Should videolaryngoscopy be routinely used for airway management? An approach from different scenarios in medical practice

During the past two decades, the videolaryngoscope (VDL) has become a valuable and effective tool for the management of the airway, not just in the realm of anesthesiology, but also in other medical specialties in clinical scenarios requiring tracheal intubation. In countries such as the United States, this represents over 15 million cases in the operating room and 650,000 outside the OR. The overall accumulated incidence of difficult airway is 6.8% events in routine practice and between 0.1 and 0.3 % of failed intubations, both associated with complications such as desaturation, airway injury, hemodynamic instability and death. Notwithstanding the fact that the VDL has proven advantages such as improved visualization of the glottis, higher first attempt success rates, and a shortened learning curve, most of the time its use is limited to rescue attempts or as a secondary option. The aim of this article is to comment the advantages and limitations of the VDL vs. the direct laryngoscope in a wide range of clinical settings, including the operating room, intensive care units, emergency departments, pediatrics, obstetrics, and Covid-19 to consider its routine use.

En las últimas dos décadas, el videolaringoscopio (VDL) se ha convertido en una herramienta valiosa y eficaz para el manejo de la vía aérea no solo en el ámbito de anestesiología, sino en otras especialidades médicas durante escenarios clínicos que requieren la intubación traqueal y las cuales, en países como Estados Unidos corresponden anualmente a más de 15 millones dentro de salas de cirugía y 650.000 fuera de ella. Aproximadamente, hay una incidencia global acumulada de 6,8 % de eventos de vía aérea difícil en la práctica rutinaria y 0,1 al 0,3 % de intubaciones fallidas, ambas asociadas a complicaciones como desaturación, daño en la vía aérea, inestabilidad hemodinámica y muerte. Pese a que el VDL ha demostrado ventajas como mejoría de la visualización de la glotis, aumento de tasa de éxito al primer intento y menor curva de aprendizaje, su uso en la mayoría de las veces se ve limitado como dispositivo de rescate o de manera secundaria. El propósito de este artículo es comentar acerca de las ventajas y limitaciones del VDL vs. el laringoscopio directo en un variado número de escenarios clínicos, como salas de cirugía, unidades de cuidado intensivo, emergenciología, pediatría, obstetricia y covid-19, con el fin de considerar si su uso debiera hacerse de manera rutinaria.

Application and Comparison of Different Anesthetic Ventilation Methods in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Training / 实验动物与比较医学

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and safety of one-lung ventilation and small tidal volume two-lung ventilation anesthesia methods in the training of minimally invasive thoracic surgery on experimental pigs.MethodsForty experimental pigs undergoing robotic thoracic surgery were randomly divided into two groups: two-lung ventilation group (n=20) and one-lung ventilation group (n=20). The two-lung ventilation group underwent single-lumen tracheal intubation, utilizing a small tidal volume with a fast respiratory rate combined with carbon dioxide pneumothorax for anesthesia ventilation during the operation. The one-lung ventilation group received one-lung ventilation using a double-lumen bronchial catheter placed under fiberoptic bronchoscopic guidance. The anesthesia implementation indexes from the two groups were compared, including the values of vital signs such as operative heart rate (HR), noninvasive mean blood pressure (MAP), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), and oxygen saturation (SpO2), as well as the assessment of surgical training performance.Results The intubation success rate for animals in both groups was 100%, with no intraoperative deaths. The intubation completion time was significantly shorter in the two-lung ventilation group compared to the one-lung ventilation group (P < 0.001). Within each group, SpO2 levels were significantly higher in the two-lung ventilation group at 30 minutes after the start of thoracic surgery (T1) and at surgery completion (T3) compared to 60 minutes after the start of surgery (T2) (P<0.05). ETCO2, HR, and MAP were significantly higher at T2 and T3 compared to T1 (P<0.05). In the one-lung ventilation group, SpO2 levels were significantly higher at T1 and T3 compared to T2 (P<0.05), while ETCO2 levels gradually increasing over time (P<0.05). In the between-group comparisons at the same time points, SpO2 levels of the two-lung ventilation group were significantly higher than those of the one-lung ventilation group at all time points (T1, T2, T3) (P<0.05).Conclusion Both one-lung ventilation and two-lung ventilation anesthesia methods are effective and safe for use in surgical training, with controllable effects on intraoperative animal vital signs and minimal impact on surgical operation training, meeting the needs of robotic thoracic surgery training. One-lung ventilation provides a better experience during pneumonectomy procedures, while small tidal volume two-lung ventilation is easier to implement and does not require additional equipment purchase, making it a feasible supplemental anesthesia option for thoracoscopic surgery on experimental pigs.

Anesthetic and airway management in a pediatric patient with Morquio Syndrome:A case report

@#Morquio syndrome is a subtype of mucopolysaccharidoses, wherein the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in various organ systems lead to alteration of anatomy and physiology. Most prominent features are extensive bony abnormalities, which normally require surgical correction. This paper reports the case of a 7-year-old child with Morquio syndrome who successfully underwent correction of genu valgum under general endotracheal anesthesia via asleep induction and videolaryngoscopy, with supplemental peripheral nerve block. The precautions and anesthetic care done to ensure a safe procedure are discussed, especially with anticipation of a possible difficult airway.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) for difficult airway management in pediatric care

Abstract Difficult airway management in pediatrics during anesthesia represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report containing updated recommendations for the management of difficult airways in children and neonates. These recommendations have been developed based on the consensus of a panel of experts, with the objective of offering strategies to overcome challenges during airway management in pediatric patients. Grounded in evidence published in international guidelines and expert opinions, the report highlights crucial steps for the appropriate management of difficult airways in pediatrics, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and, paramountly, the maintenance of arterial oxygenation. The report also delves into additional strategies involving the use of advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible intubating bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices. Emphasis is placed on the simplicity of implementing the outlined recommendations, with a focus on the significance of continuous education, training through realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest available technologies. These practices are deemed essential to ensure procedural safety and contribute to the enhancement of anesthesia outcomes in pediatrics.

Recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) for difficult airway management in adults

Abstract Difficult airway management represents a major challenge, requiring a careful approach, advanced technical expertise, and accurate protocols. The task force of the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) presents a report with updated recommendations for the management of difficult airway in adults. These recommendations were developed based on the consensus of a group of expert anesthesiologists, aiming to provide strategies for managing difficulties during tracheal intubation. They are based on evidence published in international guidelines and opinions of experts. The report underlines the essential steps for proper difficult airway management, encompassing assessment, preparation, positioning, pre-oxygenation, minimizing trauma, and maintaining arterial oxygenation. Additional strategies for using advanced tools, such as video laryngoscopy, flexible bronchoscopy, and supraglottic devices, are discussed. The report considers recent advances in understanding crisis management, and the implementation seeks to further patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. The recommendations are outlined to be uncomplicated and easy to implement. The report underscores the importance of ongoing education, training in realistic simulations, and familiarity with the latest technologies available.

Site of Tracheostomy and Its Influence on The Surgical Outcome and Quality of Life After Tracheal Resection and Anastomosis in Patients with Tracheal Stenosis

Abstract Introduction With the advances in critical care, the incidence of post intubation tracheal stenosis is increasing. Tracheal resection and anastomosis have been the gold standard for the management of grades III and IV stenosis. Scientific evidence from the literature on the determining factors and outcomes of surgery is not well described. Objective This study was aimed at determining the influence of tracheostoma site on the surgical outcomes and postoperative quality of life of patients undergoing tracheal resection anastomosis. Methods Thirteen patients who underwent tracheal resection and anastomosis during a period of 3 years were followed up prospectively for 3 months to determine the degree of improvement in their quality of life postsurgery by comparing the pre and postoperative validated Tamil/vernacular version of RAND SF-36 scores and Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea score. Results As per preoperative computed tomography (CT), the mean length of stenosis was found to be 1.5 cm while the mean length of trachea resected was 4.75 cm. We achieved a decannulation rate of 61.53%. There was an estimated loss of 3.20 +/- 1.90 cm of normal trachea from the lower border of the stenosis until the lower border of the stoma that was lost during resection. Analysis of SF-36 and MRC dyspnea scores revealed significant improvement in the domains of physical function postoperatively in comparison with the preoperative scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion Diligent placement of tracheostomy in an emergency setting with respect to the stenotic segment plays a pivotal role in minimizing the length of the resected segment of normal trachea.

Cricothyrotomy - In Unanticipated Difficult Intubation Cases with Respiratory Compromise

Abstract Introduction Cricothyrotomy, percutaneous dilation tracheostomy, and tracheostomy are all cost-effective and safe techniques used in the management of critically ill patients who need an artificial airway other than endotracheal tube ventilation. The present study focused on enlightening on elective and emergency procedures performed on conditions present with difficult airways and also attempts to shed light on the aspects of securing an airway in anticipated and unanticipated difficult intubation. Objective The objective of the study was to compare the three procedures conducted during difficult airway/failed intubation situations. Methods The present retrospective observational study was conducted collecting data from patient files obtained at a tertiary healthcare center from 2013 to 2018. The difficult intubation cases were managed by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons. The study compared three methods: Cricothyrotomy, percutaneous dilation tracheostomy, and tracheostomy based on factors such as procedure duration, complications, and the instruments required for each procedure. Results The study enrolled 85 patients, 61 males and 24 females, aged between 30 and 70 years old. To perform cricothyrotomy, only a simple blade was required. Cricothyrotomy had the shortest operating time (4.1±3.1 minutes) and the shortest time of full oxygen saturation (3 min). Percutaneous tracheostomy had the least amount of bleeding (1%). Cricothyrotomy significantly showed the least intraoperative bleeding than percutaneous dilation, tracheostomy, and tracheostomy (p = 0.001). Conclusion Cricothyrotomy is preferable as it takes less time to perform, causes less bleeding, and takes the least time for full oxygen saturation than tracheostomy and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in "can't intubate, can't oxygenate" patients.

Comparison of rocuronium priming vs. standard rapid sequence intubation technique in emergency department patients requiring intubation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In our study, we aimed to compare the effect of standard rapid sequence intubation protocol and the application of rocuronium priming technique on the procedure time and hemodynamic profile. METHODS: Patients who applied to the emergency department and needed rapid sequence intubation were included in our study, which we conducted with a randomized controlled design. Randomization in the study was made according to the order of arrival of the cases. Rapid sequence intubation was performed in the standard group. In the priming group, 10% of the rocuronium dose was administered approximately 3 min before the induction agent. Intubation time, amount of drug used, vital signs, and end-tidal CO2 level before and after intubation used to confirm intubation were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were included in the study, of which 26 patients were included in the standard group and 26 patients in the priming group. While intubation time was 121.2±21.9 s in the standard group, it was calculated as 68.4±11.6 s in the priming group (p<0.001). While the mean arterial pressure was 58.3±26.6 mmHg in the standard group after intubation, it was 80.6±21.1 mmHg in the priming group (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: It was observed that priming with rocuronium shortened the intubation time and preserved the hemodynamic profile better. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05343702.

Hospital cohort study on survival predictors for intubated coronavirus disease 2019 patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the predictors of survival among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who underwent tracheal intubation, as part of a hospital cohort study. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study in the Rio do Sul County Hospital, Santa Catarina, Brazil, from April 2020 to May 2021, focused on patients aged 18 years or older intubated for coronavirus disease 2019. We assessed the 90-day survival of intubated patients by estimating the hazard ratio using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: The study included 132 participants, with an average age of approximately 60 years. Tracheal intubation was successfully accomplished in 97% of cases within two attempts. The overall mortality rate was 62.9%. Notably, mortality rates were significantly higher in patients aged over 60 years (hazard ratio=2.57; 95%CI 1.54-4.29; p<0.001), those with blood oxygen saturation below 85% (hazard ratio=1.92; 95%CI 1.03-3.57; p=0.04), instances where tracheal intubation was carried out using a conventional laryngoscope (hazard ratio=2.59; 95%CI 1.22-5.48; p=0.013), and when performed by emergency physicians (hazard ratio=3.96; 95%CI 1.51-10.4; p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Our analysis unveiled that the risk of death in intubated coronavirus disease 2019 patients is four times higher when an emergency physician, as opposed to an anesthesiologist, leads the tracheal intubation team.

Evaluation of the relationship between the STOP-Bang score with oxygen reserve index and difficult airway: a prospective observational study

Abstract Background: Patients diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) syndrome have a tendency towards hypoventilation, hypoxia, and hypercarbia in the perioperative period. This study hypothesized that the Oxygen Reserve Index (ORi) could predict possible hypoxia and determine difficult airways in patients at risk for OSA, as determined by the STOP-Bang questionnaire. Methods: This prospective study included adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, divided into two groups: low risk (0-2 points) and high risk (3-8 points) based on their STOP-Bang questionnaire results. The primary outcome measure was the highest ORi value reached during preoxygenation and the time to reach this value. Data were recorded at four time points: before preoxygenation (T1), end of preoxygenation (T2), end of mask ventilation (T3), and end of intubation (T4), as well as partial oxygen pressure values in T1, T2, and T4. The secondary outcome measures were the grading scale for mask ventilation, Cormack-Lehane score, tonsil dimensions, use of a stylet, and application of the burp maneuver during intubation. Results: In the high-risk group, preoperative peripheral oxygen saturation values, the highest ORi value reached in preoxygenation, and ORi values at T3 and T4 times were lower, and the time to reach the highest ORi value was longer (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Using ORi in patients with OSA may be useful in evaluating oxygenation, and since difficult airway is more common, ORi monitoring will better manage possible hypoxic conditions.

Construction and validation of a non-organic, homemade, low-cost cricothyrotomy simulator. A cross-sectional study / Construção e validação de um simulador de cricotireotomia não orgânico, caseiro e de baixo custo: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cricothyrotomy is a procedure that may save lives in emergency acute respiratory failure. Cricothyrotomy must be trained during undergraduate medical education, and low-cost simulators may offer a satisfying solution in economical and practical terms. Objective: The aims of this study were to build and assess the face, content, and construct validity of a low-cost, homemade cricothyrotomy simulator developed by the authors. Methods: Forty-seven students and nine surgeons performed three successive simulated cricothyrotomies and answered a face and content validity questionnaire. The construct validity was tested by comparing procedural duration and a global performance score intra- and between groups. Results: Most face and content validity questionnaire items were highly and positively rated, with no difference between the groups. Accordingly, students and surgeons agreed that the simulator resembles a human neck anterior surface, is easy and safe to use, allows the performance of critical steps of the cricothyrotomy, and exhibits potential teaching feasibility. Procedural duration decreased between the first and third attempts among students (mean time decrease = 61.85 s; 95% CI - 41.86 - 81.85; p < 0.001), and a significant difference was found between surgeons' and students' performance duration (mean difference = 101.36 seconds [95% CI = 69.08 - 133.64] p < 0.001), suggesting construct validity. The students' performance scores improved between the first and second attempts (mean difference = 2.25 points; CI 95% = 1.31 - 3.20; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The non-organic, homemade, low-cost cricothyrotomy simulator has acceptable face, content, and construct validity and is suitable for use as a training tool by undergraduate medical students.

RESUMO Introdução: A cricotireotomia é um procedimento que pode salvar vidas em caso de insuficiência respiratória aguda de emergência. A cricotireotomia deve ser treinada durante a graduação médica, e simuladores de baixo custo podem oferecer uma solução satisfatória em termos econômicos e práticos. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos construir e determinar as validades de face, conteúdo e construção de um simulador caseiro de cricotireotomia de baixo custo desenvolvido pelos autores. Método: Quarenta e sete estudantes e nove cirurgiões realizaram três cricotireotomias simuladas sucessivas e responderam a um questionário de validade de face e de conteúdo. A validade de construto foi testada comparando tempos procedurais e um escore de desempenho global intragrupos e intergrupos. Resultado: A maioria dos itens do questionário de validade face e de conteúdo foram avaliados de forma positiva, sem diferença entre os grupos. Assim, estudantes e cirurgiões concordaram que o simulador se assemelha a uma superfície anterior do pescoço humano, é fácil e seguro de usar, permite a realização de etapas críticas da cricotireotomia e apresenta potencial viabilidade de ensino. O tempo de procedimento diminuiu entre a primeira e a terceira tentativa entre os estudantes (diminuição média do tempo = 61,85 s; IC 95% - 41,86 - 81,85; p < 0,001), e foi encontrada diferença significativa entre os tempos de atuação dos cirurgiões e dos estudantes (diferença média = 101,36 segundos [IC 95% = 69,08 - 133,64] p < 0,001), sugerindo validade de construto. Os escores de desempenho dos alunos melhoraram entre a primeira e a segunda tentativa (diferença média = 2,25 pontos; IC 95% = 1,31 - 3,20; p < 0,001). Conclusão: O simulador de cricotireotomia inorgânico, de fabricação caseira e de baixo custo possui validade de face, conteúdo e construção aceitáveis para ser usado como ferramenta de treinamento para estudantes de graduação em Medicina.

Asociación entre el tiempo de enfermedad previo a broncoscopia y tiempo de alta posbroncoscopia en pacientes pediátricos con aspiración de cuerpo extraño: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en un centro de referencia peruano, 2014-2019 / Association between pre-bronchoscopy time of illness and post-bronchoscopy discharge time in pediatric patients with foreign body aspiration: retrospective cohort study in a Peruvian referral center, 2014-2019

RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar la asociación entre el tiempo de enfermedad previo a broncoscopia y el tiempo de alta posbroncoscopia en pacientes pediátricos con aspiración de cuerpo extraño. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. El estudio y la revisión de historias clínicas se realizó en el Hospital de Emergencias Pediátricas de Lima, Perú. Se revisaron 324 historias clínicas, de las cuales, 183 historias fueron seleccionadas por contar con diagnóstico de cuerpo extraño en vías aéreas y estar adecuadamente llenadas. Para el análisis bivariado se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher y U de Mann Whitney, mientras que para el cálculo del riesgo relativo (RR) y su respectivo intervalo de confianza (IC) al 95% se utilizó regresión de Poisson. Resultados. Se incluyeron 183 pacientes, de los cuales, el 65,6% fueron hombres con una media de 2,4 años. La localización más frecuente fue el árbol bronquial derecho y cuerpo extraño de material orgánico. La mayoría (72,7%) de pacientes tuvieron un alta temprana antes de las 24 horas. Se encontró una asociación entre el tiempo de enfermedad previo a la broncoscopia y el tiempo alta posbroncoscopia (RR: 2,94, IC 95%: 1,72-5,01). Conclusiones. Existe una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el tiempo de enfermedad previo a la broncoscopia y el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria posextracción del cuerpo extraño al ajustar por edad, sexo tipo de cuerpo extraño y maniobra de boca como medida de rescate. Este hallazgo es relevante debido a que pone en evidencia la importancia de una atención temprana, diagnóstico oportuno y manejo precoz en el paciente pediátrico.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the association between pre-bronchoscopy time of illness and post-bronchoscopy discharge time in pediatric patients with foreign body aspiration. Materials and methods. Retrospective cohort study. Medical records were studied and reviewed at the Pediatric Emergency Hospital of Lima, Peru. We reviewed 324 medical records, and selected 183 because they had the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration and complete data. Fisher's exact test and Mann Whitney U test were used for the bivariate analysis, while Poisson regression was used to calculate the Relative Risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. We included 183 patients, of whom 65.6% were men with a mean age of 2.4 years. The most frequent location of the foreign body was the right bronchial tree and most of them were made of organic material. The majority (72.7%) of patients were discharged before 24 hours. We found an association between the time of illness prior to bronchoscopy and post-bronchoscopy discharge time (RR: 2.94, 95%CI: 1.72 - 5.01). Conclusions. The time of illness prior to bronchoscopy and the length of hospital stay after removal of the foreign body were significantly associated when adjusted for age, sex, type of foreign body and mouth sweep maneuver as a rescue measure. Our findings are relevant because they highlight the importance of early care, timely diagnosis and early management of pediatric patients.

Ultrasound identification of the cricothyroid membrane. Systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: The no-ventilation no-oxygenation situation is extremely important due to its high mortality. In these cases, open cricothyroidotomy is indicated. Around fifty percent of the difficulties are the result of inadequate identification of the cricothyroid membrane (CTM). Objective: To determine whether ultrasonography is superior to palpation to identify the CTM at the first attempt. Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted on the identification of the cricothyroid membrane versus palpation in Medline/Central and Embase. Clinical controlled trials and observational studies were included. Two authors independently and in duplicate selected the studies, assessed the biases and extracted the data; a random effects meta-analysis was successfully conducted for the correct identification of the CTM. The risk of bias was assessed and the certainty of the evidence was qualified. CRD42021223961. Results: 464 studies were included of which 15 met the eligibility criteria; 6 were clinical trials y 9 were observational. Ultrasound is superior to palpation in the detection of the CTM (RR 1.88, 95 % CI 1.05-3.36) according to the clinical trials, and it was also superior in observational studies (RR 1.76, 95 % CI 1.36-2.28). The association was preserved in the sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Ultrasonography is superior to palpation for the correct identification of the TCM, though the certainty of the evidence is low. Further studies with better methodology are needed to improve both certainty and precision.

Introducción: La situación de no ventilación-no oxigenación es de gran importancia dada su elevada mortalidad. En dichos casos, la cricotiroidotomía abierta está indicada. Cerca de la mitad de las dificultades son causadas por inadecuada identificación de la membrana cricotiroidea (MCT). Objetivo: Determinar si la ultrasonografía es superior a la palpación para identificar la MCT al primer intento. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de identificación de membrana cricotiroidea versus palpación en Medline/Central y Embase. Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos controlados y estudios observacionales. Dos autores de manera independiente y por duplicado realizaron la selección de estudios, la evaluación de sesgos y la extracción de datos, se efectuó un metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios con el éxito de identificación correcta de la MCT. Se evaluó el riesgo de sesgos y se calificó la certeza de la evidencia. CRD42021223961. Resultados: Se incluyeron 464 estudios de los cuales 15 cumplieron criterios de elegibilidad, 6 fueron ensayos clínicos y 9 observacionales. La ecografía es superior a la palpación para detección de la MCT (RR 1,88, IC 95 % 1,05-3,36) según los ensayos clínicos y, similarmente, fue superior para los estudios observacionales (RR 1,76, IC 95 % 1,36-2,28); la asociación se conservó en los análisis de sensibilidad. Conclusiones: La ultrasonografía es superior a la palpación para detectar correctamente la MCT, aunque con baja certeza de la evidencia. Se requieren más estudios con mejor calidad metodo-lógica para mejorar la certeza y la precisión.

Uso perioperatorio de la ecografía de la vía aérea en un paciente con infección profunda del cuello. Reporte de caso / Perioperative use of airway ultrasound in a patient with a deep neck infection. Case Report

Introducción: las infecciones profundas del cuello son patologías complejas con gran potencial de complicaciones graves, que, debido a su ubicación pueden ser de difícil reconocimiento y manejo. Es de gran importancia realizar un diagnóstico asertivo y ofrecer el tratamiento adecuado para poder disminuir las complicaciones que se pudieran presentar. La ecografía es una ayuda diagnóstica cada vez más utilizada que nos puede ayudar a guiar nuestras conductas de manera rápida y efectiva. Caso clínico: presentamos un caso de un paciente con un absceso en cuello, en el que la utilización de la ecografía de manera intraoperatoria facilitó la toma de decisiones y evitó procedimientos invasivos innecesarios. Conclusiones: el Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) es una forma rápida y práctica de resolver preguntas y facilitar la toma de decisiones objetivas en el entorno perioperatorio.

Introduction: Deep neck infections are a complex group of pathologies with great potential for serious complications due to their location. Therefore, recognition and management can be a challenge. To reduce the risk of complications it is extremely important to have an assertive diagnosis y and offer the proper treatment. An ultrasound is a diagnosis tool that is being used more often because it can help us guide our medical decisions in a quick and effective way. Clinical case: We present a case of a patient who had an intraoperative ultrasound which helped in the decision making and avoided any further invasive procedures. Conclusions: The Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) is a quick and practical way to solve questions and facilitate objective decisions in the perioperative environment.

Quiste Vallecular: Caso clínico de estridor agudo / Vallecular cyst: clinical case of acute stridor

El enfrentamiento de estridor en el Servicio de Urgencias puede ser un desafío para el clínico. La mayoría de los pacientes responderán a medidas estándar de anafilaxia, no obstante, ante pacientes refractarios a tratamiento se deben sospechar otras patologías. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente refractaria a manejo de anafilaxia. Se realiza videolaringoscopía que identifica quiste de vallécula y se maneja mediante protección de vía aérea con intubación orotraqueal. Se decide escisión quirúrgica, en la cual se identifica estenosis subglótica que requiere instalación de traqueostomía. La paciente evoluciona favorablemente y es dada de alta.

Coping with stridor in the Emergency Department can challenge the clinician. Most patients respond to standard anaphylaxis measures. The clinician should suspect other differential diagnoses when patients are refractory to treatment. We present the clinical case of a patient refractory to standard anaphylaxis management. A video laryngoscopy was performed, identifying a vallecula cyst. We secured the airway through orotracheal intubation. The surgical team of our hospital performed a surgical excision of the cyst and identified subglottic stenosis, which required the installation of a tracheostomy. The patient evolved favorably in the postoperative period and was discharged.

A way forward in pulmonary aspiration incidence reduction: ultrasound, mathematics, and worldwide data collection

Abstract Aspiration of gastric contents during induction of general anesthesia remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in anesthesia. Recent data show that pulmonary aspiration still accounts for many cases with implications on mortality despite technical and technological evolution. Practical, ethical, and methodological issues prevent high-quality research in the setting of aspiration and rapid sequence induction/intubation, and significant controversy is ongoing. Patients' position, drugs choice, dosing and timing, use of cricoid force, and a reliable risk assessment are widely debated with significant questions still unanswered. We focus our discussion on three approaches to promote a better understanding of rapid sequence induction/intubation and airway management decision-making. Firstly, we review how we can use qualitative and quantitative assessment of fasting status and gastric content with the point-of-care ultrasound as an integral part of preoperative evaluation and planning. Secondly, we propose using imaging-based mathematical models to study different patient positions and aspiration mechanisms, including identifying aspiration triggers. Thirdly, we promote the development of a global data collection system aiming to obtain precise epidemiological data. Therefore, we fill the gap between evidence-based medicine and experts' opinion through easily accessible and diffused computer-based databases. A better understanding of aspiration epidemiology obtained through focused global data gathering systems, the widespread use of ultrasound-based prandial status evaluation, and development of advanced mathematical models might potentially guide safer airway management decision making in the 21st century.

Low-cost versus high-fidelity pediatric simulators for difficult airway management training: a randomized study in continuing medical education

Abstract Background: High-fidelity (HF) pediatric patient simulators are expensive. This randomized study aimed to compare the quality and educational impact of a full-scale simulation workshop with an HF infant simulator (SimBaby™, Laerdal) or with a low-cost (LC) simulator composed of an inert infant manikin with SimBaby™ software that displays respiratory/hemodynamic parameters on a monitor for medical education in pediatric difficult airway management. Methods: After written informed consent, anesthetists and emergency or ICU physicians participated in teams (4 to 6 participants) in a training session that included direct participation and observation of two difficult intubation scenarios. They were randomized into two groups (HF group, n = 65 and LC group, n = 63). They filled out a simulation quality score (SQS, 0 to 50), self-evaluated their anesthetists' non-technical skills (ANTS) score (15 to 60), and an educational quality score (EQS, 0 to 60) immediately (T0, main criteria), as well as 3 (T3) and 6 (T6) months after the training session. Results: We enrolled 128 physicians. Direct participation SQS (39 ± 5 HF group versus 38 ± 5 LC group), observation SQS (41 ± 4 H F group versus 39 ± 5 LC group), ANTS scores (38 ± 4 HF group versus 39 ± 6 LC group), T0 SQS (44 ± 5 HF group versus 43 ± 6 LC group), T3 and T6 SQS were not different between groups. Conclusion: Our low-cost simulator should be suggested as a less expensive alternative to an HF simulator for continuing medical education in pediatric difficult airway management.

A prospective validation and comparison of three multivariate models for prediction of difficult intubation in adult patients

Abstract Purpose Several bedside clinical tests have been proposed to predict difficult tracheal intubation. Unfortunately, when used alone, these tests show less than ideal prediction performance. Some multivariate tests have been proposed considering that the combination of some criteria could lead to better prediction performance. The goal of our research was to compare three previously described multivariate models in a group of adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. Methods This study included 220 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. A standardized airway evaluation which included modified Mallampati class (MM), thyromental distance (TMD), mouth opening distance (MOD), head and neck movement (HNM), and jaw protrusion capacity was performed before anesthesia. Multivariate models described by El-Ganzouri et al., Naguib et al., and Langeron et al. were calculated using the airway data. After anesthesia induction, an anesthesiologist performed the laryngoscopic classification and tracheal intubation. The sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the models were calculated. Results The overall incidence of difficult laryngoscopic view (DLV) was 12.7%. The area under curve (AUC) for the Langeron, Naguib, and El-Ganzouri models were 0.834, 0.805, and 0.752, respectively, (Langeron > El-Ganzouri, p= 0.004; Langeron = Naguib, p= 0.278; Naguib = El-Ganzouri, p= 0.101). The sensitivities were 85.7%, 67.9%, and 35.7% for the Langeron, Naguib, and El-Ganzouri models, respectively. Conclusion The Langeron model had higher overall prediction performance than that of the El-Ganzouri model. Additionally, the Langeron score had higher sensitivity than the Naguib and El-Ganzouri scores, and therefore yielded a lower incidence of false negatives.

Several challenges associated with the anesthetic management of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy patients: case report

Abstract Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy is a very rare type of muscular dystrophy, associated with contractures, atrophy, and muscle weakness, besides cardiomyopathy with severe arrhythmias. Published studies focusing on this disorder are scarce. We describe the anesthetic management of a male patient with Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy, to be submitted to umbilical and inguinal hernioplasty and hydrocele repair under epidural anesthesia. The anesthesia approach enabled us to circumvent the patient's susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia and his potentially difficult airway, in addition to maintaining hemodynamic stability. The day after surgery the patient resumed walking, and two days later he was discharged from the hospital.

Angioedema after rt-PA infusion led to airway emergency: a case report of rescue treatment with fresh frozen plasma

Abstract The authors report the case of a 71-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with acute ischemic stroke. She was treated with rt-PA and interventional endovascular revascularization and developed rapidly progressing angioedema that led to emergency intubation. The standard treatment was not very effective and the swelling improved after infusion of fresh frozen plasma. Angioedema after rt-PA infusion could be a life-threatening emergency that requires quick airway management by skilled professionals. As this condition is triggered by several factors, such as unregulated histamine and bradykinin production, the traditional treatment recommended by the guidelines may not be sufficient and the use of FFP can be considered as a safe and valuable aid.