Negotiating humanity: an ethnography of cadaver-based simulation.

Human body donation (HBD) serves an essential function in many medical schools, particularly in institutions where people engage in cadaver-based simulation (CBS) as a pedagogical approach. The people who facilitate HBD and CBS have a highly specialized skill set, yet their expertise remains largely unacknowledged, and takes place out of sight from the broader medical school community. This manuscript, based on a two-year practice-based ethnography (Structured Observations n = 68 h, Unstructured Observations n = 150 + hours; Interviews n = 24; and Document/Policy Analysis n = 14) illuminates the complex work of HBD. We identify three primary functions of HBD and CBS (1. Cadaver Intake & Administration, 2. Cadaver Preparation, and 3. Cadaver-Based Pedagogy). We describe how medical educators involved in CBS have developed a skillset specific to their role: negotiating humanity.

Quality Review of Prone Patient Transport Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: This is a retrospective quality review of LifeFlight Nova Scotia's prone patient transport protocol. METHODS: Electronic patient care records were queried for acute respiratory distress syndrome, prone position, proning, supine to prone, and prone to prone between February 2017 and June 2022. Eligible electronic patient care records were reviewed for demographics (sex, age, and weight); method of transports (ambulance, rotor wing, or fixed wing); duration of transports; mechanical ventilation parameters; medication infusions; arterial blood gases; occurrences of mild hypoxemia (any oxygen saturation [SpO2] < 88% or decrease in SpO2 > 5%); hypotension (any episode of MAP < 65 mm Hg); severe hypoxemia (any SpO2 < 80% or decrease in SpO2 > 10%); refractory hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 65 mm Hg not responsive to vasopressor/inotropes); cardiac arrests; and displacement of central lines, arterial lines, and endotracheal tubes. RESULTS: Seventeen prone patients were transported by ambulance, rotor wing, and fixed wing with 4 occurrences of mild hypotension, 4 occurrences of mild hypoxemia, and 1 occurrence of refractory hypotension. CONCLUSION: Interfacility transfer of prone patients by a dedicated critical care team is feasible with minimal adverse occurrences while ensuring patients have access to the specialized lifesaving care they require.

The Lifecycle of a Clinical Cadaver: A Practice-Based Ethnography.

PhenomenonCadavers have long played an important and complex role in medical education. While research on cadaver-based simulation has largely focused on exploring student attitudes and reactions or measuring improvements in procedural performance, the ethical, philosophical, and experiential aspects of teaching and learning with cadavers are rarely discussed. In this paper, we shed new light on the fascinating philosophical moves in which people engage each and every time they find themselves face to face with a cadaver. ApproachOver a two-year period (2018/19-2019/20), we applied ethnographic methods (137 hours of observation, 24 interviews, and the analysis of 22 documents) to shadow the educational cadaver through the practical stages involved in cadaver-based simulation: 1. cadaver preparation, 2. cadaver-based skill practice with physicians and residents, and 3. interment and memorial services. We used Deleuze and Guattari's concepts of becoming and acts of creation to trace the ontological "lifecycle" of an educational cadaver as embedded within everyday work practices. FindingsWe delineated six sub-phases of the lifecycle, through which the cadaver transformed ontologically from person to donor, body, cadaver, educational cadaver, teacher, and loved one/legacy. These shifts involved a network of bureaucratic, technical, educational, and humanistic practices that shaped the way the cadaver was perceived and acted upon at different moments in the lifecycle. By highlighting, at each phase, 1) the ontological transitions of the cadaver, itself, and 2) the practices, events, settings, and people involved in each of these transitions, we explored questions of "being" as it related to the ontological ambiguity of the cadaver: its conceptualization as both person and tool, simultaneously representing life and death. InsightsEngaging deeply with the philosophical questions of cadaver-based simulation (CBS) helped us conceptualize the lifecycle as a series of meaningful and purposeful acts of becoming. Following the cadaver from program entry to interment allowed us to contemplate how its ontological ambiguity shapes every aspect of cadaver-based simulation. We found that in discussions of fidelity in medical simulation, beyond both the physical and functional, it is possible to conceive of a third type: ontological. The humanness of the cadaver makes CBS a unique, irreplaceable, and inherently philosophical, practice.

An in vitro assessment of light intensity provided during direct laryngeal visualization by videolaryngoscopes with Macintosh geometry blades.

BACKGROUND: Adequate illumination of the larynx is needed during laryngoscopy to facilitate tracheal intubation. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established a minimum light intensity for direct laryngoscopy (DL) of over 500 lux for at least ten minutes, but no such standard exists for Macintosh geometry videolaryngoscope (Mac-VL) blades, which allow for both direct or indirect (videoscopic) viewing of the larynx. Using in situ bench and in vitro testing in a human cadaver, we determined illumination and luminance values delivered by various Mac-VLs and compared these with published minimum lighting benchmarks as well as a reference direct laryngoscope. METHODS: We tested six Mac-VLs (i-view™, McGRATH™ MAC, GlideScope® Spectrum™ [single-use] DVM S4, GlideScope® Titanium [reusable] Mac T4, C-MAC® S [single-use] Macintosh #4, C-MAC® [reusable] Macintosh #4) together with one direct laryngoscope (Heine LED). Each laryngoscope was assessed with three measurements, as follows: part 1: illuminance (lux) was measured in situ using a purpose-designed benchtop light intensity measurement apparatus; part 2: luminance (light reflected back to the eye) was measured (in candela m-2 [cd·m-2]) during videolaryngoscopy (VL) and DL in a human cadaver using a spot meter pointed at the interarytenoid notch; part 3: illuminance (lux) was measured during VL and DL in a human cadaver using a light meter surgically implanted just proximal to the vocal cords. RESULTS: Illuminance and luminance varied significantly among the Mac-VLs. Mean (standard devitation) illuminance among the six tested Mac-VLs ranged from 117 (11) to 2,626 (42) lux in the measurement apparatus and from 228 (11) to 2,900 (374) lux by the surgically implanted light meter in the cadaver. All values were less than the reference Heine direct laryngoscope and some fell below the published ISO standard of 500 lux for DL. Luminance testing by spot meter had a similarly wide range, varying from 3.78 (0.60) to 49.1 (10.4) cd·m-2, with some Mac-VLs delivering less luminance than the reference Heine direct laryngoscope. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that illuminance and luminance provided by Mac-VLs used for direct laryngeal viewing varies substantially between devices, with some falling below standards previously suggested as the minimum required for DL. While this may have no implications for the quality of image visible on a device's video monitor, the clinician should be aware that when Mac-VLs are used for direct viewing of the larynx, lighting may not be optimal. This might adversely affect ease or success of tracheal intubation.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: L'éclairage adéquat du larynx est nécessaire pendant la laryngoscopie pour faciliter l'intubation trachéale. Pour la laryngoscopie directe (LD), l'Organisation internationale de normalisation (ISO) a établi une intensité lumineuse minimale de plus de 500 lux pendant au moins dix minutes. Toutefois, il n'existe aucune norme de ce type pour les lames de vidéolaryngoscope à géométrie Macintosh (VL-Mac), qui permettent une visualisation directe ou indirecte (vidéoscopique) du larynx. Par des études en laboratoire et in vitro sur un cadavre humain, nous avons déterminé les valeurs d'éclairage et de luminance fournies par divers VL-Mac et les avons comparées aux valeurs repères d'éclairage minimal publiées ainsi qu'aux valeurs obtenues avec un laryngoscope direct de référence. MéTHODE: Nous avons testé six VL-Mac (i-view™, McGRATH™ MAC, GlideScope® Spectrum™ [à usage unique] DVM S4, GlideScope® Titanium [réutilisable] Mac T4, C-MAC® S [à usage unique] Macintosh #4, et C-MAC® [réutilisable] Macintosh #4) ainsi qu'un laryngoscope direct (Heine LED). Chaque laryngoscope a été évalué avec trois mesures, comme suit : partie 1: l'éclairage (lux) a été mesuré in situ à l'aide d'un appareil spécialement conçu de mesure de l'intensité lumineuse en laboratoire; partie 2 : la luminance (lumière réfléchie vers l'œil) a été mesurée (en candela m-2 [cd·m-2]) pendant la vidéolaryngoscopie (VL) et la LD sur un cadavre humain, à l'aide d'un posemètre pointé vers la commissure interaryténoïdienne; partie 3: l'éclairage (lux) a été mesuré pendant la VL et la LD sur un cadavre humain à l'aide d'un photomètre implanté chirurgicalement juste en amont des cordes vocales. RéSULTATS: L'éclairage et la luminance variaient considérablement entre les VL-Mac. L'éclairage moyen (écart type) parmi les six VL-Mac testés variait de 117 (11) à 2626 (42) lux avec l'appareil de mesure, et de 228 (11) à 2900 (374) lux lorsque mesuré par le photomètre implanté chirurgicalement dans le cadavre. Toutes les valeurs étaient inférieures au laryngoscope direct Heine de référence, et certaines étaient inférieures à la norme ISO publiée de 500 lux pour la LD. Les essais de luminance par posemètre ont rapporté une plage tout aussi large, variant de 3,78 (0,60) à 49,1 (10,4) cd·m-2, certains VL-Mac offrant moins de luminance que le laryngoscope direct Heine de référence. CONCLUSION: Nos résultats indiquent que l'éclairage et la luminance fournis par les VL-Mac utilisés pour la visualisation directe du larynx varient considérablement d'un appareil à l'autre, certains tombant en dessous des normes précédemment suggérées comme minimalement requises pour la LD. Bien que cela puisse n'avoir aucune incidence sur la qualité de l'image visible sur le moniteur vidéo d'un appareil, le clinicien doit être conscient que lorsqu'un VL-Mac est utilisé pour la visualisation directe du larynx, l'éclairage pourrait ne pas être optimal. Cela pourrait nuire à la facilité ou au succès de l'intubation trachéale.

Canadian Airway Focus Group updated consensus-based recommendations for management of the difficult airway: part 1. Difficult airway management encountered in an unconscious patient.

PURPOSE: Since the last Canadian Airway Focus Group (CAFG) guidelines were published in 2013, the literature on airway management has expanded substantially. The CAFG therefore re-convened to examine this literature and update practice recommendations. This first of two articles addresses difficulty encountered with airway management in an unconscious patient. SOURCE: Canadian Airway Focus Group members, including anesthesia, emergency medicine, and critical care physicians, were assigned topics to search. Searches were run in the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL databases. Results were presented to the group and discussed during video conferences every two weeks from April 2018 to July 2020. These CAFG recommendations are based on the best available published evidence. Where high-quality evidence was lacking, statements are based on group consensus. FINDINGS AND KEY RECOMMENDATIONS: Most studies comparing video laryngoscopy (VL) with direct laryngoscopy indicate a higher first attempt and overall success rate with VL, and lower complication rates. Thus, resources allowing, the CAFG now recommends use of VL with appropriately selected blade type to facilitate all tracheal intubations. If a first attempt at tracheal intubation or supraglottic airway (SGA) placement is unsuccessful, further attempts can be made as long as patient ventilation and oxygenation is maintained. Nevertheless, total attempts should be limited (to three or fewer) before declaring failure and pausing to consider "exit strategy" options. For failed intubation, exit strategy options in the still-oxygenated patient include awakening (if feasible), temporizing with an SGA, a single further attempt at tracheal intubation using a different technique, or front-of-neck airway access (FONA). Failure of tracheal intubation, face-mask ventilation, and SGA ventilation together with current or imminent hypoxemia defines a "cannot ventilate, cannot oxygenate" emergency. Neuromuscular blockade should be confirmed or established, and a single final attempt at face-mask ventilation, SGA placement, or tracheal intubation with hyper-angulated blade VL can be made, if it had not already been attempted. If ventilation remains impossible, emergency FONA should occur without delay using a scalpel-bougie-tube technique (in the adult patient). The CAFG recommends all institutions designate an individual as "airway lead" to help institute difficult airway protocols, ensure adequate training and equipment, and help with airway-related quality reviews.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Depuis la dernière publication des lignes directrices du Canadian Airway Focus Group (CAFG) en 2013, la littérature sur la prise en charge des voies aériennes s'est considérablement étoffée. Le CAFG s'est donc réuni à nouveau pour examiner la littérature et mettre à jour ses recommandations de pratique. Ce premier article de deux traite de la prise en charge des voies aériennes difficiles chez un patient inconscient. SOURCES: Des sujets de recherche ont été assignés aux membres du Canadian Airway Focus Group, qui compte des médecins anesthésistes, urgentologues et intensivistes. Les recherches ont été menées dans les bases de données Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials et CINAHL. Les résultats ont été présentés au groupe et discutés lors de vidéoconférences toutes les deux semaines entre avril 2018 et juillet 2020. Les recommandations du CAFG sont fondées sur les meilleures données probantes publiées. Si les données probantes de haute qualité manquaient, les énoncés se fondent alors sur le consensus du groupe. CONSTATATIONS ET RECOMMANDATIONS CLéS: La plupart des études comparant la vidéolaryngoscopie à la laryngoscopie directe indiquent un taux de réussite plus élevé à la première tentative et globalement avec la vidéolaryngoscopie, ainsi que des taux de complication inférieurs. Ainsi, les ressources le permettant, le CAFG recommande dorénavant l'utilisation de vidéolaryngoscopes avec le type de lame convenablement sélectionné pour faciliter toutes les intubations trachéales. En cas d'échec de la première tentative d'intubation trachéale ou d'échec de positionnement du dispositif supraglottique (DSG), d'autres tentatives peuvent être entreprises tant que la ventilation et l'oxygénation du patient le permettent. Néanmoins, le nombre total de tentatives devrait être limité, à trois ou moins, avant de déclarer un échec et de considérer les options de « stratégie de retrait ¼. En cas d'échec de l'intubation, les options de stratégie de retrait chez un patient toujours oxygéné comprennent l'éveil (si possible), la temporisation avec un DSG, une dernière tentative d'intubation trachéale à l'aide d'une technique différente, ou une cricothyroïdotomie. L'échec de l'intubation trachéale, de la ventilation au masque facial et de la ventilation via un DSG accompagné d'une hypoxémie présente ou imminente, définit une urgence « impossible de ventiler, impossible d'oxygéner ¼. Le bloc neuromusculaire doit alors être confirmé ou mis en place, et une tentative finale de ventilation au masque, de positionnement du DSG ou d'intubation trachéale avec une lame de vidéolaryngoscopie hyper-angulée peut être réalisée, si cette approche n'a pas encore été essayée. Si la ventilation demeure impossible, une cricothyroïdotomie d'urgence devrait être réalisée sans délai utilisant une technique de scalpel-bougie-tube (chez le patient adulte). Le CAFG recommande à toutes les institutions de désigner une personne comme « leader des voies aériennes ¼ afin d'assister à la mise en place de protocoles pour les voies aériennes difficiles, d'assurer une formation et un équipement adéquats et d'aider aux examens de la qualité en rapport avec les voies aériennes.

Canadian Airway Focus Group updated consensus-based recommendations for management of the difficult airway: part 2. Planning and implementing safe management of the patient with an anticipated difficult airway.

PURPOSE: Since the last Canadian Airway Focus Group (CAFG) guidelines were published in 2013, the published airway management literature has expanded substantially. The CAFG therefore re-convened to examine this literature and update practice recommendations. This second of two articles addresses airway evaluation, decision-making, and safe implementation of an airway management strategy when difficulty is anticipated. SOURCE: Canadian Airway Focus Group members, including anesthesia, emergency medicine, and critical care physicians were assigned topics to search. Searches were run in the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL databases. Results were presented to the group and discussed during video conferences every two weeks from April 2018 to July 2020. These CAFG recommendations are based on the best available published evidence. Where high-quality evidence is lacking, statements are based on group consensus. FINDINGS AND KEY RECOMMENDATIONS: Prior to airway management, a documented strategy should be formulated for every patient, based on airway evaluation. Bedside examination should seek predictors of difficulty with face-mask ventilation (FMV), tracheal intubation using video- or direct laryngoscopy (VL or DL), supraglottic airway use, as well as emergency front of neck airway access. Patient physiology and contextual issues should also be assessed. Predicted difficulty should prompt careful decision-making on how most safely to proceed with airway management. Awake tracheal intubation may provide an extra margin of safety when impossible VL or DL is predicted, when difficulty is predicted with more than one mode of airway management (e.g., tracheal intubation and FMV), or when predicted difficulty coincides with significant physiologic or contextual issues. If managing the patient after the induction of general anesthesia despite predicted difficulty, team briefing should include triggers for moving from one technique to the next, expert assistance should be sourced, and required equipment should be present. Unanticipated difficulty with airway management can always occur, so the airway manager should have a strategy for difficulty occurring in every patient, and the institution must make difficult airway equipment readily available. Tracheal extubation of the at-risk patient must also be carefully planned, including assessment of the patient's tolerance for withdrawal of airway support and whether re-intubation might be difficult.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Depuis la dernière publication des lignes directrices du Canadian Airway Focus Group (CAFG) en 2013, la littérature sur la prise en charge des voies aériennes s'est considérablement étoffée. Le CAFG s'est donc réuni à nouveau pour examiner la littérature et mettre à jour ses recommandations de pratique. Ce deuxième article traite de l'évaluation des voies aériennes, de la prise de décision et de la mise en œuvre sécuritaire d'une stratégie de prise en charge des voies aériennes lorsque des difficultés sont anticipées. SOURCES: Des sujets de recherche ont été assignés aux membres du Canadian Airway Focus Group, qui compte des médecins anesthésistes, urgentologues et intensivistes. Les recherches ont été réalisées dans les bases de données Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials et CINAHL. Les résultats ont été présentés au groupe et discutés lors de vidéoconférences toutes les deux semaines entre avril 2018 et juillet 2020. Les recommandations du CAFG sont fondées sur les meilleures données probantes publiées. Si les données probantes de haute qualité manquaient, les énoncés se fondent alors sur le consensus du groupe. CONSTATATIONS ET RECOMMANDATIONS CLéS: Avant d'amorcer la prise en charge des voies aériennes, une stratégie documentée devrait être formulée pour chaque patient, en fonction de l'évaluation de ses voies aériennes. L'examen au chevet devrait rechercher les prédicteurs de difficultés pour la ventilation au masque, l'intubation trachéale utilisant la vidéolaryngoscopie ou la laryngoscopie directe, l'utilisation d'un dispositif supraglottique, ainsi que pour la cricothyroïdotomie d'urgence. La physiologie du patient et ses problématiques contextuelles devraient également être évaluées. Les difficultés anticipées devraient inciter à prendre des décisions éclairées sur la façon la plus sécuritaire de procéder à la prise en charge des voies aériennes. L'intubation trachéale éveillée peut procurer une marge de sécurité supplémentaire lorsqu'on s'attend à ce que la vidéolaryngoscopie ou la laryngoscopie directe soient impossibles, lorsqu'on prévoit des difficultés pour plus d'un mode de prise en charge des voies aériennes (p. ex., intubation trachéale et ventilation au masque), ou lorsque la difficulté prévue coïncide avec des problèmes physiologiques ou contextuels importants. En cas de choix de prise en charge des voies respiratoires du patient après induction de l'anesthésie générale malgré les difficultés prévues, les directives à l'équipe devraient inclure les déclencheurs pour passer d'une technique à l'autre, l'aide d'experts disponibles et l'équipement requis disponible. Des difficultés imprévues lors de la prise en charge des voies aériennes peuvent toujours survenir, de sorte que la personne responsable de la prise en charge des voies aériennes devrait avoir une stratégie pour chaque patient, et l'établissement doit rendre facilement disponible le matériel pour la prise en charge des voies aériennes difficiles. L'extubation trachéale du patient à risque doit également être soigneusement planifiée, y compris l'évaluation de la tolérance du patient lors du retrait du dispositif de soutien des voies aériennes et d'une ré-intubation potentiellement difficile.

The videoscopic view may not be significantly superior to the directly sighted peroral view during Macintosh-style videolaryngoscopy: a randomized equivalence cadaver trial.

PURPOSE: Videolaryngoscopy is widely believed to give a superior view to that obtained by direct laryngoscopy. Published literature suggests this benefit extends to both hyper-angulated and Macintosh-style videolaryngoscopes. Notwithstanding, our clinical experience shows that the videoscopic view with a Macintosh-style videolaryngoscope is often no different or only marginally better than the directly sighted peroral view. METHODS: A human cadaver equivalence study was performed in which four experienced laryngoscopists obtained pre-assigned laryngeal views by direct sighting using the single-use Macintosh blades of the GlideScope® Spectrum™ (GS) DirectView Macintosh (DVM) and C-MAC®S videolaryngoscopes. Blinded to the laryngoscopist's view, two independent observers rated the videoscopic view presented on the proximal video monitor at the same time. Directly sighted and videoscopic views obtained by the laryngoscopist and video scorers were recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) for each device as the primary outcome measures and compared. RESULTS: On the VAS, the C-MAC®S videoscopic view revealed only approximately 0.9% more (99% confidence interval [CI], -2.5% to 4.3%) of the laryngeal inlet than the directly sighted view. Using GS DVM, the videoscopic view revealed 6.7% (99% CI, 2.3% to 11.0%) more of the laryngeal inlet than the directly sighted view. Although results for the GS DVM achieved statistical significance, neither device gave a clinically significantly improved videoscopic view compared with the directly sighted peroral view. CONCLUSION: This study failed to corroborate previously published findings of a clinically significantly improved videoscopic view compared with direct peroral sighting using Macintosh-style videolaryngoscopes. Further study of this class of device is warranted in human subjects.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La vidéolaryngoscopie est considérée par beaucoup comme une modalité offrant une visualisation supérieure à celle obtenue par laryngoscopie directe. Selon la littérature publiée, cet avantage s'étendrait tant aux vidéolaryngoscopes hyper-angulés qu'aux vidéolaryngoscopes de style Macintosh. Ceci dit, notre expérience clinique montre que la visualisation par vidéoscopie obtenue à l'aide d'un vidéolaryngoscope de style Macintosh est souvent similaire ou seulement légèrement meilleure à une visualisation per-orale directe. MéTHODE: Une étude d'équivalence sur cadavre humain a été réalisée dans laquelle quatre opérateursexpérimentés en laryngoscopies ont obtenu des vues laryngées pré-assignées par visualisation directe à l'aide de lames de Macintosh à usage unique avec unDirectView Macintosh (DVM) GlideScope® Spectrum™ (GS) et un vidéolaryngoscope C-MAC®S. Sans avoir accès à la visualisation de l'opérateur, deux observateurs indépendants ont simultanémentévalué la visualisation vidéoscopique présentée sur le moniteur vidéo proximal. Les visualisations directes et vidéoscopiques obtenues par l'opérateur et les évaluateurs des vidéos ont été enregistrées sur une échelle visuelle analogique (EVA) pour chaque dispositif en tant que critère d'évaluation principal, puis comparées. RéSULTATS: Sur l'EVA, la visualisation vidéoscopique obtenue avec le C-MAC®S n'a montré qu'approximativement 0,9 % de plus (intervalle de confiance [IC] 99 %, -2,5 % à 4,3 %) de l'orifice laryngé que la visualisation directe. Avec le GS DVM, la visualisation vidéoscopique a révélé 6,7 % (IC 99 %, 2,3 % à 11,0 %) de plus de l'orifice laryngé que la visualisation directe. Bien que les résultats obtenus avec le GS DVM aient atteint une signification statistique, aucun dispositif n'a permis d'obtenir une visualisation vidéoscopique significativement améliorée d'un point de vue clinique par rapport à la visualisation per-orale directe. CONCLUSION: Cette étude n'est pas parvenue à corroborer les résultats précédemment publiés d'une visualisation vidéoscopique améliorée et cliniquement significative avec les vidéolaryngoscopes de style Macintosh par rapport à une visualisation per-orale directe. Des recherches supplémentaires sur cette classe de dispositifs sont nécessaires chez des sujets humains.

Transport of a Prone Position Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Patient.

We report the case of a non-physician based critical care transport team (registered nurse and paramedic) that successfully initiated prone positioning of a severe acute respiratory distress patient prior to transport to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation capable teaching hospital. With the increasing use of advanced treatments such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, prone positioning, and continuous renal replacement therapy for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the necessity to transport these patients to specialized hospitals will correspondingly increase. Emergency Health Services Life Flight, the primary critical care transport program in Eastern Canada, developed a prone position protocol to meet this clinical need. Since the implementation of the protocol, we have successfully initiated prone positioning of 2 patients with ARDS before transport to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation- and continuous renal replacement therapy-capable teaching hospital. This represents the first report of a nonphysician (registered nurse and paramedic) critical care team initiating prone positioning before transport. Consent for publication was only obtained in the second case, which we present here.

A deliberately restricted laryngeal view with the GlideScope® video laryngoscope is associated with faster and easier tracheal intubation when compared with a full glottic view: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: During video laryngoscopy (VL) with angulated or hyper-curved blades, it is sometimes difficult to complete tracheal intubation despite a full view of the larynx. When using indirect VL, it has been suggested that it may be preferable to obtain a deliberately restricted view of the larynx to facilitate passage of the endotracheal tube. We used the GlideScope® GVL video laryngoscope (GVL) to test whether deliberately obtaining a restricted view would result in faster and easier tracheal intubation than with a full view of the larynx. METHODS: We recruited 163 elective surgical patients and randomly allocated the participants to one of two groups: Group F, where a full view of the larynx was obtained and held during GVL-facilitated tracheal intubation, and Group R, with a restricted view of the larynx (< 50% of glottic opening visible). Study investigators experienced in indirect VL performed the intubations. The intubations were recorded and the video recordings were subsequently assessed for total time to intubation, ease of intubation using a visual analogue scale (VAS; where 0 = easy and 100 = difficult), first-attempt success rate, and oxygen saturation after intubation. Complications were also assessed. RESULTS: The median [interquartile range (IQR)] time to intubation was faster in Group R than in Group F (27 [22-36] sec vs 36 [27-48] sec, respectively; median difference, 9 sec; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5 to 13; P < 0.001). The median [IQR] VAS rating for ease of intubation was also better in Group R than in Group F (14 [6-42) mm vs 50 mm [17-65], respectively; median difference, 20 mm; 95% CI, 10 to 31; P < 0.001). There was no difference between groups regarding the first-attempt success rate, oxygen saturation immediately after intubation, or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Using the GVL with a deliberately restricted view of the larynx resulted in faster and easier tracheal intubation than with a full view and with no additional complications. Our study suggests that obtaining a full or Cormack-Lehane grade 1 view may not be desirable when using the GVL. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02144207.

Use of a Flexible Intubating Scope in Combination with a Channeled Video Laryngoscope for Managing a Difficult Airway in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Difficulty with intubation is not uncommon in the emergency setting. Video laryngoscopes (VLs) are commonly used to manage the difficult airway in the emergency department (ED). Intubation using a flexible bronchoscope, while considered the gold standard for managing the anticipated difficult airway in the operating room, is not commonly used in the ED. CASE: We present a case describing VL-assisted flexible scope intubation performed in the ED as a novel feasible approach to managing the difficult airway. A 65-year-old male, post cardiac arrest, with multiple unsuccessful attempts at prehospital intubation had rapid sequence intubation (RSI) performed and, despite obtaining a view with a King Vision™ VL, the skilled operator was unable to advance the endotracheal tube (ETT). An Ambu™ aScope3 flexible intubating scope (FIS) was placed through the ETT loaded in the channel of the King Vision and advanced through the cords to a position proximal to the carina. The ETT was then advanced easily over the FIS and down the trachea. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Although video laryngoscopy is commonly used in the ED, intubation can prove difficult, despite having an adequate view of the glottis. Use of an FIS, however, through a channeled VL makes navigation of the ETT easier and facilitates tube advancement, which can be difficult with VL. Channeled VL-assisted use of an FIS is a viable option for managing the difficult airway.

Comparison of the king vision video laryngoscope with the macintosh laryngoscope.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure in the emergency department, and new devices may improve intubation time, success, or view. OBJECTIVE: We compared the King Vision video laryngoscope (KVVL; King Systems, Noblesville, IN) to the Macintosh direct laryngoscope (DL) in simulated normal and difficult airways. METHODS: Using manikins and clinical-grade cadavers, difficult airway scenarios were simulated using head movement restriction or a cervical spine collar. Four scenarios were studied using the KVVL and DL: normal manikin airway, difficult manikin airway, normal cadaver airway, and difficult cadaver airway. Primary outcomes were time to intubation and rate of successful intubation. Secondary outcomes were the percent of glottic opening and Cormack-Lehane grade visualized. RESULTS: Thirty-two paramedics participated in the study. In the normal manikin airway scenario, time to intubation was 3.4 s (99% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-6.6) faster with the KVVL compared with DL. Time to intubation was 11.3 s (99% CI 2.4-20.2) faster with the KVVL in the difficult cadaver airway scenario. There was no difference in time to intubation in the other 2 scenarios. In the difficult cadaver airway, 10 of 32 participants failed to successfully intubate the trachea using DL, whereas all KVVL intubations were successful. All scenarios found a lower Cormack-Lehane grade and higher percentage of glottic opening with the KVVL compared to DL. CONCLUSION: The KVVL was slightly faster than Macintosh DL in two of four studied airway scenarios, and had a higher success rate in the difficult cadaver airway scenario. Further study is required in the clinical setting.

Tracheal intubation in critically ill adults with a physiologically difficult airway. An international Delphi study.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to provide consensus and expert clinical practice statements related to airway management in critically ill adults with a physiologically difficult airway (PDA). METHODS: An international Steering Committee involving seven intensivists and one Delphi methodology expert was convened by the Society of Critical Care Anaesthesiologists (SOCCA) Physiologically Difficult Airway Task Force. The committee selected an international panel of 35 expert clinician-researchers with expertise in airway management in critically ill adults. A Delphi process based on an iterative approach was used to obtain the final consensus statements. RESULTS: The Delphi process included seven survey rounds. A stable consensus was achieved for 53 (87%) out of 61 statements. The experts agreed that in addition to pathophysiological conditions, physiological alterations associated with pregnancy and obesity also constitute a physiologically difficult airway. They suggested having an intubation team consisting of at least three healthcare providers including two airway operators, implementing an appropriately designed checklist, and optimizing hemodynamics prior to tracheal intubation. Similarly, the experts agreed on the head elevated laryngoscopic position, routine use of videolaryngoscopy during the first attempt, preoxygenation with non-invasive ventilation, careful mask ventilation during the apneic phase, and attention to cardiorespiratory status for post-intubation care. CONCLUSION: Using a Delphi method, agreement among a panel of international experts was reached for 53 statements providing guidance to clinicians worldwide on safe tracheal intubation practices in patients with a physiologically difficult airway to help improve patient outcomes. Well-designed studies are needed to assess the effects of these practice statements and address the remaining uncertainties.

The difficult airway with recommendations for management--part 2--the anticipated difficult airway.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate planning is crucial to avoid morbidity and mortality when difficulty is anticipated with airway management. Many guidelines developed by national societies have focused on management of difficulty encountered in the unconscious patient; however, little guidance appears in the literature on how best to approach the patient with an anticipated difficult airway. METHODS: To review this and other subjects, the Canadian Airway Focus Group (CAFG) was re-formed. With representation from anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and critical care, CAFG members were assigned topics for review. As literature reviews were completed, results were presented and discussed during teleconferences and two face-to-face meetings. When appropriate, evidence- or consensus-based recommendations were made, and levels of evidence were assigned. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Previously published predictors of difficult direct laryngoscopy are widely known. More recent studies report predictors of difficult face mask ventilation, video laryngoscopy, use of a supraglottic device, and cricothyrotomy. All are important facets of a complete airway evaluation and must be considered when difficulty is anticipated with airway management. Many studies now document the increasing patient morbidity that occurs with multiple attempts at tracheal intubation. Therefore, when difficulty is anticipated, tracheal intubation after induction of general anesthesia should be considered only when success with the chosen device(s) can be predicted in a maximum of three attempts. Concomitant predicted difficulty using oxygenation by face mask or supraglottic device ventilation as a fallback makes an awake approach advisable. Contextual issues, such as patient cooperation, availability of additional skilled help, and the clinician's experience, must also be considered in deciding the appropriate strategy. CONCLUSIONS: With an appropriate airway evaluation and consideration of relevant contextual issues, a rational decision can be made on whether an awake approach to tracheal intubation will maximize patient safety or if airway management can safely proceed after induction of general anesthesia. With predicted difficulty, close attention should be paid to details of implementing the chosen approach. This should include having a plan in case of the failure of tracheal intubation or patient oxygenation.

The difficult airway with recommendations for management--part 1--difficult tracheal intubation encountered in an unconscious/induced patient.

BACKGROUND: Previously active in the mid-1990s, the Canadian Airway Focus Group (CAFG) studied the unanticipated difficult airway and made recommendations on management in a 1998 publication. The CAFG has since reconvened to examine more recent scientific literature on airway management. The Focus Group's mandate for this article was to arrive at updated practice recommendations for management of the unconscious/induced patient in whom difficult or failed tracheal intubation is encountered. METHODS: Nineteen clinicians with backgrounds in anesthesia, emergency medicine, and intensive care joined this iteration of the CAFG. Each member was assigned topics and conducted reviews of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Results were presented and discussed during multiple teleconferences and two face-to-face meetings. When appropriate, evidence- or consensus-based recommendations were made together with assigned levels of evidence modelled after previously published criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The clinician must be aware of the potential for harm to the patient that can occur with multiple attempts at tracheal intubation. This likelihood can be minimized by moving early from an unsuccessful primary intubation technique to an alternative "Plan B" technique if oxygenation by face mask or ventilation using a supraglottic device is non-problematic. Irrespective of the technique(s) used, failure to achieve successful tracheal intubation in a maximum of three attempts defines failed tracheal intubation and signals the need to engage an exit strategy. Failure to oxygenate by face mask or supraglottic device ventilation occurring in conjunction with failed tracheal intubation defines a failed oxygenation, "cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate" situation. Cricothyrotomy must then be undertaken without delay, although if not already tried, an expedited and concurrent attempt can be made to place a supraglottic device.

Preventing unrecognized esophageal intubation in the emergency department.

Tracheal intubation is a commonly performed procedure on critically ill patients in the emergency department. It is associated with many serious complications, one of the most dangerous being unrecognized esophageal intubation, which can result in anoxic brain injury, cardiac arrest, or death. It is the responsibility of the emergency physician to do everything possible to avoid this devastating complication. Preventing unrecognized esophageal intubation requires a two-pronged approach. First, the inadvertent placement of intended tracheal tubes into the esophagus must be reduced as much as is humanly possible. This can be achieved with the routine use of video laryngoscopes for emergency department intubations. Numerous studies have demonstrated that use of video laryngoscopes can significantly reduce the occurrence of esophageal intubation, presumably by providing an improved view of the larynx. Second, if an esophageal intubation inadvertently occurs, it must be rapidly identified and appropriately addressed. The cornerstone of rapid identification is the use of continuous waveform capnography to detect exhaled carbon dioxide. Capnography has been shown to be the most accurate method to determine tube placement after intubation. Standard clinical examinations, for example, auscultation of breath sounds, visualization of chest excursion, and observation of condensation in the tube, have all been demonstrated in studies to be unreliable and thus should not be used to exclude esophageal intubation. Recently, the Project for Universal Management of Airways, an international collaborative of airway experts from anesthesiology, critical care and emergency medicine, published evidence-based guidelines to specifically address the issue of preventing unrecognized esophageal intubation. These guidelines, which have received endorsement from several prominent airway societies, including the Society for Airway Management, the Difficult Airway Society, and the European Airway Management Society, will be briefly discussed in this review.