Analysis of pre-admission risk factors for unplanned reintubation in geriatric trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: Reintubation in unplanned scenarios, carries inherent risks and potential complications particularly in vulnerable populations such as geriatric trauma patients. We sought to identify preadmission risk factors for unplanned re-intubation (URI) in geriatric trauma patients and its effects on outcomes. METHODS: Analysis of TQIP (2017-2019) of intubated geriatric trauma patients, classified into two groups, those who were successfully extubated and those who required URI. We used logistic regression to assess for preadmission risk factors of URI. RESULTS: Among 23,572 patients, 20.2 â€‹% underwent URI. URI had higher mortality (13.7%vs.8.1 â€‹%, p â€‹< â€‹0.001), in-hospital complications (p â€‹< â€‹0.05), longer hospital and ICU LOS (p â€‹< â€‹0.001 for both). Higher age (OR â€‹= â€‹1.017), smoking (OR â€‹= â€‹1.418), CRF(OR â€‹= â€‹1.414), COPD (OR â€‹= â€‹1.410), alcohol use (OR â€‹= â€‹1.365), functionally dependent health status (OR â€‹= â€‹1.339), and anticoagulant use (OR â€‹= â€‹1.148), increased the risks of URI (p â€‹< â€‹0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients with comorbidities including age, smoking, CRF, COPD, alcohol use, dependent status, and anticoagulant use are at higher risks of URI that could in turn, be associated with increased rates of mortality, complications, and longer hospital and ICU length of stay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III retrospective study.

Optimization of manual ventilation quality using respiratory function monitoring in neonates: a two-phase intervention trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is the evaluation of the impact of a respiratory function monitor (RFM, Neo100, Monivent AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) on the quality of ventilation in neonates. METHODS: This single-center two-phase intervention study was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the delivery room of the Medical University of Vienna. Patients with clinical need for positive pressure ventilation were included in either of two consecutive study phases: (i) patients were ventilated with a hidden RFM (control) or (ii) visible RFM (intervention) during manual positive pressure ventilations. The duration of each phase was approximately six months. The primary outcome was the percentage of ventilations within a tidal volume range of 4-8 ml/kg (pVTe). RESULTS: A total of 90 patients (GA 22-66 weeks) were included. The primary outcome was significantly higher in the intervention group with a visible RFM (53.7%, SD 22.6) than in the control group without the monitor (37.3%, SD 20.5); (p<0.001, mean difference [i.e., change in percentage points]: 16,95% CI: 7.4-35). In terms of secondary outcomes, excessive tidal volumes (>8ml/kg), previously associated with an increased risk of brain injury, could be significantly reduced when a RFM was visible during ventilation (10.9% [IQR 26.4] vs. 29.5% [IQR 38.1]; p=0.004). Furthermore, mask leakage could be significantly decreased (37.3% [SD 22.7] vs. 52.7% [SD 23.0]; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the clinical application of a RFM for manual ventilation of preterm and term infants leads to a significant improvement in ventilation parameters.

Prospective development and validation of a universal classification for paediatric videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation: the PeDiAC score.

BACKGROUND: The VIDIAC score, a prospectively developed universal classification for videolaryngoscopy, has shown excellent diagnostic performance in adults. However, there is no reliable classification system for videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in children. We aimed to develop and validate a multivariable logistic regression model and easy-to-use score to classify difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in children and to compare it with the Cormack and Lehane classification. A secondary aim was to externally validate the VIDIAC score in children. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study within a structured universal videolaryngoscopy implementation programme. We used C-MAC™ videolaryngoscopes in all children undergoing tracheal intubation for elective surgical procedures. We validated the VIDIAC score externally and assessed its performance. We then identified eligible co-variables for inclusion in the PeDiAC score, developed a multivariable logistic regression model and compared its performance against the Cormack and Lehane classification. RESULTS: We studied 809 children undergoing 904 episodes of tracheal intubation. The VIDIAC score outperformed the Cormack and Lehane classification when classifying the difficulty of videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95%CI 0.73-0.87) vs. 0.69 (95%CI 0.62-0.76), respectively, p = 0.018. Eight eligible tracheal intubation-related factors, that were selected by 100-times repeated 10-fold cross-validated least absolute shrinkage selector operator regression, were used to develop the PeDiAC model. The PeDiAC model and score showed excellent diagnostic performance and model calibration. The PeDiAC score achieved significantly better diagnostic performance than the Cormack and Lehane classification, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97 (95%CI 0.96-0.99) vs. 0.69 (95%CI 0.62-0.76), respectively, p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: We developed and validated a specifically tailored classification for paediatric videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation with excellent diagnostic performance and calibration that outperformed the Cormack and Lehane classification.

Comparison of dental force applied during endotracheal intubation with hyper-angulated and macintosh-type video laryngoscopy blades used by emergency medicine trainees: A randomized cross-over manikin study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the effects of Macintosh-type and hyperangulated video laryngoscopy (VL) blades on dental force during endotracheal intubation (ETI) using Glidescope and McGrath VL devices. METHODS: In this randomized, crossover, manikin study conducted at a university emergency medicine (EM) program, 65 EM trainees included interns and residents performed 520 intubations using four different VL blades (GlideScope VL with Macintosh-type Mac T3 and hyperangular Lo Pro T3 blades and McGrath VL Macintosh-type MAC 4 and hyperangular McGrath X3 blades) in normal and difficult airway scenarios. The primary outcome of this study was the dental pressure (Newton) exerted during ETI. The secondary outcomes included c-spine motion (degree), intubation success (%), duration (seconds), successful glottic view (%), and intubator comfort (7-point Likert). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in dental force (H(3) = 11.7, P = 0.008), c-spine motion (H(3) = 8.34, P = 0.039), duration (H(3) = 16.56, P = 0.001), and comfort (H(3) = 174.96, P < 0.001) across blade types. Glidescope LoPro T3 provided a significant lower dental force (adjusted P = 0.01), less c-spine motion (adjusted P = 0.031), and shorter intubation duration (adj P < 0.01) than the McGrath Mac 4. First attempt success and intubator comfort were significantly better with all Glidescope blades (z score of 3.7 and 4.7) than with McGrath blades (z score of-4.1 and-4.4). CONCLUSION: The Glidescope LoPro T3 blade demonstrated advantages in dental force, c-spine motion, and intubation duration compared with McGrath Mac 4. Overall, the Glidescope blades provided superior comfort and higher first attempt success rates.

Comparison of the Magnesium Sulphate With Paracetamol Combination vs the Fentanyl With Lignocaine Combination in Attenuating the Hemodynamic Response During Laryngoscopy and Intubation: A Prospective, Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Study.

Background and aims Laryngoscopy and intubation cause an increased sympatho-adrenergic pressor response, which can be detrimental to patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, etc. Various drugs and manoeuvres have been tried to reduce the pressor response with acceptable results but the quest for the ideal drug still continues. Hence, we planned to compare the effects of magnesium sulfate with paracetamol and fentanyl with lignocaine on attenuating the hemodynamic responses due to direct laryngoscopy and intubation and to note the complications of these drugs. Methods We studied 60 adult patients of the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II of either sex, scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received 25 mg/kg magnesium sulphate mixed with paracetamol 1 gram IV (100 ml) given over 10 minutes before induction and Group B received 2 mcg/kg fentanyl and 1.5 mg/kg lignocaine, 3 minutes before intubation. All patients were uniformly pre-medicated, induced, and intubated as per standard protocol. Heart rate (HR) and systemic arterial pressures were recorded at baseline, after study drug infusion, after induction, and 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 mins after intubation. Hemodynamic parameters were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). In the post-hoc tests, p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results We observed the mean pre-op HR (p = 0.161) and mean HR one-minute post-induction (p = 0.144). The percentage change from baseline at one-minute post-induction was 9.7 in Group A and 15.2 in Group B. We observed the mean pre-op mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p = 0.119) and mean MAP one minute post-induction (p = 0.585). The percentage change from baseline at one-minute post-induction was 3.3 in Group A and 2.8 in Group B. The percentage change from baseline was found to be within 15%, for HR in Group A and for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and MAP in Group B. However, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between the mean HR, SBP, DBP, and MAP between the time points. Conclusion In our study, both the combinations of drugs, magnesium sulphate with paracetamol (Group A drugs) and fentanyl with lignocaine (Group B drugs) were found to be equally effective (i.e. neither group was superior to the other) in attenuating the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation.

The effects of laryngeal mask versus endotracheal tube on atelectasis after general anesthesia induction assessed by lung ultrasound: A randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the impact of Supreme™ laryngeal masks versus endotracheal tubes on atelectasis during general anesthesia using lung ultrasound (LUS), and provide evidence for respiratory management. DESIGN: A single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted. SETTING: The study was conducted in both the operating room and the post-anesthesia care unit, with follow-up assessments performed in the ward. PATIENTS: Enrollment included 180 cases undergoing non-laparoscopic surgeries in gynecology, urology, and orthopedic limb surgeries. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to the endotracheal intubation or laryngeal mask group. MEASUREMENTS: LUS scores were recorded across 12 lung regions at baseline, 15 min after airway establishment, at the end of surgery, and 30 min following airway removal. Outcome measures encompassed the oxygenation index, dynamic lung compliance, incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, throat pain, and other postoperative complications assessed at 24 and 48 h postoperatively. The primary outcome focused on the LUS score in all 12 lung regions at 15 min after airway establishment. MAIN RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analysis of 177 subjects revealed endotracheal intubation led to significantly higher LUS scores at 15 min {P < 0.001, mean difference 4.15 ± 0.60, 95% CI [2.97, 5.33]}, end of surgery (P < 0.001, mean difference 3.37 ± 0.68, 95% CI [2.02, 4.72]), and 30 min post-removal (P < 0.001, mean difference 2.63 ± 0.48, 95% CI [1.68, 3.58]). No major complications occurred in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to endotracheal intubation, laryngeal masks effectively reduce atelectasis formation and progression in gynecological, urological non-laparoscopic, and orthopedic limb surgeries. However, caution is warranted when generalizing these findings to surgeries with a higher risk of laryngeal mask leakage or obese patients. Additionally, the efficacy of laryngeal masks in reducing postoperative atelectasis remains uncertain when comprehensive monitoring of muscle relaxation and reversal therapy is employed.

[Indications and success rate of endotracheal emergency intubation in clinical acute and emergency medicine]. / Indikationen und Erfolgsrate der endotrachealen Notfallintubation in der klinischen Akut- und Notfallmedizin.

BACKGROUND: Securing the airway in the emergency department (ED) is a high-stakes procedure; however, the primary success and complication rate are largely unknown in Germany. The aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected resuscitation room data for endotracheal intubation (ETI) regarding indications, performance and complications. METHOD: Between 1 January 2020 and 30 June 2023 all ETIs conducted in the ED (Kliniken Maria Hilf, Moenchengladbach, Germany) were analyzed following approval by the ethics committee (EK 23-369). Primary intubations performed by the anesthesiology department were excluded. The core medical team of the ED underwent a six-week training program including a two-week anesthesia rotation prior to performing ETI in the ED. There were standard operating procedures (SOP) for both rapid sequence induction (RSI) and airway exchange with a placed laryngeal tube (LT) utilizing video laryngoscopy (C-Mac, Storz), rocuronium for relaxation and primary intubation with an elastic bougie. The primary success rate, overall success rate and intubation-related complications were analyzed. Additionally, the factor of consultant ED staff and residents was evaluated with respect to the primary success rate. RESULTS: During the study period 499 patients were intubated by the core ED team and 28 patients underwent airway exchange from LT to ETI. Primary success could be achieved in 489/499 (98.0%) ETI and in 25/28 (89.3%) LT exchange patients. Surgically achieved securing of the airway was carried out in 5/527 (0.9%) patients in a cannot intubate situation and 11/527 (2.2%) patients suffered cardiac arrest minutes after the ETI. The overall first pass success rate of endotracheal tube placement was 514/527 (97.4%). The comparison of the primary success of consultants (168/175; 96.0%) vs. residents 320/325 (98.5%) yielded no significant differences (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: In clinical acute and emergency medicine, a standardized approach utilizing video laryngoscopy and a bougie following a structured training concept, can achieve an above-average high primary success rate with simultaneous low severe complications in the high-risk collective of critically ill emergency patients in an intrahospital setting.

Comparison of two different positions of an anaesthesiologist for ease of endotracheal intubation in adult patients: A randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Maintaining the airway with a cuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) in the trachea remains one of the most essential anaesthesia skills. Many parameters were described to assess the difficulty of intubation in the preoperative period, but none allow the prediction of all difficult intubations. The correct posture of the anaesthesiologist is also an important factor for successful endotracheal intubation. The aim of this study was. This study aimed to compare the impact of two different positions of an anaesthesiologist (sitting vs. standing) at the time of endotracheal intubation. METHODS: One hundred ten American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I/II patients, aged between 17 to 65 years, Mallampati grade I/II, mouth opening 39-70 mm, thyromental distance (TMD) 6-6.5 cm, and sternomental distance (SMD) >13 cm, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups; Group I consisted of patients who underwent endotracheal intubation by an anaesthesiologist in a sitting posture, while Group II encompassed patients who underwent endotracheal intubation by anaesthesiologists in a standing posture. Assessment parameters include ease of intubation (IDS score), intubation time, intubation success rate, number of attempts, grade of laryngoscopy (Cormack Lehane score, POGO score), and complications like tooth and soft tissue damage. RESULTS: The ease of intubation was higher in group I, 1(0-1), than in group II, 1(1-2) (p = 0.02), and there was a significant difference between the two groups. The Cormack Lehane grade (CL) was I/IIa/IIb/III in 19/23/13/0 in group I and I/IIa/IIb/III in 13/21/18/3 in group II. The first-attempt intubation success rate for groups I and II was 94.54 % and 92.72 % respectively. CONCLUSION: The sitting posture of an anaesthesiologist at the time of laryngoscopy provides a better intubating condition when compared with the standing posture. REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry - India (CTRI) CTRI/2023/03/050371.

Ultrasonographic Assessment of Diaphragm Function to Predict Need for Mechanical Ventilation and its Liberation in Patients with Neuromuscular Disorders: An Observational Cohort Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Management of assisted ventilation and determining the optimal timing for discontinuation presents a significant clinical obstacle in patients affected by neuromuscular (NM) diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound in appraising diaphragmatic function for predicting the necessity of intubation and determining the opportune moment to discontinue mechanical ventilation (MV) in patients with NM disorders. METHODS: The study was conducted in adult patients with NM diseases requiring inpatient care in the high-dependency neurology ward and the intensive care unit. Ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic excursion (DE) and diaphragmatic thickness fraction (DTF) was conducted at the patient's bedside every 48 h for ventilated patients and every 72 h for nonventilated patients until they were weaned from the ventilator or discharged home. Qualitative data are expressed as percentages or numbers, and quantitative data are represented as mean ± standard deviation. Unpaired t-tests were employed to compare continuous variables, and χ2 tests were used for categorical variables. Contingency table analysis was used to compute relative risks in comparing the baseline DE and DTF with the sequential changes in these values. RESULTS: In cases in which the baseline left DE measured less than 1 cm, the relative risk for the requirement of ventilation was 2.5 times higher, with a confidence interval of 0.62-0.99 (P = 0.19). Notably, a bilateral reduction in DE within the initial 48 h of admission was identified as predictive of need for intubation. When comparing ventilated and nonventilated patients, it was observed that the mean DE values for the left and right sides in ventilated patients (0.74 and 0.79) were significantly lower than those in nonventilated patients (1.3 and 1.66), with corresponding P values of 0.05 and 0.01, respectively. Furthermore, a decline in right DE by more than 50% within 72 h of admission presented a relative risk of 3.3 for the necessity of ventilation, with a confidence interval of 1.29-8.59 (P = 0.01). Duration of ventilation ranged from 2 to 45 days, with an average of 13.14 days, whereas the mean ventilator-free days recorded was 13.57. Notably, a sequential increase in bilateral DE correlated with an extended duration of ventilator-free days. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a baseline left DE of less than 1 cm, a consecutive decrease in DE measurements within 48 h, and a comparative reduction in right DE of more than 50% within the initial 3 days are indicators associated with the requirement for MV in patients with NM disease. Furthermore, the upward trajectory of DE in mechanically ventilated patients is linked to an increased number of days free from ventilator support, suggesting its potential to forecast earlier weaning.

Outcomes of delayed tracheostomy among intubated patients during the coronavirus disease pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory distress and failure is a complication of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and tracheostomy may be necessary in cases of prolonged intubation in order to reduce mechanical ventilation duration. However, according to the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines, which our institution applies, patients should not undergo tracheostomy unless cleared of the virus to reduce its spread among healthcare workers because tracheostomy is an aerosolized procedure. This study aimed to identify the outcomes of prolonged intubation in patients with and without COVID-19 who underwent tracheostomy and to determine the morbidity and mortality rates in both groups. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit of King Fahad Hospital of the University, Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, between March 1 and October 31, 2020. This study compared and analyzed the outcomes of delayed tracheostomy in patients with and without COVID-19 in terms of complication, morbidity, and mortality rates. RESULTS: Of the 228 study participants, 111 (48.68%) had COVID-19. The mean age of the study participants was 58.67 years (SD = 17.36, max.=93, min.=20), and the majority were males (n = 149, 65.35%). Regarding tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19, 11 (9.91%) patients underwent tracheostomy; however, four (36.36%) of them had prolonged intubation. The mean intensive care unit admission length of stay for tracheostomy patients was 37.17 days, while it was 12.09 days for patients without tracheostomy (t(226)=-9.32, p < 0.001). Regarding prolonged intubation among patients with COVID-19 (n = 7, 6.31%), the complications were as follows: six people (85.71%) had dysphonia, one (14.29%) had vocal cord granuloma, and two (28.57%) had subglottic tracheal stenosis. The mortality rate among our study participants was 51.32%, and the risk was significantly higher in older people (Odds ratio = 1.04, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.02-1.06) and in delayed tracheostomy cases (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.31-6.63). However, COVID-19 status was not significantly related to the risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Delaying tracheostomy increases the risk of mortality. Therefore, we recommend weighing the risks and benefits for each patient to benefit both healthcare workers and patients with COVID-19.

Ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block: a randomized comparison between parasagittal and transverse approach.

BACKGROUND: Different approach ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block was used to aid awake intubation, but little is known which approach was superior. We aimed to compare the parasagittal and transverse approaches for ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block in adult patients undergoing awake intubation. METHODS: Fifty patients with awake orotracheal intubation were randomized to receive either a parasagittal or transverse ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal nerve block. The primary outcome was patient's quality of airway anesthesia grade during insertion of the tube into the trachea. The patients' tube tolerance score after intubation, total procedure time, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, Ramsay sedation score at each time point, incidence of sore throat both 1 h and 24 h after extubation, and hoarseness before intubation, 1 h and 24 h after extubation were documented. RESULTS: Patients' quality of airway anesthesia was significantly better in the parasagittal group than in the transverse group (median grade[IQR], 0 [0-1] vs. 1 [0-1], P = 0.036). Patients in the parasagittal approach group had better tube tolerance scores (median score [IQR],1[1-1] vs. 1 [1-1.5], P = 0.042) and shorter total procedure time (median time [IQR], 113 s [98.5-125.5] vs. 188 s [149.5-260], P < 0.001) than those in the transverse approach group. The incidence of sore throat 24 h after extubation was lower in the parasagittal group (8% vs. 36%, P = 0.041). Hoarseness occurred in more than half of the patients in parasagittal group before intubation (72% vs. 40%, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the transverse approach, the ultrasound-guided parasagittal approach showed improved efficacy in terms of the quality of airway topical anesthesia and shorter total procedure time for superior laryngeal nerve block. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This prospective, randomized controlled trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Nanjing First Hospital (KY20220425-014) and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (19/6/2022, ChiCTR2200061287) prior to patient enrollment. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants in this trial.

Pilot multicenter study to determine the utility of point-of-care ultrasound to predict difficulty of tracheal intubation using videolaryngoscopy with the McGrath™ Mac videolaryngoscope.

Background: Clinical airway screening tests used to predict difficulties during airway management have low sensitivity and specificity. Point-of-care airway ultrasound has described measurements related to problems with difficult direct laryngoscopy. Nevertheless, the correlation between ultrasound parameters and videolaryngoscopy has not been published yet. The aim of this multicenter, prospective observational pilot study was to evaluate the applicability of clinical parameters and ultrasound measurements to find potential tracheal intubation difficulties when videolaryngoscopy is used. Methods: Preoperatively, six clinical airway assessments were performed: (1) modified Mallampati score, (2) thyromental distance, (3) sternomental distance, (4) interincisal distance, (5) upper lip bite test, and (6) neck circumference. Six ultrasound parameters were measured in awake patients: (1) distance from skin to hyoid bone, (2) distance from skin to epiglottis, (3) hyomental distance in neutral head position, (4) hyomental distance in head-extended position, (5) distance from skin to the deepest part of the palate, and (6) sagittal tongue area. And finally, there was one ultrasound measure obtained in anesthetized patients, the compressed sagittal tongue area during videolaryngoscopy. The difficulty for tracheal intubation using a McGrath™ Mac videolaryngoscope, the percentage of glottic opening, and Cormack-Lehane grade were also assessed. Results: In this cohort of 119 subjects, tongue dimensions, particularly the sagittal tongue area, showed a robust association with increased intubation difficulty using videolaryngoscopy. A multiparametric model combining the following three ultrasound variables in awake patients: (a) the distance from skin to epiglottis, (b) the distance from skin to the deepest part of the palate, and (c) the sagittal tongue area, yielded a sensitivity of 92.3%, specificity of 94.5%, positive predictive value of 82.8%, and negative predictive value of 97.8% (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Point-of-care airway ultrasound emerges as a more useful tool compared to traditional clinical scales to anticipate possible challenges during videolaryngoscopic intubation.

An intubation technique using hyperangulated video laryngoscopy and a DuCanto suction catheter preloaded with a bougie: A case report with a video demonstration.

Video laryngoscopy outperforms direct laryngoscopy for successful orotracheal intubation in the emergency department. When performing video laryngoscopy, emergency physicians may use a standard geometry blade or a hyperangulated blade. Hyperangulated video laryngoscopy is easier when using a rigid hyperangulated stylet instead of a standard malleable stylet. The angulation of the hyperangulated blade makes it difficult to use an endotracheal tube (ETT) introducer ("bougie"). We describe a case report using a DuCanto suction catheter (SSCOR) with a preloaded bougie to perform orotracheal intubation during hyperangulated video laryngoscopy. An adult patient presented to the emergency department in status epilepticus and was intubated for airway protection. Hyperangulated video laryngoscopy was performed with a LoPro S4 (GlideScope) blade; a DuCanto suction catheter was used to deliver a bougie through the vocal cords. The bougie was advanced down the trachea, and the DuCanto suction catheter was removed. The bougie successfully delivered a size 8.0 ETT. Visualization of the larynx with hyperangulated video laryngoscopy is usually easy, but ETT delivery into the trachea can be challenging. Rigid hyperangulated stylets were created to facilitate ETT delivery, but these stylets are expensive and often not available. Traditional teaching says that a bougie cannot be used while intubating with a hyperangulated blade. This case report describes a method to deliver a bougie via a DuCanto suction catheter during hyperangulated video laryngoscopy. It allows for the use of a bougie with a hyperangulated blade and offers a technique to perform hyperangulated video laryngoscopy without a rigid stylet.

Universal C-MAC® videolaryngoscope use in adult patients: a single-centre experience.

Universal use of Storz C-MAC® videolaryngoscopes was implemented for adult tracheal intubations in the operating theatres, intensive care unit and emergency department at Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust in 2017. We report data from 1099 intubations from March 2020 to March 2022, collected contemporaneously and anonymously using a smartphone app, representing an estimated 18% of intubations in operating theatres and 30% of intubations in other locations during this period. Intubation success was 100%. The first-pass success rate was 87.3% overall: 87% with a Macintosh videolaryngoscope, 92% with a hyperangulated videolaryngoscope and 81% for users with ≤ 20 previous uses. First-pass success without complications was 87% overall: 87% in operating theatres (836/962), 93% in the emergency department (38/41) and 83% in the intensive care unit (73/88). Complications occurred during 0.6% of intubations: 0/962 in operating theatres and 7/137 in non-theatre locations. The rate of complications was unaltered by blade type (Macintosh 5/994 vs. hyperangulated 2/105, p = 0.14); intubator experience with the device (≤ 20 previous clinical uses 2/260 vs. > 20 previous uses 5/832, p = 0.67) and use of airborne personal protective equipment (PPE 6/683 vs. no-PPE 1/410, p = 0.27). Complication rates increased outside theatres (theatres 0/963 vs. non-theatre 7/136, p < 0.001) and during rapid sequence induction (RSI 6/379 (1.6%) vs. non-RSI 1/720 (0.1%), p = 0.008).

Effectiveness of intracuff alkalinized lidocaine associated with intravenous dexamethasone in reducing laryngotracheal morbidity in children undergoing general anesthesia for tonsillectomy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sore throat is one of the main postoperative complaints in patients undergoing tonsillectomy. As the primary outcome, we aimed to determine whether endotracheal tube cuffs filled with alkalinized lidocaine are associated with a lower incidence of postoperative sore throat and anesthesia emergence phenomena in children undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy. We also assessed the potential additional benefits of IV dexamethasone in reducing postoperative laryngotracheal morbidity. METHODS: This is a clinical prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated to one of four groups, as follows: air - endotracheal tube cuff filled with air; air/dex - endotracheal tube cuff filled with air and intravenous dexamethasone; lido - endotracheal tube cuff filled with alkalinized lidocaine; and lido/dex - endotracheal tube cuff filled with alkalinized lidocaine and intravenous dexamethasone. Perioperative hemodynamic parameters and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, coughing and hoarseness were recorded. Postoperative sore throat was assessed in the postanesthetic care unit and 24 hours post tracheal extubation. RESULTS: In total, 154 children aged 4-12 years, ASA physical status I or II, undergoing general anesthesia for elective tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy, were assessed for postoperative sore throat in this study. The incidence of postoperative sore throat 24 hours after tracheal extubation was significantly lower in the lido/dex group compared to groups air and air/dex (p = 0.01). However, no additional reduction in these symptoms was observed from the intravenous administration of dexamethasone when comparing the lido and lido/dex groups. Similarly, there were no differences among groups regarding perioperative hemodynamic variables or postoperative nausea and vomiting, coughing, and hoarseness during the study period. CONCLUSION: Intracuff alkalinized lidocaine, associated with intravenous dexamethasone, might be effective in reducing sore throat 24 hours post-tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy in children when compared to the use of air as the cuff insufflation media.

Prolonged vs shorter awake prone positioning for COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure: a multicenter, randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Awake prone positioning has been reported to reduce endotracheal intubation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). However, it is still unclear whether using the awake prone positioning for longer periods can further improve outcomes. METHODS: In this randomized, open-label clinical trial conducted at 12 hospitals in China, non-intubated patients with COVID-19-related AHRF were randomly assigned to prolonged awake prone positioning (target > 12 h daily for 7 days) or standard care with a shorter period of awake prone positioning. The primary outcome was endotracheal intubation within 28 days after randomization. The key secondary outcomes included mortality and adverse events. RESULTS: In total, 409 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to prolonged awake prone positioning (n = 205) or standard care (n = 204). In the first 7 days after randomization, the median duration of prone positioning was 12 h/d (interquartile range [IQR] 12-14 h/d) in the prolonged awake prone positioning group vs. 5 h/d (IQR 2-8 h/d) in the standard care group. In the intention-to-treat analysis, intubation occurred in 35 (17%) patients assigned to prolonged awake prone positioning and in 56 (27%) patients assigned to standard care (relative risk 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.9]). The hazard ratio (HR) for intubation was 0.56 (0.37-0.86), and for mortality was 0.63 (0.42-0.96) for prolonged awake prone positioning versus standard care, within 28 days. The incidence of pre-specified adverse events was low and similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Prolonged awake prone positioning of patients with COVID-19-related AHRF reduces the intubation rate without significant harm. These results support prolonged awake prone positioning of patients with COVID-19-related AHRF.

Glottis Recognition Software Development Using Artificial Intelligence.

The use of video laryngoscopes has enhanced the visualization of the vocal cords, thereby improving the accessibility of tracheal intubation. Employing artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize images obtained through video laryngoscopy, particularly when marking the epiglottis and vocal cords, may elucidate anatomical structures and enhance anatomical comprehension of anatomy. This study investigates the ability of an AI model to accurately identify the glottis in video laryngoscope images captured from a manikin. Tracheal intubation was conducted on a manikin using a bronchoscope with recording capabilities, and image data of the glottis was gathered for creating an AI model. Data preprocessing and annotation of the vocal cords, epiglottis, and glottis were performed, and human annotation of the vocal cords, epiglottis, and glottis was carried out. Based on the AI's determinations, anatomical structures were color-coded for identification. The recognition accuracy of the epiglottis and vocal cords recognized by the AI model was 0.9516, which was over 95%. The AI successfully marked the glottis, epiglottis, and vocal cords during the tracheal intubation process. These markings significantly aided in the visual identification of the respective structures with an accuracy of more than 95%. The AI demonstrated the ability to recognize the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis using an image recognition model of a manikin.

Impact of glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists on endoscopy and its preoperative management: Guidelines, challenges, and future directions.

Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and, more recently, have garnered attention for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss. They have been associated with several gastrointestinal adverse effects, including nausea and vomiting. These side effects are presumed to be due to increased residual gastric contents. Given the potential risk of aspiration and based on limited data, the American Society of Anesthesiologists updated the guidelines concerning the preoperative management of patients on GLP-1RA in 2023. They included the duration of mandated cessation of GLP-1RA before sedation and usage of "full stomach" precautions if these medications were not appropriately held before the procedure. This has led to additional challenges, such as extended waiting time, higher costs, and increased risk for patients. In this editorial, we review the current societal guidelines, clinical practice, and future directions regarding the usage of GLP-1RA in patients undergoing an endoscopic procedure.

Tetanus management in a high-resource emergency department: A case report.

Any patient presenting with trismus should have tetanus considered as a differential diagnosis. Early recognition, timely treatment and supportive care can improve patient outcomes. Treatment with tetanus immunoglobulin to neutralize the toxin, antimicrobials to treat the infection and sedation in the intensive care unit are key therapeutic options.