Intubation Technique Research Articles

Awake hybrid intubation technique for managing anticipated difficult airway in a patient undergoing decompressive cervical laminectomy: A case report

Awake hybrid intubation technique for managing anticipated difficult airway in a patient undergoing decompressive cervical laminectomy: A case report

Clinical application of submandibular endotracheal intubation in craniomaxillofacial fracture

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical application of submandibular endotracheal intubation in craniomaxillofacial fractures. MethodsThe submandibular endotracheal intubation was used to treat 10 patients with cranio-maxillofacial fractures and contraindications to nasal intubation.Ventilator monitoring data including SPO2(oxygen saturation of blood), Freq,VT,MV,PEEP, PLAT and PEAK were monitored before and after the operation of submandibular endotracheal intubation. The technique of submandibular intubation was assessed intraoperatively and in the postoperative period. The outcomes and complications are presented. ResultsThe study included 10 patients aged between 18 and 63 years(6 males and 4 females). All patients had mandibular fractures, with 6 midface fractures (60 %), 5 nasal bone fractures (50 %), 6 zygomatic bone fractures (60 %). The procedure time ranged from 6 to 10 min (mean, 7.9 min). NO delayed extubation was performed in 10 cases. The technique has proved to be straightforward and satisfactory. A postoperative superficial infection occurred in 1 patients, whereas hypertrophic scars occurred in another 1 patients. ConclusionSubmandibular endotracheal intubation is a safe procedure for intraoperative airway control in maxillofacial trauma patients who present contraindication to nasotracheal intubation.

Sekwencja szybkiej intubacji. Aktualny stan wiedzy

Rapid sequence intubation is a widely practiced method for handling the airway during anaesthesia induction in patients with gastric problems or those susceptible to regurgitation or aspiration. Preparation involves gathering essential equipment and medications for emergency intubation, including oxygen, suction, bag-valve mask, laryngoscope, endotracheal tubes with stylets, resuscitation gear, and rescue tools. Despite its consistent use for over five decades, debates persist regarding the efficacy of specific elements of the method, such as cricoid pressure and the assessment of fasting in urgent surgical cases. The absence of standardised rapid sequence intubation techniques and universally accepted guidelines has resulted in discrepancies in published data. Cricoid pressure, also known as the Sellick manoeuvre, is a controversial element of rapid sequence intubation that has both supporters and critics. While it has been used for decades and is recommended by many countries to prevent pulmonary aspiration during anaesthesia, recent research has raised questions about its effectiveness. In patients undergoing emergency surgery, ultrasound of the gastric antrum may help evaluate the size of gastric contents in order to minimise the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Techniques and variants of anaesthetic induction in the rapid sequence intubation algorithm should be adapted to a wide range of clinical groups – particularly in children, obese patients and pregnant women. In paediatric anaesthesia and for obese patients, the traditional rapid sequence intubation with apnoea is not commonly used due to their limited respiratory reserve. Despite its numerous side effects, succinylcholine remains the most frequently employed drug for rapid sequence intubation.

Anesthetist's Perception Towards Submental Intubation: A Questionnaire Study.

Submental intubation allows for the passage of an endotracheal tube through the anterior floor of the oral cavity. This allows for adequate surgical access to the regions of the mouth and the nasal pyramid with minimal to no hindrance in airflow to the lungs. To explore the perception of an anaesthetist regarding the submental intubation. A questionnaire‑based prospective randomized analysis was formatted and carried out in Odisha, India, between 20 Jan 2023 and 20 may 2023. A self-structured questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was distributed to the anaesthetists of the medical colleges in Odisha. Out of 97, 42 (43%) male and 45 (46%) female were familiar with the submental infiltration technique. Among the participants, 56% females and 43% males have performed and assisted in a submental intubation procedure. None of them encountered any complications or adverse events related to submental intubation (p = 0.0001). Out of all, 20% females and 19% males were very confident in performing submental intubation. Submental intubation is a simple, safe, quick, and relatively harmless alternative to tracheostomy for securing the airway in selected patients with craniofacial trauma. Familiarity with the submental intubation technique will help the anaesthetists to avoid tracheostomy in selected patients with craniofacial trauma who do not require long-term mechanical ventilation. But, this procedure is technique sensitive as well.

Unlocking the Potential of Submental Intubation - Redefining Airway Management in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Patients.

Submental intubation is and underutilized alternative to traditional techniques of intubation. Complications associated can indeed deter surgeons and anesthesiologist from performing it. Surgeons may opt for submental intubation if they believe that its advantages outweigh the potential risks of the procedure. Identifying the reasons of complications and implementing of proper strategies to address them can help mitigate risks. This study aims to compare and analyze the complications experienced during and after submental intubation to comment on its safety, efficacy. Revisiting literature, will help us to comment on diagnosis in trauma and associated perioperative and intraoperative complication with it. It will also help us deduce most preferred way of performing submental intubation and various methods to manage complications. Submental intubation in patients experiencing craniofacial trauma was reviewed retrospectively for 9years from January 2015 to August 2023. Common diagnosis sites were analyzed for perioperative and postoperative complications. It was found that there were no much complications faced perioperatively and also notes methods used for management of complications. Most commonly encountered postoperative complication was scar. Literature of past years was reviewed, during process we also came out with novel method for safe extubation for which we have got copyright from Government of India. Submental intubation is a safe and efficient intraoperative airway management technique for patients with craniomaxillofacial injuries when there is concurrent facial trauma. This study findings would underscore the safety and efficacy of SEI, making it a promising unparalleled method of airway management worth considering.

Combined awake intubation technique for predicted difficult airways in a patient with thyroid goiter.

Combined awake intubation technique for predicted difficult airways in a patient with thyroid goiter.

AIRWAY CHALLENGES IN A ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIC PATIENT WITHTRAUMATIC CERVICAL SPINE FRACTURE - A CASE REPORT

Background:Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that results in the fusion of the spine and decreased flexibility, commonly known as bamboo spine. This condition presents significant challenges to anesthesiologists due to potential difficulties in managing the airway, cardiovascular issues, and compromised respiration. AS patients face an increased risk of fractures and spinal cord injury, especially in the cervical spine, which is prone to instability and higher morbidity and mortality rates. Maneuvers to manage the airway and intubation techniques may exacerbate movement in the cervical spine, potentially leading to further injury. Case Report: A 42-year-old man with a history of AS presented with a cervical spine injury after a road traffic accident. MRI showed fractures at the posterior arch of C1 and C4-C5 levels with nerve root compression. The patient, who was not regularly followed up, was taking medication. Preoperative assessment revealed a potentially difficult airway, and the patient had quadriparesis and reduced sensation. Due to the risk of spinal cord injury, an awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) was planned. The AFOI was successfully performed through the nasal route, and the patient underwent a C4-C5 discectomy and stabilization. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, with no new neurological deficits. Discussion: The case emphasizes the need to minimize movement of the cervical spine when managing the airway in AS patients with cervical spine fractures. Using AFOI is more effective than other techniques in this scenario, as it minimizes cervical movement and allows for post-intubation neurologic assessments. Although the glidescope video laryngoscope and intubating laryngeal mask airway are considered as alternatives to direct laryngoscopy, anesthesiologists still prefer AFOI as the primary option. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the best airway management for an AS patient with a cervical spine fracture, with a focus on the role of the anesthesiologist in preventing further injury and neurologic deterioration. Awake fiberoptic intubation is the safest alternative for AS patients with cervical spine fractures, as long as the anesthesiologist has the requisite skills and knowledge.

Development of a virtual reality simulator for training canine endotracheal intubation technique and evaluation of the educational impacts

Virtual reality (VR)-based training has shown some benefits in medical education, supporting skill acquisition, and helping reduce anxiety in real-world settings. However, the use of VR simulators in veterinary education remains limited. This study aimed to introduce a VR simulator to support veterinarian training in canine anaesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation. This study involved a group that learned solely with instructional videos (video group), and one that learned concurrently with the video and VR simulator (VR group). Third- and fourth-year veterinary students were included and underwent a descriptive test on canine endotracheal intubation. Canine endotracheal intubation success rates were compared between the video (n = 364) and VR (n = 60) groups of fifth-year students. A survey on the VR usability was conducted (n=91). The median descriptive test scores improved in the VR (63.3/100) vs the video group (51.5/100). The canine intubation success rates were comparable in the VR and video groups at 84.3 % and 77.4 %, respectively. A total of 90.1 % of the surveyed students rated the ease of use of the simulator highly. Overall, VR simulators were well-received, suggesting benefits in new skill retention. Further studies are required to evaluate the extent of skill improvement through VR-based training, compared to conventional methods, and to assess its impact on student motivation. Evaluating the long-term effects of VR-based training on skill development and retention will also provide a deeper understanding of its educational benefits.

Preemptive airway management planning: A retrospective evaluation of the pediatric difficult airway consultation service.

The pediatric Difficult Airway Consultation Service (pDACS) was created in 2017 to identify patients with potentially difficult airways and create airway management plans prior to airway management. Consults were either nurse-initiated, physician-initiated, or both nurse-and-physician-initiated and were examined for demographic and clinical factors. If a child had difficult airway risk factors, a consult note with airway management recommendations was completed. We included 419 consults from the 4-year study period for analysis. Sixty-one patients had chronic tracheostomies in place and thus, were analyzed separately. Of the remaining 358 consults, 50% (n = 179) were nurse-initiated, 30.2% (n = 108) physician-initiated, and 19.8% (n = 71) nurse-and-physician-initiated consults. Differences in observed frequency of airway edema (difference, 6.3%; 95%CI 0.1%-12.5%; p = .04), cleft lip/palate (difference, 8.1%; 95%CI 0.07%-16.3%, p = .04), craniofacial abnormalities (difference, 12.3%; 95%CI 1.9%-22.7%, p = .02), and trauma/burn (difference, 6.5%; 95%CI 0.09%-12.8%, p = .04) were calculated. Observed frequencies were higher in physician-initiated compared to nurse-initiated consults. Airway edema was also more prevalent in dual nurse-and-physician-initiated consults (difference, 8.7%; 95%CI 1.6%-15.8%; p = .01). Physician-initiated consults were associated with a greater proportion of high-risk difficult airways than nurse-initiated consults (difference, 26.7%; 95%CI 14.0%-39.4%, p < .001). Approximately 41.9% of patients at high-risk for having a difficult airway were identified by nurse-screening only. Using bag-valve-mask was often the primary ventilation recommendation (89.3%, n = 108) and supraglottic airway placement was the most common tertiary plan (74.2%, n = 83). Direct laryngoscopy (47.1%, n = 65) and videolaryngoscopy (40.6%, n = 56) were the most recommended modes of intubation. Three patients with airway emergencies had previously documented airway management plans and were successfully intubated without complications following the primary intubation technique recommended in their consult note. In our study, nurse-screening identified patients at high-risk for a difficult airway that would likely not have been identified prior to initiation of a screening protocol. Furthermore, airway management plans outlined prior to an emergent difficult airway event may increase first-attempt success at securing the difficult airway, reducing morbidity and mortality.

Effects of head and neck radiotherapy on airway management outcomes

BackgroundUnderstanding the impacts of Head and neck radiotherapy (HNRT) on upper aerodigestive tract will promote airway safety in head-and-neck cancer population. MethodsIn this retrospective data analysis, the data of 399 HNC patients who underwent endotracheal intubation for surgery were categorized into study (HNRT, n = 133) and control group (non-HNRT, n = 266). Baseline characteristics (Age, sex, BMI,) and the factors for airway management such as neck circumference, range of motion, thyromental distance, tumor stage, number of surgeries were retrospectively analyzed. Outcome variables were stratified as primary (difficulty of mask ventilation and intubation); and secondary (Mallampatti classification, Cormack-Lehane scores (Laryngoscopy view), insertion attempts, primary intubation technique, and secondary intubation technique after a failed attempt. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test were used for categorical association, while Wilcoxon's rank sum test was used for continuous variables. Results133 patients, who received HNRT before surgery were successfully matched to 266 non-HNRT patients with the matching factors of age, sex, and body mass index. Patients who received HNRT more likely had thyromental distance <3 finger breadths (25.6% vs 4.1%); limited neck range of motion (36.0% vs 13.2%) and Mallampatti scores of 3 and 4 (71.4% vs 41.2%), compared to controls (p < 0.001). Patients who received HNRT showed a higher likelihood of difficult intubation (95% CI: 2.47 (1.86–3.07); p ≤0.001), difficult mask ventilation (95% CI: 0.82(0.23–1.40); p = 0.006) than those who did not have HNRT. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding laryngoscopy view, number of insertion attempts, or failed primary intubation. ConclusionHNRT changes the anatomy of upper aerodigestive tract and increases the challenge in airway management.

Risk factors for pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children

To investigate the application of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children and the risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 66 children, aged ≤16 years, who underwent ERCP for pancreaticobiliary diseases at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from September 2013 to September 2023. The incidence rate of PEP and the risk factors for the development of PEP were analyzed. A total of 78 ERCP procedures were performed on 66 children, with 5 diagnostic ERCPs, 69 therapeutic ERCPs, and 4 failed procedures. The success rate of ERCP operations was 95% (74/78). There were 17 cases of PEP in total, with an incidence rate of 22%. In the PEP group, the proportion of children with normal preoperative bilirubin and the proportion of guidewire insertion into the pancreatic duct during surgery were higher than in the non-PEP group (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that guidewire insertion into the pancreatic duct was an independent risk factor for PEP (P<0.05). With the increasing application of ERCP in children with pancreaticobiliary diseases, it is important to select an appropriate intubation technique during surgery to avoid blindly entering the guidewire into the pancreatic duct and reduce the occurrence of PEP.

Optimizing intubation technique using a single-use video laryngoscope: A comparative study in a simulation model.

Tracheal intubation poses a high risk of infection to medical staff due to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highly infectious nature. To mitigate this risk, various medical devices, including video laryngoscopy, have been developed to assist intubation. This study compared conventional laryngoscopy (Macintosh) and disposable video laryngoscopes (Medcaptain VS-10s and Honestmc Laryngoscope_LA10000) in terms of their use and operation processes. We designed a questionnaire to assess the operator perception of performing intubation with the devices, and statistical analysis was performed on 50 clinical staff members from 2 hospitals who had performed intubation or had learned intubation techniques. The primary outcomes were time to glottic visualization, intubation time, intubation success rate, distance between the operator and training model, and time from glottic visualization to tube insertion. The secondary outcomes were as follows: overall laryngoscope quality, operative feel, maneuverability, ease of use, and video quality. This study showed that video laryngoscopes were superior to conventional laryngoscopes in terms of quality, operative feel, and ease of use. When LA10000 was employed, the intubation success rate was higher, and the operator risk of infection was lower because of the greater distance from the training model. However, the use of video laryngoscopes requires appropriate education and training use of the devices. This study also demonstrated that when participants viewed a simple operation video prior to using video laryngoscopes, tube insertion time was shorter. Overall, video laryngoscopy can provide a safer and more convenient option for clinical medical personnel during pandemics.

Alternative Hybrid Technique of Intubation Using C-MAC and Yankauer Suction Catheter: Case of A Floppy Supraglottic Mass.

Supraglottic masses can be an anaesthesiologist's nightmare due to the difficult airway scenario and bleeding risk during airway manipulation. Awake fibreoptic intubation is the primary method to secure the airway in such cases. However, most practising anaesthesiologists are not experts at handling the fibreoptic scope, especially in cases with a floppy supraglottic mass where it becomes difficult to displace the mask with the thin flexible bronchoscope. A hybrid technique of intubation in supraglottic masses using Bonfils rigid scope and C-MAC is often described but frequently not available. Here we describe a case of an elderly patient in their 80s presenting with a floppy supraglottic mass where an awake fibreoptic bronchoscope failed to secure the airway. Without access to a rigid Bonfils scope, we intuitively used a C-MAC to visualize the larynx and a yankauer suction catheter to displace the mass and perform a bougie-guided endotracheal intubation.

Universal paediatric videolaryngoscopy and glottic view grading: a prospective observational study.

Although videolaryngoscopy has been proposed as a default technique for tracheal intubation in children, published evidence on universal videolaryngoscopy implementation programmes is scarce. We aimed to determine if universal, first-choice videolaryngoscopy reduces the incidence of restricted glottic views and to determine the diagnostic performance of the Cormack and Lehane classification to discriminate between easy and difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubations in children. We conducted a prospective observational study within a structured universal videolaryngoscopy implementation programme. We used C-MAC™ (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) videolaryngoscopes in all anaesthetised children undergoing elective tracheal intubation for surgical procedures. The direct and videolaryngoscopic glottic views were classified using a six-stage grading system. There were 904 tracheal intubations in 809 children over a 16-month period. First attempt and overall success occurred in 607 (67%) and 903 (> 99%) tracheal intubations, respectively. Difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation occurred in 47 (5%) and airway-related adverse events in 42 (5%) tracheal intubations. Direct glottic view during laryngoscopy was restricted in 117 (13%) and the videolaryngoscopic view in 32 (4%) tracheal intubations (p < 0.001). Videolaryngoscopy improved the glottic view in 57/69 (83%) tracheal intubations where the vocal cords were only just visible, and in 44/48 (92%) where the vocal cords were not visible by direct view. The Cormack and Lehane classification discriminated poorly between easy and difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubations with a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.68 (95%CI 0.59-0.78) for the videolaryngoscopic view compared with 0.80 (95%CI 0.73-0.87) for the direct glottic view during laryngoscopy (p = 0.005). Universal, first-choice videolaryngoscopy reduced substantiallythe incidence of restricted glottic views. The Cormack and Lehane classification was not a useful tool for grading videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in children.

Comparison of propofol versus dexmedetomidine sedation for awake C-MAC® D-Blade video laryngoscopic nasotracheal intubation in patients with difficult airway: A randomised clinical study.

Awake intubation is the preferred method for securing difficult airways. We compared intravenous (IV) propofol and dexmedetomidine for C-MAC® D-blade-guided anticipated difficult nasotracheal intubation under conscious sedation. This randomised study included 60 patients with difficult airway (El-Ganzouri Score 4-9). After adequate airway preparation with IV midazolam 0.03 mg/kg and IV fentanyl 1 µg/kg, in Group P, propofol was infused at 250 µg/kg/min and in Group D, dexmedetomidine was infused at 1 μg/kg over 10 min, then at 0.5 μg/kg/h till a bispectral index (BIS) value 65-70 was achieved. Patients underwent C-MAC® D-blade video laryngoscope-guided nasotracheal intubation. The intubation score was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included haemodynamic parameters, intubation time, number of attempts, the incidence of failed awake intubation, glottic view, time to achieve desired BIS, complications, study drug consumption and patient-reported satisfaction with the awake intubation technique. Quantitative variables were compared between groups using unpaired t-test/Welsch test/Mann-Whitney Test. Qualitative variables were correlated using the Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The intubation score was significantly higher in Group D versus Group P (P = 0.007). Patient reaction to intubation, haemodynamic parameters and percentage of glottis opening score were more favourable in Group P. Coughing and vocal cord movement were comparable between the groups (P > 0.05). The time to target BIS was four times longer, and the time to intubate was 6 seconds longer in Group D. Successful awake C-MAC® D-blade video laryngoscopic intubation can be performed under dexmedetomidine/propofol conscious sedation, with propofol giving a better intubation score.

Anaesthetic Management for Patient with Trigeminal Neuralgia underwent Microvascular Decompression (MVD)

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain with repeated brief episodes of electric shock-like pain affecting the fifth cranial nerve. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is one of treatments for TN. Anesthetic management for MVD requires special consideration to reduce brain volume (slack brain) and optimise Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP). Female 29-yo, 40kgbw with chief complaint: throbbing pain and intermittent stiffness in right facial area since 1 year ago. Brain MRI examination showed crossing of right superior cerebellar artery (RSCA) branch with right trigeminal nerve near the root entry zone and underwent MVD. Anesthesia using smooth intubation technique and maintenance using a combination of inhalational anaesthetics (sevoflurane 1 vol%) and intravenously (propofol 100mcg/kg/minute, remifentanil 0.2mcg/kgbw/min, and rocuronium 10mcg/kgbw/min). Target for MAP (90mmHg) and EtCO2 (30mmHg). We didn't use mannitol for slack brain. Early emergence with smooth extubation to prevent sudden haemodynamic changes and minimising coughing then for early neurological detection of intracranial complications.The combined use of sevoflurane &lt; 1MAC and continuous propofol provides optimal visualisation of the operating area. This combination reduces cerebral blood flow which makes the brain slack and keeps MAP optimal to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure and reduce the risk of cerebral ischemia. The combination of these agents also makes early recovery for more rapid neurological assessments. Anaesthesia management for MVD uses neuroanesthesia principles, balanced anaesthesia, and strict haemodynamic monitoring. The combination of inhalation anaesthetic sevoflurane and intravenous propofol gave optimise visualisation in the operation area and the patient's recovery can be enhanced.

Tracheostomy before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of the study was to provide insight into the influence of the COVID-19 on the frequency and characteristics of urgent and emergent tracheostomies (TS), comparing data collected both before and during the pandemic. Our two hypotheses were that during COVID-19, more TS were performed in the emergent setting and that during COVID-19 more TS were performed under general anaesthesia. The research was retrospective. The study period included the two years before and after the COVID-19 outbreak in Slovenia. Forty-one patients in each period met the inclusion criteria. Their medical charts were reviewed. The anamnestic, clinical, surgical and anaesthesiological data were collected. The two groups of patients from corresponding time periods were statistically compared. Predominantly men required the surgical resolution of acute upper airway obstruction (76% of patients). The causes for acute respiratory distress included head and neck cancer (62%), infections (20%), vocal cord paralysis (16%), and stenosis (2%). There were no statistically significant differences either in the (emergent/urgent) setting of TS or in the type of anaesthesia used. Both hypotheses were rejected. A statistically significant rise in use of the C-MAC laryngoscope during COVID-19 (from 3% to 15%) was reported. The outbreak of COVID-19 did not have a statistically significant effect on the frequency of performing emergent and urgent tracheostomies nor on the use of general or local anaesthesia. It did, however, require a change of intubation technique. Consequently, a significant rise in the use of the C-MAC laryngoscope was noted.

RANDOMIZED TRIAL FOR COMPARISON OF BUPRENORPHINE AND FENTANYL FOR AWAKE FIBEROPTIC INTUBATION

Objectives: Awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) is a step-forward technique for successful intubation of patients with difficult airways. The popularity of its usage is increasing day by day in handling difficult airways. Our study aims to compare the efficacy and efficiency of Buprenorphine and Fentanyl as sedative agents for AFOI. The primary and secondary outcome measure was to assess hemodynamic response and on intubating condition of the patient after AFOI. Methods: This randomized, prospective study was conducted in tertiary Center hospital. Total of 100 patient were enrolled for study and divided into two groups, Group A patients received intravenous Buprenorphine injection (2.5 (microgram/kilogram [μg/kg] over 10 min) and Group B Fentanyl injection (2 μg/kg over10 min) was injected prior to AFOI. The degree of sedation was assessed using the Observer’s assessment of alertness/sedation score (OAA/S), and the score of coughing during awake bronchoscopy was used to assess intubation status. Tolerability of intubation was assessed using a 5-point intubation score and a 3-point post-intubation assessment score immediately after the placement of the endotracheal tube into the trachea. Results: Group A had more favorable OAA score than Group B, whereas other intubation conditions cough score, limb movement, 5-point intubation score, 3-point post intubation score was more favourable in Group B than in Group A. Conclusion: Intravenous Fentanyl is better than Buprenorphine agent in terms of intubation score for AFOI. Both groups are comparable in terms of hemodynamic changes and stability.

Pathways to Airways: Review and Considerations of Different Intubation Techniques in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Pathways to Airways: Review and Considerations of Different Intubation Techniques in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Comparison of the effects of paratracheal pressure and cricoid pressure on placement of the i-gel® supraglottic airway: a randomized clinical trial

PurposeAnesthesiologists can use supraglottic airway devices as a rescue technique for failed intubation even in patients with an increased risk of gastric regurgitation. In this randomized study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of cricoid pressure and paratracheal pressure on placement of the i-gel® (Intersurgical Ltd., Wokingham, Berkshire, UK).MethodsAfter induction of anesthesia in 76 adult patients, we inserted the i-gel under paratracheal or cricoid pressure, and assessed the success rate of i-gel insertion, resistance during insertion, time required for insertion, accuracy of the insertion location, tidal volumes, and peak inspiratory pressure with or without each maneuver after i-gel insertion.ResultsThe overall success rate of insertion was significantly higher under paratracheal pressure than under cricoid pressure (36/38 [95%] vs 27/38 [71%], respectively; difference, 24%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8 to 40; P = 0.006]. Resistance during insertion was significantly lower under paratracheal pressure than under cricoid pressure (P < 0.001). The time required for insertion was significantly shorter under paratracheal pressure than under cricoid pressure (median [interquartile range], 18 [15–23] sec vs 28 [22–38] sec, respectively; difference in medians, −10; 95% CI, −18 to −4; P < 0.001). Fibreoptic examination of the anatomical alignment of the i-gel in the larynx revealed no significant difference in the accuracy of the insertion location between the two maneuvers (P = 0.31). The differences in tidal volume and peak inspiratory pressure with or without the maneuvers were significantly lower with paratracheal pressure than with cricoid pressure (P = 0.003, respectively).ConclusionsInsertion of the i-gel supraglottic airway was significantly more successful, easier, and faster while applying paratracheal pressure than cricoid pressure.Study registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05377346); first submitted 11 May 2022.