Great Expectations: Care Bundles can only be as Effective as the Component Elements!

How to cite this article: Mitra LG, Kulkarni AP. Great Expectations: Care Bundles can only be as Effective as the Component Elements! Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(10):1074-1075.

An analysis of anesthetists' awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward peri-anesthetic dental trauma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Peri-anesthetic dental trauma is a common anesthesia-related complication. It is the reason for a significant number of malpractice lawsuits against anesthetists through insurance companies. The frequency, outcomes, and risk factors related to peri-anesthetic dental trauma have been well documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate anesthetists' awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward peri-anesthetic dental trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This nationwide, cross-sectional, descriptive study comprising 220 anesthetists was conducted in Turkey between June 2019 and May 2020. A specific questionnaire was created using Google Forms and delivered to 591 participants via WhatsApp. Pearson's Chi-squared test and the Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 37.2% (220 out of 591 participants). Of the 80.5% of the participants who encountered peri-anesthetic dental trauma during their practice, 32.8% had encountered avulsion and 32.8% reported that they had caused soft tissue injuries. More than one-third of the participants (38.9%) stated that the patient group that was the most at-risk for peri-anesthetic dental trauma was older people with missing teeth. Half of the participants (50.9%) stated that avulsed teeth could be replanted; among them, 21.8% and 11.8% specified that the ideal replantation time was <30 min and that the ideal storage medium for the avulsed tooth was fresh milk, respectively. Furthermore, 88.1% of the participants noted that peri-anesthetic dental trauma occurred more frequently during emergency intubations and only 20.9% were aware of custom-made mouthguards. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthetists lack knowledge around peri-anesthetic dental trauma and its interventions.

Comparison of cervical spine motion during intubation with a C­MAC D­Blade® and an LMA Fastrach®.

BACKGROUND: This prospective randomized study compared cervical motion during intubation with a C­MAC D­Blade® and with a laryngeal mask airway LMA Fastrach®. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants in this study were 52 ASA I-III patients aged 18-70 years and assigned for elective cervical discectomy. The patients were randomly selected for intubation with a C­MAC D­Blade® (group V) or an LMA Fastrach® laryngeal airway (group F). Both groups received the same induction of anaesthesia. The first lateral view was X­rayed while the head and neck were in a neutral supine position and the second exposure was taken during the passage of the endotracheal tube through the vocal cords for group V and during the advance of the endotracheal tube for group F. The occiput-C1 (C0-C1), C1-C2 and C2-5 angles were measured. The angle formed by the line between the occipital protuberance and anterior process of the foramen magnum and the line between the central point of C1 spinous process and the anterior process of the foramen magnum was defined as angle A. The differences between the angles were calculated. Overall intubation success and first-pass success (success at the first attempt) were recorded. RESULTS: The change in angulations between C0-C1 during intubation was significantly lower in group F than in group V (2.780 ± 2.10 vs. 6.040 ± 4.10, p = 0.007). Before intubation, angle A was 14.40 ± 3.90 in group V and 13.80 ± 3.70 in group F (p = 0.627). During intubation, angle A was significantly smaller for group V than for group F (9.10 ± 2.40 vs. 10.70 ± 2.90, p = 0.04). The number of successful intubations were significantly higher in group V (100% of intubations were successful on the first attempt for group V, vs. 80% for group F, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Intubation with both a C­MAC D­Blade and a Fastrach LMA resulted in cervical motion but within safe ranges. Intubation with a C-mac D blade might be preferred because the Fastrach LMA may result in more failed intubation attempts in patients with cervical spine disorders.

Unexpected Airway Collapse: A Rare Case of Spontaneous Postoperative Tracheobronchomalacia in the Absence of Identifiable Risk Factors.

We report the case of a 53-year-old female who developed tracheobronchomalacia immediately following an uncomplicated robotic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy to treat postmenopausal bleeding. Induction of anesthesia was notable for moderately difficult intubation, managed with applied cricothyroid pressure and a small 6.5 endotracheal tube placement via GlideScope. The surgical course was uneventful. The patient remained intubated in the post-anesthesia care unit but was not providing end-tidal volumes. Attempts to replace the endotracheal tube with a larger tube were unsuccessful and the patient was temporarily unable to ventilate. Rapid troubleshooting discovered that a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) could sufficiently ventilate the patient. An otolaryngologist was able to perform direct bronchoscopy, which revealed more than 50% dynamic anterior-posterior collapse of the trachea and bronchi. The patient was subsequently awakened from anesthesia and monitored in the intensive care unit, ventilating with an LMA. After a couple of hours, it was determined that the patient's airway was protected, and the LMA was removed.

Bed-up-head-elevated Position versus Supine Sniffing Position in Patients Undergoing Rapid Sequence Intubation Using Direct Laryngoscopy in the Emergency Department - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare bed-up-head-elevated (BUHE) position with supine sniffing position (SSP) in patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation (RSI) using direct laryngoscopy in the emergency department (ED). Methods: This single-center randomized controlled superiority trial was carried out from September 2021 to December 2022 in an academic emergency medicine department. The patients undergoing RSI in ED were grouped into two arms, namely BUHE position and SSP. The primary outcome was the time taken for endotracheal intubation. The secondary outcomes were the first-pass success rates and postintubation complications. Results: A total of 136 patients were enrolled in the study. Time for intubation in the BUHE group was no different from SSP (32.09 s [interquartile range (IQR): 23.30-42.68] vs. 33.40 [IQR: 27.53-45.90], P = 0.17). There was a modest reduction in intubation time when performed by trained experts (22.5 s [IQR: 17.7-25.3] versus 30.3 s [IQR: 21.3-33.2], P = 0.04). The first-attempt success rate in the BUHE position was also similar to the SSP position ([91.18% vs. 90.91%] P = 0.958). Postintubation complications were lesser in BUHE compared to the SSP group ([7.4% vs. 19.7%] P = 0.04). Conclusions: In our study, BUHE position did not improve time to intubation and first-pass success rate in ED patients compared to SSP. A modest decrease in intubation time was noted while experts used the BUHE position. The postintubation complications were slightly lesser in the BUHE group.

Heat and Moisture Exchanger Occlusion Leading to Sudden Increased Airway Pressure: A Case Report Using ChatGPT as a Personal Writing Assistant.

Heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) are commonly used during general anesthesia to provide appropriate humidification and warming of inspired gases. While they play a critical role in mechanical ventilation, they can also lead to acute difficult ventilation if not correctly monitored and drained. We present a case of a 56-year-old female patient who underwent lower extremity vascular bypass surgery under general anesthesia and experienced sudden increased airway pressures due to occlusion of the HME caused by excessive moisture accumulation. Proper monitoring and management of the airway circuit and HMEs can help prevent complications and ensure proper ventilation during surgery. When acute difficult ventilation is encountered during general anesthesia, a systematic approach should be taken to differentiate between patient and external factors. Other differential diagnoses for acute difficult ventilation include bronchospasm, aspiration, endotracheal tube misplacement, pulmonary embolism, and tension pneumothorax. HME occlusion should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for intraoperative hypoxia. Proactive replacement of HMEs in long cases can prevent occlusion and ensure proper ventilation.

First-Pass Success of Video Laryngoscope Compared With Direct Laryngoscope in Intubations Performed by Residents in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: The video laryngoscope (VL) has been widely used for intubation in the emergency department (ED). However, their effectiveness remains controversial, particularly among airway management performed by residents in the ED. METHODS: We aimed to examine whether the use of VL, compared to a direct laryngoscope (DL), was associated with higher first-attempt intubation success among intubations performed by residents in the ED. This is a secondary analysis of the data from a prospective, observational, multicentre study of 15 Japanese EDs from April 2012 through March 2020. We included all adult patients who underwent intubation with VL or DL by residents (postgraduate years ≤5) in the ED. The outcome measures were first-pass success and intubation-related adverse events (overall, major, and minor adverse events). To determine the association of VL use with each of the outcomes, we constructed logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations to account for patients clustering within the ED, adjusting for patient demographics, primary indications, intubation difficulty, and intubation methods. RESULTS: Of 5,261 eligible patients who underwent an initial intubation attempt by residents, 1,858 (35%) patients were attempted with VL. Intubations performed with VL had a non-significantly higher first-pass success rate than those with DL (77% vs. 64%; unadjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.20; 95% CI=0.87-1.65; P=0.27). This association was significant after adjustment for potential confounders (adjusted OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06-1.67; P=0.01). As for adverse events, the use of VL was associated with a lower rate of any (adjusted OR=0.67; 95% CI=0.51-0.86; P=0.002) and minor (adjusted OR=0.69; 95% CI=0.55-0.87; P=0.002) adverse events. CONCLUSION: The use of VL was associated with a higher first-attempt success rate and a lower rate of any adverse events compared to that with DL among intubations performed by residents in the EDs.

A Case Report of an Unusual Presentation of Epiglottic Cyst Causing Airway Obstruction in an Adult.

A laryngeal cyst is usually benign. The most common site origin of a cyst in the larynx is the lingual surface of the epiglottis. Epiglottic cysts are rare. Usually, it is asymptomatic in patients and can be treated conservatively if the size is small. Airway obstruction is very rare but could be life-threatening. If there is airway obstruction, the cyst should be removed immediately. Early detection and immediate management lead to favorable outcomes. A multidisciplinary-team approach with the ENT and anesthetic inputs are essential when dealing with the current condition. This case report highlights the management of such a patient who presented with airway obstruction due to an epiglottic cyst.

Suspected Post-intubation Onset of Lemierre Syndrome: A Case Report.

Lemierre syndrome (LS) is an infectious thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein (IJV) that typically occurs in previously healthy, young individuals after a recent oropharyngeal bacterial illness. Here, we present the case of a 63-year-old female who presented six days after trauma to the oropharynx from intubation for lumbar interbody fusion with fever, dysphagia, and pain and swelling of the neck. Imaging confirmed IJV thrombosis spanning C2 to C5; however, blood cultures were negative on two separate occasions. Treatment with IV antibiotics led to rapid clinical improvement compared to baseline.

Acute Complications of COVID-19 With Lasting Damages: A Case of Severe Long-Term Sequelae in a Middle-Aged Female Post COVID-19.

Following coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), many patients experience acute complications and long-term sequelae. Acute complications include respiratory failure, myocardial injury, and neurological complications. Respiratory and thromboembolic complications prove to be acute changes that cause detrimental long-term outcomes. A continued exploration of the COVID-19 hospital course will allow for effective management and treatment of the virus. We report the case of a 48-year-old Hispanic woman who experienced a pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis in all four extremities, and a brain embolus following a COVID-19 infection in 2021. Despite hospital care and prompt treatment, she developed long-term sequelae, specifically post-intubation tracheal stenosis. The critical factor promoting this inflammatory state is the overproduction of cytokines in what is coined a "cytokine storm." The lasting complications have multiple facets that need to be explored beyond the virus itself. Treatment modalities have their own risks and side effects. Comparing effective and ineffective treatment outcomes for this patient may lead to improvements in COVID-19 management. For this reason, exploring the treatment and complications in the acute setting is necessary for the prevention of the long-term sequelae accompanying cases of COVID-19. While literature exists detailing the unique thrombotic and respiratory complications that can present as a result of COVID-19 coagulopathies, this field is continuously evolving and warrants further research.

Clinical Outcomes of Early Versus Late Intubation in COVID-19 Patients.

Background The implications of intubation timing in COVID-19 patients remain highly debatable due to the scarcity of available evidence. Objectives Our study aims to assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients undergoing early intubation compared to those undergoing late intubation. Methods This is a single-center retrospective study of adult COVID-19 patients admitted between March 1, 2020 and January 10, 2021. Early intubation was defined as intubation within 24 hours of a) hospital admission; b) respiratory status deterioration requiring FiO2 60% and higher; or c) moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) diagnosis. Results Among the 128 COVID-19 patients included, 66.4% required early intubation, and 33.6% required late intubation. The 28-day all-cause mortality and other outcomes of mechanical ventilation duration, hospital and ICU length of stay were equal regardless of intubation timing. Clinical characteristics, inflammatory markers, COVID-19 therapies, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and pH were comparable for both groups. Better lung compliance was observed during early intubation than late intubation based on plateau (mean 21.3 vs. 25.5 cmH2O; P < 0.01) and peak pressure (mean 24.1 vs. 27.4 cmH2O; P = 0.04). Conclusions In critically ill COVID-19 patients, the timing of intubation was not significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes in the setting of matching clinical characteristics. More research is needed to determine which subset of patients may benefit from intubation and the predictors for optimal intubation timing.

Spur-of-the-Moment: An Exacting Nasal Intubation.

Nasotracheal intubations are an important airway management technique in otolaryngologic surgeries and trauma distorting oropharyngeal structures. For those performing these procedures, nasal deformities are not uncommon. This case report highlights an example of recurrent cuff tears that occurred during nasotracheal intubation of a patient with an unknown nasal bone spur. A careful airway analysis with available imaging studies may predict the potential difficulty with nasotracheal intubation. A successful approach to nasotracheal intubation can then be attempted on the contralateral side if a nasal bone spur is present.

Cannot Ventilate: An Unexpected Cause of Respiratory Failure in a Ten-Year-Old Child.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a necrotizing vasculitis known to affect the respiratory and renal systems. There are a multitude of clinical manifestations, many of which are not specific to the disease, such as dysfunction of the nasal, sinus, auditory, tracheal, pulmonary, ocular, renal, cardiac, and nervous systems. As a multisystemic illness without a "classic" presentation and insidious progression, it is often a challenging diagnosis. We report and discuss a case of a 10-year-old female with no significant past medical history who presented to the emergency department with a 10-day course of worsening respiratory symptoms. As her respiratory and clinical status began to precipitously decline, the decision was made to intubate the patient, which was performed without issue. Unfortunately, attempts at oxygenating and ventilating the patient were met with extreme resistance and difficulty-an airway situation that could have been catastrophic if not for quick reaction maneuvers performed that would ultimately go on to remedy the issue at hand. We hope to raise awareness regarding the airway challenges posed by GPA and delve into its management as a means of improving recognition and preparing clinicians to treat this condition.

Extremely Preterm Neonate with a Tracheobronchial Foreign Body: A Case Report.

We report the case of an approximately 27-week gestational-age preterm infant admitted on the day of life number four for evaluation of a foreign body noted on serial chest X-rays. CT of the chest revealed a foreign body present in the trachea, extending from just above the tracheal bifurcation deep into the posterior basilar segment of the right lower lobe. Endoscopic removal of the foreign body revealed a portion of the plastic sheath of the stylet used during intubation. We also provide a brief review of the relevant literature.

Iatrogenic tracheoarterial fistula: Case report and literature review.

Tracheo-innominate fistula is a rare but recognised life-threatening complication most commonly associated with prolonged endotracheal intubation. We report the case of a 16-year-old boy who developed a tracheo-innominate fistula secondary to the prolonged intubation after a pool accident. After 16 days of hospitalisation, the patient died as a consequence of a massive haemorrhage into the tracheobronchial tree and asphyxia. This is a rare complication, and to our knowledge, no case of tracheo-innominate fistula or any other case series concerning this rare complication has been reported in Serbia recently. This case report addresses the epidemiology of a trachea-innominate fistulisation as a complication of prolonged tracheal intubation, with a special overview of its forensic importance as an iatrogenic injury.

Anterograde catheterization of severe tracheal stenosis as a difficult airway management option, followed by emergent tracheostomy (a case report).

BACKGROUND: To describe the successful management of a patient with severe dyspnea and hypoxia due to tracheal stenosis by the application of a novel bridging technique-anterograde tracheal catheterization-prior to tracheostomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old woman entered the Emergency Department with severe dyspnea, tachypnea, and stridor and a pulse oximetry reading of 60 %. An attempt at intubation failed because of tracheal stenosis discovered 3-4 cm distal to the vocal cords, which had been formed as a complication of intubation the previous month. Cricothyrotomy could not be applied for failed airway management because the stenosis had formed distal to the cricothyroid membrane. Laryngeal mask airway ventilation did not improve the oxygenation to more than an arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 70 %. Thus, anterograde insertion of a 12-F double-lumen central venous catheter was attempted, which sealed the 2-mm orifice of the stricture. Bag-valve-mask ventilation with this latter mode provided 80 % saturation as a bridge to an emergent bed-side tracheostomy. CONCLUSIONS: "Anterograde tracheal catheterization" appears to be a relatively effective and easy-to-perform option for oxygenation in such tracheal stenosis cases before a definite but time-consuming tracheostomy can secure the airway.