Oropharyngeal Hemorrhage and Difficult Airway Management: A Decision Not to Intubate.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding in the upper airways is an important cause of airway-related death. A higher incidence of airway management failure and complications after intubation attempts in the emergency department (ED) had been suggested. Airway management of patients with active oropharyngeal hemorrhage may be challenging, leading the clinician to modify the approach. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old woman presented to the ED with oropharyngeal hemorrhage after an extensive invasive dental procedure. She was on long-term warfarin therapy due to aortic and mitral valve replacement, which she suspended 5 days prior and restarted the day after the procedure. Besides the active bleeding, swelling, and hematoma of the face, the patient had other signs of "difficult airway," so there were serious questions on when and how to manage the airway. Several strategies to address the airway were considered, the main point being an early versus later intubation. As the patient remained clinically stable, she was conservatively managed with local hemostasis and coagulopathy reversal. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where she remained stable and was successfully discharged after restart on warfarin. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: When faced with an oropharyngeal hemorrhage, emergency physicians may be compelled to secure and protect the airway. This could be achieved by planning several strategies. Nevertheless, in selected patients, and considering the circumstances, not addressing the airway is a reasonable and justifiable alternative.

Difficult airway management and low Bispectral Index (BIS) in a patient with left Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

BACKGROUND: Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a developmental defect in the posterolateral diaphragm, allowing herniation of abdominal contents into the thorax causing mechanical compression of the developing lung parenchyma and lung hypoplasia. We describe a case of an adult patient with a Bochdalek hernia who underwent minimally invasive right thoracotomy Perceval bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) requiring one-lung ventilation (OLV) on the side of the hernia. This is a complex and challenging case that brings up numerous thought-provoking anesthetic implications. To the best of our knowledge, a Pubmed search did not reveal any publication to date of difficult airway management in an adult patient with CDH. CASE PRESENTATION: The first major problem encountered was patient's crus habitus anatomical condition (exceedingly ventrally displaced trachea) Mallampati Class IV and Cormack-Lehane grade IV extremely difficult endotracheal intubation. Neither glottis nor epiglottis was visible on laryngoscopy; resulting in failed placement of the double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) following numerous attempts. The DLT was eventually placed via GlideScope videolaryngoscopy. Whereas the endobroncheal right lung block for left OLV was successfully placed using fiberopticscopy. The crus habitus encroached on OLV tidal volume by the cranially displaced ascending colon and left kidney. Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil /sevoflurane; adjusted to maintain bispectral index (BIS) at 40-60. Digitally recorded BIS was 38-62 except when BIS precipitously declined to 14-38 (SR, suppression ratio < 10) for 25 min after termination of the cardiopulmonary bypass. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case essentially dealing with an anatomically distorted difficult airway in a patient with left Bochdalek CDH undergoing a complex AVR. We describe anesthetic difficulties and unforeseen issues encountered; such as an extremely difficult DLT placement.

A test prototype of a novel flexible video laryngoscope and preliminary verification in a difficult airway management simulator.

BACKGROUND: To verify a test prototype of a novel flexible video laryngoscope in a difficult airway management simulator and to compare the efficacy of the flexible video laryngoscope with that of a conventional video laryngoscope. METHODS: Fifteen clinical anesthesiologists performed endotracheal intubation with a flexible video laryngoscope and a conventional video laryngoscope in a difficult airway management simulator in the neutral position with intermediate and difficult mouth opening. The rate of intubation success, intubation time, and classification of glottic exposure were recorded. After endotracheal intubation, participants were asked to assess the difficulty of intubation of the two laryngoscopes. RESULTS: The success rate of endotracheal intubation with flexible video laryngoscope was significantly higher than that with video laryngoscope in neutral positions with both intermediate (P = 0.025) and difficult (P = 0.005) mouth opening. The Cormack Lehane score of the flexible video laryngoscope was significantly lower than that of the video laryngoscope in the neutral position with intermediate mouth opening (P < 0.001) and difficult mouth opening (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in intubation time in the neutral position with intermediate mouth opening (P = 0.460) or difficult mouth opening (P = 0.078). The difficulty score of endotracheal intubations with the flexible video laryngoscope was also significantly lower than that of the video laryngoscope in the neutral position with intermediate mouth opening (P = 0.001) and difficult mouth opening (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conventional video laryngoscopy, flexible video laryngoscopy can provide superior glottic exposure and improve the success rate of intubation in a difficult airway management simulator.

Airway management in a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS): a retrospective observational study of 365 out-of-hospital intubations.

BACKGROUND: Airway management is a key skill in any helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS). Intubation is successful less often than in the hospital, and alternative forms of airway management are more often needed. METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study in an anaesthesiologist-staffed HEMS in Switzerland. Patient charts were analysed for all calls to the scene (n = 9,035) taking place between June 2016 and May 2017 (12 months). The primary outcome parameter was intubation success rate. Secondary parameters included the number of alternative techniques that eventually secured the airway, and comparison of patients with and without difficulties in airway management. RESULTS: A total of 365 patients receiving invasive ventilatory support were identified. Difficulties in airway management occurred in 26 patients (7.1%). Severe traumatic brain injury was the most common indication for out-of-hospital Intubation (n = 130, 36%). Airway management was performed by 129 different Rega physicians and 47 different Rega paramedics. Paramedics were involved in out-of-hospital airway manoeuvres significantly more often than physicians: median 7 (IQR 4 to 9) versus 2 (IQR 1 to 4), p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Despite high overall success rates for endotracheal intubation in the physician-staffed service, individual physicians get only limited real-life experience with advanced airway management in the field. This highlights the importance of solid basic competence in a discipline such as anaesthesiology.

Utilization of apnea-hypopnea index as a novel predictive factor for difficult mask ventilation in the Chinese population under general anesthesia.

PURPOSE: Difficult mask ventilation (DMV) is a potentially life-threatening situation that can arise during anesthesia. However, most clinical predictors of DMV are based on European and US populations. On the other hand, most predictive models consist of multiple factors and complicated assessments. Since obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is among the most important risk factors associated with DMV, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) may play an important role in determining patient risk.The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between DMV and AHI, and to determine preoperative risk factors for DMV in Chinese patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort trial enrolled patients scheduled for elective surgery. After obtaining informed consent, patient demographic information was collected, and patients were tested with pre-operative polysomnography. The anesthesiologist who managed the airway graded the mask ventilation. The difficult mask ventilation was defined as the mask ventilation provided by an unassisted anesthesiologist without oral airway or other adjuvant. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between AHI and DMV. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients were analyzed. For both primary and secondary outcomes, the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio for DMV showed significant increases by 5 AHI units. AHI, age, and the Mallampati classification were found to be independent predictive factors for DMV. CONCLUSIONS: AHI is associated with DMV as a novel independent risk factor in Chinese patients. Along with age and Mallampati classification, AHI should be included in establishing a superior predictive strategy for DMV screening. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-DDD-17013076.

Comparison of the novel VieScope with conventional and video laryngoscope in a difficult airway scenario - a randomized, controlled simulation trial.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation continues to be the gold standard for securing the airway in emergency situations. Difficult intubation is still a dreadful situation when securing the airway. OBJECTIVE: To compare VieScope with Glidescope and conventional Macintosh laryngoscopy (MAC) in a simulated difficult airway situation. METHODS: In this randomized controlled simulation trial, 35 anesthesiologists performed endotracheal intubation using VieScope, GlideScope and MAC in a randomized order on a certified airway manikin with difficult airway. RESULTS: For the primary endpoint of correct tube position, no statistical difference was found (p = 0.137). Time until intubation for GlideScope (27.5 ± 20.3 s) and MAC (20.8 ± 8.1 s) were shorter compared to the VieScope (36.3 ± 10.1 s). Time to first ventilation, GlideScope (39.3 ± 21.6 s) and MAC (31.9 ± 9.5 s) were also shorter compared to the VieScope (46.5 ± 12.4 s). There was no difference shown between handling time for VieScope (20.7 ± 7.0 s) and time until intubation with GlideScope or MAC. Participants stated a better Cormack & Lehane Score with VieScope, compared to direct laryngoscopy. CONCLUSION: Rate of correct tracheal tube position was comparable between the three devices. Time to intubation and ventilation were shorter with MAC and Glidescope compared to VieScope. It did however show a comparable handling time to video laryngoscopy and MAC. It also did show a better visualization of the airway in the Cormack & Lehane Score compared to MAC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register www.drks.de (Identifier: DRKS00024968 ) on March 31st 2021.

Guided vs. non-guided insertion of Ambu AuraGain™ in edentulous patients.

BACKGROUND: Supraglottic airway devices perform more poorly and have lower oropharyngeal leak pressure in edentulous patients than in patients with teeth. The Ambu Aura Gain is a newer second generation supraglottic airway device. OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial assessed the oropharyngeal leak pressure in edentulous patients using the Ambu Aura Gain with a gastric tube for insertion guidance and without insertion guidance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) physical status I-III were recruited. Primary outcome was oropharyngeal leak pressure after insertion. Secondary outcome parameters were oropharyngeal leak pressure 15 min and 30 min after insertion, insertion time, insertion attempts and glottis view through flexible fiberscope. RESULTS: In this study 72 patients aged between 51 and 90 years (mean 73 years) were randomly allocated to the "with guidance" (n = 36) or the "without guidance" group (n = 36). Mean (SD) oropharyngeal leak pressure in "with guidance" and "without guidance" group was 24 cm H2O and 24 cm H2O (ns), respectively. A difference was found in mean insertion time with guidance versus without guidance group 52 s (45 s) vs. 26 s (15 s) (p < 0.001). No difference was found in any of the other secondary outcome parameters. CONCLUSION: A guided insertion technique does not improve oropharyngeal leak pressure of the Ambu AuraGain™ in edentulous patients. As the only difference is an increase in insertion time this technique is of no benefit for this population.

The impact of respiratory protective equipment on difficult airway management: a randomised, crossover, simulation study.

The current international COVID-19 health crisis underlines the importance of adequate and suitable personal protective equipment for clinical staff during acute airway management. This study compares the impacts of standard air-purifying respirators and powered air-purifying respirators during simulated difficult airway scenarios. Twenty-five anaesthetists carried out four different standardised difficult intubation drills, either unprotected (control), or wearing a standard or a powered respirator. Treatment times and wearer comfort were determined and compared. In the wearer comfort evaluation form, operators rated mobility, noise, heat, vision and speech intelligibility. All anaesthetists accomplished the treatment objectives of all study arms without adverse events. Total mean (SD) intubation times for the four interventions did not show significant differences between the powered and the standard respirator groups, being 16.4 (8.6) vs. 19.2 (5.2) seconds with the Airtraq™; 11.4 (3.4) vs. 10.0 (2.1) seconds with the videolaryngoscope; 39.2 (4.5) vs. 40.1 (4.8) seconds with the fibreoptic bronchoscope scope; and 15.4 (5.7) vs. 15.1 (5.0) seconds for standard tracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy, respectively. Videolaryngoscopy allowed the shortest intubation times regardless of the respiratory protective device used. Anaesthetists rated heat and vision significantly higher in the powered respirator group; however, noise levels were perceived to be significantly lower than in the standard respirator group. We conclude that standard and powered respirators do not significantly prolong simulated advanced intubation procedures.

The skill of tracheal intubation with rigid scopes - a randomised controlled trial comparing learning curves in 740 intubations.

BACKGROUND: Rigid scopes are successfully used for management of difficult airways, but learning curves have not been established. METHODS: This randomised controlled trial was performed at the University Hospital Bern in Switzerland to establish learning curves for the rigid scopes Bonfils and SensaScope and to assess their performance. Fifteen consultant anaesthetists and 15 anaesthesia registrars performed a total of 740 intubations (10 to 20 intubations with each device per physician) in adult patients without predictors of a difficult airway under general anaesthesia. According to randomisation, physicians intubated the patient's trachea with either the Bonfils or the SensaScope. A maximum of three intubation attempts was allowed. Primary outcome was overall time to successful intubation. Secondary outcome parameters included first attempt success, first attempt success within 60 s, failures and adverse events. RESULTS: A clear learning effect was demonstrated: Over 20 trials, intubations became 2.5-times quicker and first attempt intubation success probability increased by 21-28 percentage points. Fourteen and 20 trials were needed with the Bonfils and the SensaScope, respectively, to reach a 90% first attempt success probability. Intubation times were 23% longer (geometric mean ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.12-1.36, p < 0.001) and first attempt success was less likely (odds ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.92, p = 0.016) with the SensaScope. Consultants showed a tendency for a better first attempt success compared to registrars. Overall, 23 intubations (10 Bonfils, 13 SensaScope) failed. Adverse events were rare and did not differ between devices. CONCLUSIONS: A clear learning effect was demonstrated for both rigid scopes. Fourteen intubations with the Bonfils and 20 intubations with the SensaScope were required to reach a 90% first attempt success probability. Learning of the technique seemed more complex with the SensaScope compared to the Bonfils. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN14429285 . Registered 28 September 2011, retrospectively registered.

Prediction of failed facemask ventilation: new scoring system for difficult airway.

BACKGROUND: We previously have shown that there was a strong correlation between failed facemask ventilation, failed ventilation through a supraglottic airway, and difficult tracheal intubation. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether or not an established method to predict difficult ventilation through a supraglottic airway was also useful for predicting failed facemask ventilation. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective observational study. We studied 28,081 anesthetized patients in whom ventilation through a facemask, and supraglottic airway was attempted as the initial technique during induction of anesthesia, between May 2011 and March 2016. For each patient, the score which had been validated to be useful for predicting difficult ventilation through a supraglottic airway was calculated. The score ranged between 0 and 7 points, and we defined a low risk when the score was 0-3, and a high risk when the score was 4-7. To measure and compare the predictive accuracy of the score, we generated a receiver operating characteristic curve and compared the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: The incidence of failed facemask ventilation was significantly higher in patients with high-risk predictive score than in patients with low-risk predictive score [0.38% vs 0.056%, odds ratio 6.8 (95% CI 2.6-18.1, p value = 0.002)], and the sensitivity of the score was 25%, while the specificity was 95%, with a negative predictive value of 99%. The AUC of the score was 0.71 (95% CI 0.58-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: The predictive score for difficult ventilation through a supraglottic airway is also useful to predict failed facemask ventilation.

Interprofessional simulation training in difficult airway management: a narrative review.

The aim of this narrative literature review was to explore the impact of interprofessional simulation-based team training on difficult airway management. The Fourth National Audit Project of The Royal College of Anaesthetists and The Difficult Airway Society identified recurrent deficits in practice that included delayed recognition of critical events, inadequate provision of appropriately trained staff and poor collaboration and communication strategies between teams. Computerised databases were assessed to enable data collection, and a narrative literature review and synthesis of eight quantitative studies were performed. Four core themes were identified: debriefing, measures of assessment and evaluation, non-technical skills and patient safety, and patient outcomes. There are many benefits to be gained from interprofessional simulation training as a method of teaching high-risk and infrequent clinical airway emergencies. The practised response to emergency algorithms is crucial and plays a vital role in the reduction of errors and adverse patient outcomes.

Protocol based evaluation for feasibility of extubation compared to clinical scoring systems after major oral cancer surgery safely reduces the need for tracheostomy: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Despite risks, complications and negative impact to quality of life, tracheostomy is widely used to bypass upper airway obstruction after major oral cancer surgery (MOCS). Decision to tracheostomy is frequently based on clinical scoring systems which mainly have not been validated by different cohorts. Delayed extubation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may be a suitable alternative in selected cases. We hypothesize that delayed routine ICU extubation after MOCS instead of scoring system based tracheostomy is safe, feasible and leads to lower tracheostomy rates. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our clinical protocol which provides routine extubation of patients after MOCS in the ICU. The primary outcome measure was a composite of early reintubation within 24 h or secondary tracheostomy. Secondary outcome measures included airway obstruction related morbidity and mortality. Predictor variables included tumor localisation, surgical procedure and reconstruction method, length of operation and pre-existing morbidity. Furthermore we assessed the ability of four clinical scoring systems to identify patients requiring secondary tracheostomy. Statistical processing includes basic descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty four cases were enclosed to this retrospective study. Fourteen patients (6%) required secondary tracheostomy, Ten patients (4%) required reintubation within 24 h after extubation. No airway obstruction associated mortality, morbidity and cannot intubate cannot ventilate situation was observed. Seventy five percent of the patients were extubated within 17 h after ICU admission. All evaluated scores showed a poor positive predictive value (0.08 to 0.18) with a sensitivity ranged from 0.13 to 0.63 and specificity ranged from 0.5 to 0.93. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that common clinical scoring systems fail to prevent tracheostomy in patients after MOCS. Application of scoring systems may lead to a higher number of unnecessary tracheostomies. Delayed routine extubation in the ICU after MOCS seems an appropriate and safe approach to avoid tracheostomy and the related morbidity.

Evaluation of three unchannelled videolaryngoscopes and the Macintosh laryngoscope in patients with a simulated difficult airway: a randomised, controlled trial.

This prospective randomised, controlled trial compares the performance of three unchannelled videolaryngoscopes (KingVision™ , Airtraq™ , A.P. Advance™ MAC) and the standard Macintosh laryngoscope. With ethics committee approval and written informed consent, 480 patients were included. A difficult airway was created with a cervical collar, limiting mouth opening and neck movement. Primary outcome was first-attempt orotracheal intubation success. Overall success, laryngeal view, intubation difficulty scale, handling, intubation times and side-effects were secondary outcomes. First-attempt success rates were: KingVision 90% (95% CI 83-94%), Airtraq 82% (74-88%), A.P. Advance MAC 49% (40-58%), Macintosh 44% (35-53%; p < 0.001). The 95% confidence interval of first-attempt success rate was thus below 90% for all devices, but the KingVision and the Airtraq performed better than the A.P. Advance MAC and the Macintosh laryngoscope. Also, performance was better with the KingVision and the Airtraq in terms of overall success, laryngeal view, intubation difficulty scale and quality of view. Problems with tube advancement were a frequent cause of intubation failure. In summary, the KingVision and the Airtraq performed better than the A.P. Advance MAC and the Macintosh laryngoscope. Success rates of the unchannelled KingVision and Airtraq were similar to those of their channelled versions reported previously, indicating that performance largely depends on blade design rather than the presence of a channel for tube advancement.

A comparison of the Enk Fiberoptic Atomizer Set(™) with boluses of topical anaesthesia for awake fibreoptic intubation.

We compared the Enk Fiberoptic Atomizer Set(™) with boluses of topical anaesthesia administered via the working channel during awake fibreoptic tracheal intubation in 96 patients undergoing elective surgery. Patients who received topical anaesthesia via the atomiser, compared with boluses via the fibreoptic scope, reported a better median (IQR [range]) level of comfort: 1 (1-3 [1-10]) vs. 4 (2-6 [1-10]), p < 0.0001; experienced a reduced total number of coughs: 6 (3-10 [0-34]) vs. 11 (6-13 [0-25]), p = 0.0055; and fewer distinct coughing episodes: 7% vs. 27% respectively, p = 0.0133. The atomiser technique was quicker: 5 (3-6 [2-12]) min vs. 6 (5-7 [2-15]) min, p = 0.0009; and required less topical lidocaine: 100 mg (100-100 [80-160]) vs. 200 mg (200-200 [200-200]), p < 0.0001. Four weeks after nasal intubation, the incidence of nasal pain was less in the atomiser group compared with the control group (8% vs. 50%, p = 0.0015). We conclude that the atomiser was superior to bolus application for awake fibreoptic tracheal intubation.

Simulation-based airway management training: application and looking forward.

Within the airway management field, simulation has been used as a tool of training for over 40 years. Simulation training offers a chance of active involvement for the trainees. It can effectively enhance and upgrade the knowledge and skills of the trainees in airway management, and subsequently decrease medical errors and improve patients' outcomes and safety through a variety of airway management training modalities, such as common airway skills, difficult airway management strategies, and crisis management skills. To perform simulation-based airway management training effectively, not only are task trainers and high-fidelity simulators required but also instructors with rich experience in airway management simulation training and optimal curriculum design are essential.

Management of difficult airway patients and the use of a difficult airway registry at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate recognition and management of the pediatric difficult airway is essential. Two patient deaths in a 2-year period involving children with a known difficult airway led to the formation of the institution's multidisciplinary Difficult Airway Committee. METHODS: Patients with a suspected difficult airway or a known difficult airway are entered into a registry of difficult airway patients. A note describing the airway and any experiences at airway manipulation is entered as part of a difficult airway note in the patient's electronic medical record as soon as the patient is recognized as having a difficult airway. A call system has been developed to mobilize expert emergency airway assistance for these patients. Multiple additional methods are employed to ensure that all hospital personnel are aware that these patients are difficult to intubate. RESULTS: Since inception almost 6 years ago, 164 patients (mean age 9.2 years) have been enrolled in the difficult airway registry. Eighty-seven patients (53%) had one of 28 identified syndromes or diagnoses. The most common reasons for airway obstruction were mandibular hypoplasia/micrognathia, decreased neck extension, and limited temporomandibular joint mobility. One hundred sixty-one patients (98%) in the registry were predicted by history or physical to have a difficult airway. The mortality of registry patients was 9.8% (n = 16) and was most commonly due to co-existing diseases. During the time period reviewed, there was one in-hospital death of a known difficult airway patient, in which expert airway assistance was not obtained in a timely fashion. CONCLUSION: The institution's difficult airway registry identifies patients with a suspected or known difficult airway. The presence of a difficult airway in children can usually be predicted based on history and physical examination by anesthesiologists and otolaryngologists. Providers without advanced airway skills, however, may not appreciate that an airway is difficult to intubate until multiple attempts have failed. Both redundant notification methods and a call system optimize medical care of these fragile patients.

Cuffed oropharyngeal airway for difficult airway management.

Difficulties with airway management are often caused by anatomic abnormalities due to previous oral surgery. We performed general anesthesia for a patient who had undergone several operations such as hemisection of the mandible and reconstructive surgery with a deltopectoralis flap, resulting in severe maxillofacial deformation. This made it impossible to ventilate with a face mask and to intubate in the normal way. An attempt at oral awake intubation using fiberoptic bronchoscopy was unsuccessful because of severe anatomical abnormality of the neck. We therefore decided to perform retrograde intubation and selected the cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) for airway management. We inserted the COPA, not through the patient's mouth but through the abnormal oropharyngeal space. Retrograde nasal intubation was accomplished with controlled ventilation through the COPA, which proved to be very useful for this difficult airway management during tracheal intubation even though the method was unusual.