Intubation In Difficult Airway Research Articles

Anesthetic management of difficult paediatric airway in a case of large facial Neurofibromatosis – A case report

Neurofibromatosis is tumor involving different parts of the body. Neurofibromatosis may potentially lead to difficult airway. These challenging cases need special considerations. Various anesthetic techniques and devices are described to secure the airway. In the present case we intubated a 11-year-old child with large left side facial tumor extending to the neck which had intraoral encroachment displacing the tongue and pharynx to the right. This is a case report illustrating intubation of difficult pediatrics airway using awake bronchoscopic intubation under conscious sedation.

Difficult Airway Intubation Due to Mouth Opening Limitation Caused by Mandibular Abscess: A Case Report

Appropriate management of difficult airway is imperative, particularly in cases with anticipated difficult airway. It customarily requires deliberate perioperative assessment. In this article we present a case of limited mouth opening along with restricted mobility of the temporomandibular joint secondary to mandibular abscess which requires surgical intervention. Preoperatively, difficult airway intubation was expected (based on LEMON mnemonic on preoperative evaluation). Therefore, Macintosh video laryngoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscope was prepared to aid in intubation. Due to the patient’s anxiety towards the procedure, the intubation was done while the patient is asleep. Preoxygenation was uneventfully. Following induction with general anesthesia, several attempts to conduct nasotracheal intubation using Macintosh video laryngoscope were made but all were abortive. This failed attempt is primarily due to the limited mouth opening and jaw mobility. Hence, fiberoptic bronchoscope-assisted nasotracheal intubation was conducted and was able to achieve airway patency. In conclusion, preoperative management holds great importance in selecting airway management strategy. To add, fiberoptic bronchoscope-assisted intubation is a safe option for intubation

Indications and findings of flexible bronchoscopy in trauma field in Korea: a case series

Purpose: Since its implementation, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FBS) has played an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial tree and pulmonary disease. Although FBS is often performed by endoscopists, it has also been performed by surgeons, albeit rarely. This study investigated FBS from the surgeon’s perspective.Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent FBS performed by a single thoracic surgeon between March 2017 and December 2021. Accordingly, the epidemiology, purpose, results, and complications of FBS were analyzed.Results: A total of 47 patients received FBS, whereas 13 patients underwent repeat FBS. Their mean age was 60.7 years. The main organs injured involved the chest (n=22), brain (n=9), abdominal organ (n=7), cervical spine (n=4), extremities (n=4), and face (n=1). The average Injury Severity Score was 22.5. Indications for FBS included atelectasis or haziness on chest x-ray (n=34), pneumonia (n=17), difficult ventilator management (n=7), percutaneous dilatory tracheostomy (n=3), blood aspiration (n=2), foreign body removal (n=2), and intubation due to a difficult airway (n=1). The findings of FBS were mucous plugs (n=36), blood and blood clots (n=16), percutaneous dilatory tracheostomy (n=2), foreign bodies (n=2), granulation tissue at the tracheostomy site (n=2), tracheostomy tube malposition (n=1), bronchus spasm (n=1), difficult airway intubation (n=1), and negative findings (n=5). None of the patients developed complications. Conclusions: FBS is an important modality in the trauma field that allows for the possibility of diagnosis and therapy. With sufficient practice, surgeons may safely perform FBS at the bedside with relative ease.

Tube-first Technique as a Conduit for Easy and Fast Nasal Fiberoptic Intubation

Background: Classical nasal fiberoptic bronchoscope intubation may be a challenging and lengthy procedure with a 1-10% failure rate. Objectives: This study aimed to compare among patients with difficult airway intubation undergoing general anesthesia, the safety, and efficacy of Tube-First (TF) nasal fiberoptic bronchoscope intubation against the Classic (CL) procedure. Methods: This single-blinded, parallel-group, randomized trial enrolled 40 adult patients with known difficult airways and scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia. The patients were randomly allocated into two (n=20 each) patient groups. In the CL group, the endotracheal tube and fiberoptic bronchoscope were inserted together through the nostril; in the TF group, the endotracheal tube insertion preceded the fiberoptic bronchoscope. In both groups, the bronchoscope was used to visualize the vocal cords and removed after ensuring the endotracheal tube position. The primary (efficacy) outcomes were the time elapsing from the bronchoscope insertion and visualizing the vocal cords (T1) and the time elapsing from the bronchoscope advancing initiation to its removal (T2). The secondary (safety) outcomes included oxygen saturation and hemodynamic parameters during the procedure. Results: The TF group showed a significant T1 and T2 mean reduction compared to those of the CL group (37.15 ± 3.87 and 64.25 ± 8.28 vs. 55.05±4.52 and 88.25±5.49 seconds, respectively; p < 0.0001). The oxygen saturation was comparable in both groups with no desaturation (SpO2 < 90%) cases. The heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure changes were significantly lower in the TF group compared to the CL group. Conclusion: Among patients with difficult airway intubation undergoing general anesthesia, we found the Tube-First intubation approach was quicker and safer compared to the classical intubation technique.

Extended Reality Use in Paediatric Intensive Care: A Scoping Review.

Background: Extended reality (XR) technology such as virtual and augmented reality is increasingly being utilised in paediatric medicine due to its role in medical education and reported positive impacts on outcomes including pain, anxiety, and sleep. To the author's knowledge, no previous reviews investigating the use of XR in paediatric intensive care have been undertaken. Objectives: To scope the use of XR in paediatric intensive care, and assess its barriers to adoption, including safety considerations, cleaning and infection control. Eligibility criteria: All articles of any methodological design discussing the use of XR within paediatric intensive and critical care were included. Sources of evidence: Four databases (EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, PubMed) and Google Scholar were searched without any limitations on publication year. Charting methods: Data was extracted into Microsoft Excel by two authors independently (AG & SF) and cross-checked for completeness. Results: One hundred and eighty-eight articles were originally identified. Following the application of eligibility criteria 16 articles utilising XR in clinical interventions (n = 7) and medical education (n = 9) were included. Articles utilised VR and AR for highly variable purposes within both medical education (eg disaster preparedness, intubation) and clinical interventions (eg decrease pain, nausea, anxiety and improve Glasgow Coma Scale). Conclusions: While research into the use of XR in paediatric intensive care is still in its infancy it has increased dramatically over the past 5 years within two key areas. Firstly, in healthcare education, to assist in the acquisition of PICU-specific knowledge and practice of skills such as intubation of difficult airways. Secondly, studies have evaluated and demonstrated that with appropriate use, VR appears to be a safe and feasible intervention to decrease pain and anxiety in PICU patients.

Endotracheal Intubation of Difficult Airways in Emergency Settings: A Guide for Innovators.

Over 400,000 Americans are intubated in emergency settings annually, with indications ranging from respiratory failure to airway obstructions to anaphylaxis. About 12.7% of emergency intubations are unsuccessful on the first attempt. Failure to intubate on the first attempt is associated with a higher likelihood of adverse events, including oxygen desaturation, aspiration, trauma to soft tissue, dysrhythmia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest. Difficult airways, as classified on an established clinical scale, are found in up to 30% of emergency department (ED) patients and are a significant contributor to failure to intubate. Difficult intubations have been associated with longer lengths of stay and significantly greater costs than standard intubations. There exists a wide range of airway management devices, both invasive and noninvasive, which are available in the emergency setting to accommodate difficult airways. Yet, first-pass success rates remain variable and leave room for improvement. In this article, we review the disease states most correlated with intubation, the current landscape of emergency airway management technologies, and the market potential for innovation. The aim of this review is to inspire new technologies to assist difficult airway management, given the substantial opportunity for translation due to two key-value signposts of medical innovation: the potential to decrease cost and the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

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<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<0.001). Mean Oropharyngeal leak pressure of blockbuster LMA (32.40±3.99cmH2O) was greater than Air Q LMA (29.10±2.61cmH2O), (P<0.001). Conclusion: Blockbuster LMA provides greater success of blind tracheal intubation when compared to air Q LMA.

Comparison between stylet and bougie with the C-MAC D-blade in cervical simulated immobility. A prospective randomized controlled trial

Introduction: The C-MAC D-blade was designed for difficult airway intubation scenarios. To facilitate easier and faster endotracheal intubation in the laryngoscopy paradox, an introducer is preferred. Hence, we decided to conduct a study to compare the 60˚ angled C-MAC stylet and the gum elastic bougie as aids to intubation while using the C-MAC D-blade laryngoscope in a simulated difficult airway setting. Objective: To compare the ease of oral intubation with the use of the C-MAC stylet (60˚ angled stylet) versus intubation performed over a bougie inserted using the C-MAC D-blade guidance in patients with simulated restricted cervical mobility. Methods: Prospective, randomized controlled single-center study. Intubation using the C-MAC D-blade laryngoscope was performed in 48 surgical patients randomly assigned to 2 groups of 24 each: Stylet group, Group S (using 60˚ angled stylet) and Bougie group, Group B (using bougie) after providing manual in-line stabilization to restrict cervical mobility. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi square test were used as applicable. Results: The use of stylet resulted in easier (Group S 75% vs. Group B 16.7%) and faster (Group S 26.83 ± 8.61s vs. Group B 47.18 ± 16.46s) intubation with fewer attempts compared to group B. Both groups experienced a similar hemodynamic stress response to intubation. Conclusions: The 60˚ angled C-MAC Stylet is a more effective and time-saving intubation aid with C-MAC D-blade compared to bougie.

Ultrasonography in prediction of difficult airway intubation in obese patients in emergency operations

ultrasonography in prediction of difficult airway intubation in obese patients in emergency operations

Tube-within-Tube Technique during Emergency Intubation for the Unanticipated Difficult Airway in Low-Resource Settings: A Case Report

Emergency intubation can pose numerous difficulties for an anaesthesiologist, especially in unpredictable situations. A crucial aspect in trauma cases with a low Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) is to promptly and safely secure the airway. Patient and environmental factors further complicate the intubation process. The survival rate of patients is closely linked to successfully establishing a patent airway. Factors that hinder intubation include limited ability to assess the airway, inadequate equipment and positioning, lack of backup, challenging or insufficient preoxygenation, presence of other life-threatening conditions, and the risk of aspiration. Familiarity with alternative techniques and utilization of all available aids can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in settings with limited resources. The author presents a case report of a 26-year-old male patient with polytrauma and a head injury, presenting with a low GCS score, who required emergency intubation. This situation occurred unexpectedly in the triage area of the hospital. The ‘tube within tube’ intubation technique was effectively employed to achieve early and successful airway control in this resource-limited setting.

Nasotracheal intubation in an angiosarcoma-related difficult airway: a case presentation.

Nasotracheal intubation in an angiosarcoma-related difficult airway: a case presentation.

A manikin study comparing the performance of traditional Macintosh laryngoscope, GlideScope®, Airtraq®, and video-optical intubation stylet in endotracheal intubation used by emergency doctors in simulated difficult airway intubation: A pilot study

Background: The video-optical intubation stylet (VS) is a slim, rigid but flexible intubating device that aids physicians to intubate patients, particularly with difficult airways. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the performance of emergency department doctors in using different intubating devices for intubation in an airway manikin simulating different difficult airway scenarios. Methods: Thirty emergency department doctors were recruited in a pilot study. Their performance of using traditional Macintosh laryngoscope, GlideScope®, Airtraq® and C-MAC® Video Stylet were compared in three situations: normal, restricted cervical motion and limited oral aperture. The time for intubation, first attempt success rate, failure rate, dental injury and the subjective ease of different devices by the participants were compared. Result: The mean intubation time by VS in each scenario was significantly shorter compared with other devices (Normal: 19.77s vs 24.67–28.19s, p = 0.014; Cervical restriction: 20.85 vs 26.17–31.26s, p = 0.008; Limited oral aperture:19.03 vs 29.35, p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in failure rate or first attempt success rate. The incidence of dental injury was significantly lower with VS than other laryngoscopes (p = 0.001, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05 in normal, cervical restriction and limited oral aperture scenarios, respectively). Moreover, participants appreciated that VS was the easiest device to intubate in each scenario. (p < 0.05 in all scenarios) Conclusion: The performance of VS was comparable to or even better than the commonly used laryngoscopes in the emergency department in airway management. When adequate training is provided, VS can be a potentially good alternative for tracheal intubation in different situations.

Predicting difficult airway intubation in thyroid surgery using multiple machine learning and deep learning algorithms.

BackgroundIn this paper, we examine whether machine learning and deep learning can be used to predict difficult airway intubation in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.MethodsWe used 10 machine learning and deep learning algorithms to establish a corresponding model through a training group, and then verify the results in a test group. We used R for the statistical analysis and constructed the machine learning prediction model in Python.ResultsThe top 5 weighting factors for difficult airways identified by the average algorithm in machine learning were age, sex, weight, height, and BMI. In the training group, the AUC values and accuracy and the Gradient Boosting precision were 0.932, 0.929, and 100%, respectively. As for the modeled effects of predicting difficult airways in test groups, among the models constructed by the 10 algorithms, the three algorithms with the highest AUC values were Gradient Boosting, CNN, and LGBM, with values of 0.848, 0.836, and 0.812, respectively; In addition, among the algorithms, Gradient Boosting had the highest accuracy with a value of 0.913; Additionally, among the algorithms, the Gradient Boosting algorithm had the highest precision with a value of 100%.ConclusionAccording to our results, Gradient Boosting performed best overall, with an AUC >0.8, an accuracy >90%, and a precision of 100%. Besides, the top 5 weighting factors identified by the average algorithm in machine learning for difficult airways were age, sex, weight, height, and BMI.

Predicting Difficult Airway Intubation Based on Maxillofacial Trauma: A Retrospective Study.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine which types of facial injuries in traumatic patients' wounds cause difficult intubation for anesthesiology team. By anticipating potential complications with airway management, the surgeons can be better prepared for emergent cricothyrotomy if needed. This could include prior to the planned procedure in the operating room (OR) as well as in emergent conditions in trauma bay.MethodsTrauma patients with facial injuries in a level II trauma center from January 2007 to September 2017 that required intubation were evaluated for types of facial injury. Anesthesiology intubation documents were reviewed to determine which types of facial injuries were associated with difficult intubation per anesthesiology documentation.ResultsA total of 232 subjects were selected and it was found that patients with LeFort II facial fracture, bilateral mandibular fracture, and facial fracture associated with basilar skull fracture were noted to have difficult intubation by the anesthesiology team.ConclusionOn the basis of CT imaging findings, our study demonstrates that certain types of facial fractures could pose difficult intubation. Surgeons should be aware of these injuries and be ready to intervene with emergent cricothyrotomy if necessary.

Obesity and the Other Independent Predictors in Elective Endotracheal Tube Intubations: A Narrative Review.

Obesity is one of the challenging elements in health care. Studies have shown that as the body mass index (BMI) increases, the risk of chronic conditions tends to increase due to altered physiologic and metabolic demands. In addition to underlying physiological changes, anatomical changes can lead to common procedural challenges, such as difficult intravenous (IV) cannulation, difficult airway, and difficult intubation, which makes their preoperative and postoperative care challenging for the anesthesiologists. According to previous studies, there is no single best predictor for difficult airway or intubations and no designed protocol for choosing an intubation technique in obese patients. Some of the preoperative risk factors and techniques such as the modified Mallampati class, sternomental distance, thyromental distance, neck circumference, indirect mirror laryngoscopy, BMI, and intraoperative risk factors such as inappropriate positioning of the patient, suboptimal medication dosing, inappropriate laryngoscopy device acted as independent predictors for difficult airway and difficult intubation. Analyzing each element’s importance and making suitable decisions for the individual will reduce the complications and prepare for unplanned emergencies in the operating room. This review is convincing with previous studies that obesity itself is not an independent predictor. Instead, as a preoperative risk factor, and till date, sternomental distance and the number of intubation attempts were demonstrated as significant independent predictors for adverse events. All the other independent factors and considerations were discussed, which can help with further research.

Perioperative Anesthetic Management in Preterm 12 Days Infants with Giant Meningoencephalocele at Mid Occipital and Secondary Trigonocephaly

Introduction: A meningoencephalocele is herniation of neural element along with meninges through a congenital defect in cranium. The incidence of encephalocele is approximately 1/5000 live births; occipital encephalocele is more common in females than males. It is called as giant meningoencephalocele when the head is smaller than the meningoencephalocele. These giant meningoencephaloceles harbor a large amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue, so there occur various surgical challenges and anesthetic challenges in positioning and intubation. Case: A 12 days neonate was consulted to the neurosurgery department with complaints of large swelling over the back of head and difficulty in feeding. She was diagnosed with ventriculomegaly and meningoencephalocele since 32-33 pregnancy. The swelling was small at the time of birth, but it gradually increased in size. The child was born by section caesarean because of fetal distress and meningoenchepalocele. The neonate current weight was 3.195 grams with Post Conceptional Age (PCA) 35-36 weeks. On examination, the patient large spherical swelling was present over occipital region and there was no head control. The patient was active, conscious with no impression of focal neurological deficit. Systemic examination was unremarkable. The head circumference was 30 cm and circumference of occipital swelling was 40 cm. Potential problems in this patient include preoperative preparation and optimization of general condition, difficulty in positioning the patient, difficult airway (intubation), periodic apnea and potential hemodynamic disturbances and a sudden decrease in intracranial pressure during cele resection. Conclusion: Perioperative management in this case started from preoperative to postoperative evaluation. Preoperative preparation in anticipation of airway difficulties and communication with the operator is very important. Appropriate anesthetic techniques should aim to maintain stable hemodynamics and oxygenation and prevent a sudden increase or decrease in intracranial pressure.

Предоперационная подготовка и особенности индукции в анестезию при острой кишечной непроходимости (клиническая лекция)

В статье представлены основные направления предоперационной подготовки в случае тяжелой острой кишечной непроходимости (ОКН) и подчеркнуто, что данная подготовка должна быть ограниченной во времени и не задерживать проведение оперативного вмешательства. При тяжелой ОКН вместе с тщательной оценкой витальных функций и определением ведущих нарушений крайне важно оценить больного по шкалам и определить основные риски развития осложнений. Общая анестезия, как правило, является методом выбора при ОКН, однако для улучшения интра- и послеоперационного обезболивания она может быть дополнена и методами регионарной анестезии. При подготовке к проведению общей анестезии в первую очередь следует определять риски сложной интубации, а также регургитации и аспирации желудочного содержимого, что позволяет целенаправленно подходить к выбору техник интубации и предотвращать возникновение этих грозных осложнений. Прием Селлика уже не обязателен для использования у таких пациентов, а вместо него во время интубации может быть применена бимануальная ларингоскопия. Артериальная гипотензия является частым осложнением во время индукции в анестезию при тяжелой ГКН, и у таких больных всегда следует проводить инфузионную терапию, а также коррекцию водно-электролитных нарушений. Вместе с тем для предотвращения отека кишечника и развития интраабдоминальной гипертензии инфузионная терапия должна быть ограничена как во времени, так и в объеме. Если невозможно полностью скорректировать гиповолемию, для снижения риска возникновения существенной артериальной гипотензии во время индукции в анестезию быстрой последовательности следует с профилактической целью назначать вазопрессоры.

Clinical Value of Bronchoscopy in Acute Respiratory Failure.

Bronchoscopy may be considered the “added value” in the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway of different clinical scenarios occurring in acute respiratory critically ill patients. Rigid bronchoscopy is mainly employed in emergent clinical situations due to central airways obstruction, haemoptysis, and inhaled foreign body. Flexible bronchoscopy (FBO) has larger fields of acute applications. In intensive care settings, FBO is useful to facilitate intubation in difficult airways, guide percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy, and mucous plugs causing lobar/lung atelectasis. FBO plays a central diagnostic role in acute respiratory failure caused by intra-thoracic tumors, interstitial lung diseases, and suspected severe pneumonia. “Bronchoscopic” sampling has to be considered when “non-invasive” techniques are not diagnostic in suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia and in non-ventilated immunosuppressed patients. The combined use of either noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) with bronchoscopy is useful in different scenarios; the largest body of proven successful evidence has been found for NIV-supported diagnostic FBO in non-ventilated high risk patients to prevent and avoid intubation. The expected diagnostic/therapeutic goals of acute bronchoscopy should be balanced against the potential severe risks (i.e., cardio-pulmonary complications, bleeding, and pneumothorax). Expertise of the team is fundamental to achieve the best rate of success with the lowest rate of complications of diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures in acute clinical circumstances.

Airway Ultrasound in Critically Ill Patients: A Narrative Review.

Airway assessment and management have a central role in critical care medicine. Airway ultrasound can help us evaluate the anatomy, facilitate interventions such as intubation in difficult airways and tracheostomy, prevent post-extubation complications, and diagnose dysphagia. In this review, we will summarize the current use of ultrasound in airway assessment and management in critically ill patients.

A Case of Unanticipated difficult Intubation in a patient posted for C5-C6 Posterior Fixation

Management of a “difficult airway” poses one of the most relevant and challenging tasks for anesthesiologists. Unanticipation with difficult airway and endotracheal intubation during the conduction of general anesthesia may result in complications and fatality. We report the case of a 14 yr old boy for planned C5-C6 spine fixation under general anaesthesia. Unanticipated difficult oral intubation after three failed attempts, managed by a stylleted cuffed endotracheal tube, head up tilt of the operation table, shoulder support, cricoid pressure and rotation of the endotracheal tube anticlockwise at the glottic opening.