Cricothyrotomy in Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed: A Difficult Airway Simulation Case for Anesthesiology Residents.

Introduction: Patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding may have challenging airways. This simulation teaches anesthesiology residents the skill of cricothyrotomy as a surgical last resort while managing acute bleeding in the airway. Methods: The simulation involved a 55-year-old patient with history of alcohol abuse admitted to the ICU with hematemesis and acute blood loss for esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the ICU setting. The mannequin had tubing in the posterior oropharynx connected to a pressurized bag of simulated blood hidden from view. While conversing, the patient began to cough and gag, and the bag of fluid was opened, filling the posterior oropharynx with blood, which prompted immediate intubation attempts, designed to fail no matter what the learners attempted. When residents requested a surgical airway, they were provided with a cricothyrotomy kit and a task trainer to perform the procedure. Residents were evaluated using a behavior checklist, debriefed, then asked to complete a postsimulation survey. Results: Fifty-eight anesthesiology residents completed the simulation and provided feedback via a 5-point Likert scale of agreement. Most residents quickly recognized the need for emergency intubation. Eighty-eight percent of participants strongly agreed that the simulation was a valuable learning experience, with 99% stating it increased their confidence and clinical decision-making in handling similar scenarios in the future. Discussion: This simulation provides a chance to practice valuable airway management skills that increase resident confidence in cricothyrotomy. Future work may examine if these skills and confidence levels are sustainable over time and if they are applied in future patient encounters.

The Role of Regional Anaesthesia and Acute Pain Services in Value-Based Healthcare.

Value-based healthcare prioritizes patient outcomes and quality relative to costs, shifting focus from service volume to delivered value. This review explores the significant role of regional anaesthesia (RA) and acute pain services (APS) within the evolving value-based healthcare (VBHC) framework. At the heart of VBHC is the goal to enhance patient outcomes while simultaneously optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs. The review underscores the need for VBHC and illustrates how integrating RA/APS with Enhanced Recovery Protocols can lead to improved outcomes, aligning directly with the goals of the Triple Aim. Several clinical studies show that RA improves patient outcomes, enhances operating room efficiency, and reduces costs. This is complemented by a discussion on the integration of RA and APS into the VBHC model, highlighting emerging value-based payment structures and strategies for their successful implementation. By merging specialized RA/APS protocols with standardized clinical practices, significant improvements in operating room efficiency and associated economic benefits are observed. Across the healthcare spectrum, from providers to payers, this synergy results in enhanced operational efficiency and communication, raising the standard of patient care. Additionally, the potential of RA and APS to address the opioid crisis, through alternative pain management methods, is emphasized. Globally, the shift towards VBHC requires international collaboration, sharing of best practices, and efficient resource allocation, with RA and APS playing a crucial role. In conclusion, as healthcare moves toward a value-driven model, RA and APS become increasingly essential, signaling a future of refined, patient-centered care.

Randomized Prospective Study Evaluating Single-Injection Paravertebral Block, Paravertebral Catheter, and Thoracic Epidural Catheter for Postoperative Regional Analgesia After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has improved patient outcomes; however, postoperative pain remains potentially severe. The objective of this study was to compare adjunct analgesic modalities for VATS, including paravertebral nerve blockade (PVB) and thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized trial. SETTING: Large academic hospital, single institution. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients undergoing VATS. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasound-guided PVB catheter, ultrasound-guided single-injection PVB, or TEA. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Postoperative visual analog scale pain scores (at rest and with knee flexion) and opioid usage were recorded. Pain scores (with movement) for the TEA group were lower than those for either PVB group at 24 hours (p ≤ 0.008) and for the PVB catheter group at 48 hours (p = 0.002). Opioid use in TEA group was lower than that for either PVB group at 24 and 48 hours (p < 0.001) and 72 hours (p < 0.05). Single-injection PVB was faster compared with PVB catheter placement (6 min v 12 min; p < 0.001) but similar to TEA (5 min). Patient satisfaction, nausea, sedation, and 6-month postsurgical pain did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: TEA led to lower pain scores and opioid requirement for VATS procedures compared with PVB techniques. Single-injection PVB was faster and equally as effective as PVB catheter, and it led to similar patient satisfaction as TEA; therefore, it should be considered in patients who are not ideal candidates for TEA.