. SaCoVLM™, as new SAD, can offer a direct vision to guide intubation. However, no study has evaluated the performance of SaCoVLM™ video laryngeal mask (VLM) intubation and i-gel combined with flexible bronchoscopy (FB)-guided intubation in airway management during general anesthesia.MethodsA total of 120 adult patients were randomly allocated into the SaCoVLM™ group (Group S) and i-gel group (Group I). After induction of general anesthesia, guided tracheal intubation under direct vision of the SaCoVLM™ was conducted in Group S, while Group I received FB-guided tracheal intubation using the i-gel. The success rate of SAD placement, first-pass success rate of guided tracheal tube placement, and total success rate in both groups were recorded. The time for SAD placement, time for guided tracheal intubation, total intubation time (time for SAD placement and intubation), glottic exposure grading and postoperative intubation complications (i.e., dysphagia, hoarseness, pharyngalgia, etc.) of both groups were also compared.ResultsThe first-time success rate of SAD placement was 98% in two groups. The first-pass success rate of guided endotracheal intubation was 92% in Group S and 93% in Group I (P = 0.74 > 0.05). The total intubation time was 30.8(± 9.7) s and 57.4(± 16.6) s (95% CI = -31.5 to -21.7) in Group S and Group I, respectively (P < 0.01). The total complication rate was 8% in Group S and 22% in Group I (P < 0.05). The laryngeal inlet could be observed in the S group through the visual system of SaCoVLM™. No dysphagia or hoarseness was reported.ConclusionSaCoVLM™ can reveal the position of laryngeal inlet, thus providing direct vision for tracheal intubation. SaCoVLM™ -guided intubation is faster, and does not rely on FB, compared to i-gel combined with FB-guided intubation. Besides, SaCoVLM™ has a lower post-intubation complication rate.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2100043443); Date of registration: 18/02/2021.

Complicated Laryngotracheal Stenosis Occurring Early after COVID-19 Intubation

Background: Airway stenosis is a known complication of prolonged intubation in hospitalized patients. With the high rate of intubations in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a complication of COVID-19 that drastically reduces quality of life for patients who may remain tracheostomy-dependent. Methods: Patient medical history, laryngoscopy, and CT imaging were obtained from medical records. Results: We report four cases of complicated LTS following intubation after COVID-19 pneumonia and explore the current literature in a narrative review. Four patients developed LTS following intubation from COVID-19 pneumonia. Three patients remain tracheostomy-dependent, and the fourth required a heroic operative schedule to avoid tracheostomy. Conclusion: Intubation for COVID-19 pneumonia can result in severe LTS, which may persist despite endoscopic intervention.

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Laryngeal Stenosis as a Late Complication of Endotracheal Intubation

全身麻酔下手術において, 気管内挿管は日常的に行われているが, 施行医の技量の問題や喉頭展開困難などにより, 挿管操作時に喉頭および気管粘膜の損傷が生じることがある. また, 挿管チューブの不適合や過剰なカフ圧により後部声門や声門下の粘膜に壊死を来し, 抜管時点では多少の出血以外問題はないものの, 緩徐に狭窄し, 結果として呼吸困難に至る例もある. 当院でそのような例を比較的短期間に3例経験し, いずれも良好な臨床経過をたどったので, 症例毎の術前診断と外科的治療法の選択の重要性について報告する. また, 医原性の上気道狭窄としての本疾患の病態および適切な診断・治療の重要性について, 若干の文献的考察を交えて提示する.

Aerosol boxes for airway management in coronavirus disease patients: a clinical retrospective study in Mexico

IntroductionSignificant concerns raise for the healthcare workers involved in airway management of patients diagnosed with coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19).Due to shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), barrier enclosure systems such as aerosol box (AB) have been proposed worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience using AB as protective equipment in patients with COVID-19 in a third-level center in Mexico.MethodsA retrospective study of COVID-19 patients requiring airway management using an AB in the Hospital Central Sur de Alta Especialidad de Pemex in Mexico City from March 1 to June 1, 2020. Antropometric data, pre-intubation vital signs, and laboratory tests were recorded; the primary endpoints were intubation success rate and complications associated with AB and patients’ mortality. As a secondary endpoint, AB subjective evaluation was explored by administering a survey after airway management procedures.ResultsThirty-nine patients for a total of 40 intubations were documented. Thirty-one (77.5%) were men, with a mean age of 61.65 years; successful intubation occurred in 39 (97.55%) of the procedures, and AB was used in 36 (90%) of intubations, with success in 28 (70.0%); A Cormack-Lehane grade 3 view was recorded in 18 patients (46.2%), and during the procedure, the AB had to be removed in 8 (22.2%) cases, with migration documented in 91.6% of cases. The 30-day mortality was 48.71%, with 23.0% of patients discharged. 83.3% of surveyed anesthesiologists reported significant limitations in manipulating airway devices with AB used.ConclusionOur data indicate that in clinical practice, the use of AB may hinder airway management and decrease the intubation success rate and may also result in patients’ injury. Further studies are necessary to validate the use of AB in clinical practice, and they should not replace certified PPE.