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Direct Laryngoscopy (direct + laryngoscopy)

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Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Minimal Illumination for Direct Laryngoscopy and Intubation in Different Ambient Light Settings

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010
FRCPC, Ka Wai Cheung MD
Abstract Objectives:, This study sought to investigate the minimal laryngoscope illumination required for proper laryngoscopy and intubation in different ambient light settings as determined by paramedics. Methods:, Paramedics qualified to intubate patients in the field were recruited to intubate a cadaver embalmed with a minimal fixation technique designed to maintain tissue integrity. All paramedic participants intubated the cadaver under three different ambient light settings representing possible out-of-hospital settings: an outdoor night setting, an indoor setting, and an outdoor day setting. Paramedics were asked to determine the minimal illumination required for intubation of the cadaver under each of these settings. Results:, Twenty-three paramedics participated in the study. The mean (±SD) minimal illumination required for intubation was 39.1 (±35.4) lux at the night setting, 92.5 (±57.3) lux at the indoor setting, and 209.7 (±117.4) lux at the day setting. There was a statistically significant difference in minimal illumination required between each of the three light settings (p < 0.0001). Conclusions:, Minimal illumination requirements in the out-of-hospital setting may be lower than previously recommended. Ambient light intensity affects this minimal illumination requirement, with brighter ambient light conditions necessitating more laryngoscope light output. Further studies assessing out-of-hospital laryngoscope illumination should consider ambient light conditions. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:103,107 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source]

Correlation of Findings on Direct Laryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy With Presence of Extraesophageal Reflux Disease

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2000
Michele M. Carr DDS
Abstract Objective To determine the correlation between findings at direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy and presence of extraesophageal reflux disease (EERD). Study Design Retrospective chart review Methods Operative notes of 155 children undergoing direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy between 1996 and 1999 for airway symptoms for whom there was a suspicion of EERD were examined. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was considered present if at least one test was positive (including upper GI series, pH probe, gastric scintiscan, or esophageal biopsy). Results A total of 130 (84%) patients had GERD diagnosed. Ninety percent had at least one laryngotracheal abnormality: 83% had an abnormal larynx and 66% had an abnormal trachea. Laryngeal abnormalities in GERD included postglottic edema, 69%; arytenoid edema, 30%; large lingual tonsil, 16%; vocal fold edema, 12%; vocal fold nodule, 12%; ventricular obliteration, 5%; and hypopharyngeal cobblestoning, 3%. Tracheobronchial abnormalities in GERD included tracheal cobblestoning, 33%; blunting of carina, 12.5%; subglottic stenosis, 11%; increased secretions, 11%; and generalized edema or erythema, 5%. The best sensitivity or specificity was obtained by combining postglottic edema, arytenoid edema, and vocal fold edema, resulting in a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 67%. Positive predictive value was 100% for the combination of postglottic edema and any vocal fold or ventricular abnormality. Conclusion Laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy can reveal findings with a high positive predictive value for the presence of GERD. Endoscopy of the upper airway in children with clinical signs and symptoms of EERD is a promising tool for diagnosis. [source]

A comparison of the STORZ video laryngoscope and standard direct laryngoscopy for intubation in the Pediatric airway , a randomized clinical trial

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 11 2009
ARNIM VLATTEN MD
Summary Introduction:, Direct laryngoscopy can be challenging in infants and neonates. Even with an optimal line of sight to the glottic opening, the viewing angle has been measured at 15°. The STORZ DCI video laryngoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) incorporates a fiberoptic camera in the light source of a standard laryngoscope of variable sizes. The image is displayed on a screen with a viewing angle of 80°. We studied the effectiveness of the STORZ DCI as an airway tool compared to standard direct laryngoscopy in children with normal airway. Methods:, In this prospective, randomized study, 56 children (ages 4 years or younger) undergoing elective surgery with the need for endotracheal intubation were divided into two groups: children who underwent standard direct laryngoscopy using a Miller 1 or Macintosh 2 blade (DL) and children who underwent video laryngoscopy using the STORZ DCI video laryngoscope with a Miller 1 blade (VL). Time to best view (TTBV), time to intubate (TTI), Cormack,Lehane (CL), and percentage of glottis opening seen (POGO) score were recorded. Results:, TTBV in DL was 5.5 (4,8) s and 7 (4.2,9) s in VL. TTI in DL was 21 (17,29) s and in VL 27 (22,37) s (P = 0.006). The view as assessed by POGO score was 97.5% (60,100%) in DL and 100% (100,100%) in the VL (P = 0.003). Data are presented as median and interquartile range and analyzed using t -test. Discussion:, This study demonstrates that the STORZ DCI video laryngoscope provides an improved view to the glottis in children with normal airway anatomy, but requires a longer time for intubation. [source]

Local and systemic effects of intralaryngeal injection of cidofovir in a canine model,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 11 2003
Dinesh K. Chhetri MD
Abstract Objective: The safety of intralaryngeal injection of cidofovir remains a concern. Our goal was to evaluate local and systemic effects of intralaryngeal injection of cidofovir. Study Design: Animal study using a canine model. Methods: Two groups of three young beagle dogs (6 vocal folds in each group) were used. Subepithelial vocal fold injections were performed in each group biweekly for 6 months with 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 37.5 mg cidofovir in a 0.5 mL volume. Direct laryngoscopy was performed at each injection interval. Complete blood cell count and renal parameters were measured at baseline and monthly thereafter. Histopathologic examination of the vocal folds was performed after the 6-month injection period in one group of animals and after an additional 6-month observation period in the second group. Results: Endomysial edema with muscle fiber separation and dose-dependent atrophy and scarring of the vocal folds was present. Onset of atrophy and scarring was observed after 3,7, and 11 injections in the vocal folds injected with 37.5, 20, and 10 mg cidofovir, respectively. After the 6-month observation period, recovery of histologic abnormalities was complete in the low-dose (0, 2.5 mg) vocal folds, near complete in the intermediate-dose (5, 10 mg) vocal folds, and no apparent recovery was seen in the high-dose (20, 37.5 mg) vocal folds. Leukocyte count and renal parameters remained unchanged at up to 4.26 mg/kg body weight of systemic dose of cidofovir. Conclusions: Intralaryngeal cidofovir leads to dose-dependent scarification of the vocal folds that appears irreversible at higher doses. Lower concentrations of this drug should be used in intralesional intralaryngeal use. [source]

A comparison of McGrath and Macintosh laryngoscopes in novice users: a manikin study

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 11 2009
D. C. Ray
Summary Direct laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope is a difficult skill to acquire. Videolaryngoscopy is a widely accepted airway management technique that may be easier for novices to learn. We compared the McGrath® videolaryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope by studying the performance of 25 medical students with no previous experience of performing tracheal intubation using an easy intubation scenario in a manikin. The order of device use was randomised for each student. After brief instruction each participant performed eight tracheal intubations with one device and then eight tracheal intubations with the other laryngoscope. Novices achieved a higher overall rate of successful tracheal intubation, avoided oesophageal intubation and produced less dental trauma when using the McGrath. The view at laryngoscopy was significantly better with the McGrath. Intubation times were similar for both laryngoscopes and became shorter with practice. There was no difference in participants' rating of overall ease of use for each laryngoscope. [source]

Pediatric Laryngotracheal Obstruction: Current Perspectives on Stridor

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2006
John Bent MD
Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: To assess how medical advances have impacted the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of pediatric laryngotracheal obstruction, and to describe the advantages of audio-video documentation of stridorous children. Study Design and Methods: Retrospective. Methods and Materials: 268 patients were referred for suspected laryngotracheal obstruction during the 30 months between September 1, 1995 and March 1, 1998: 173 had 206 flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopies, and 160 had 273 direct laryngoscopies. One hundred and forty-one children were identified with laryngotracheal obstruction, yielding 40 different diagnoses that could be classified into 9 major categories. Thirty-six children (25.5%) had multiple sites of upper airway obstruction. Results: 138 children had follow-up >1 month. Twelve children died (8.7%), leaving 126 survivors (mean follow-up = 21.1 months). Outcomes were classified as resolved (44.2%), improved (37.0%), stable (9.4%), failed (0.7%), or death (8.7%). Better outcomes were seen in more readily treated diagnostic categories, such as tracheobronchial foreign body, chronic laryngitis, and suprastomal granulation tissue; laryngeal stenosis, tracheomalacia, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, had less favorable outcomes (P <.001). The former group also showed superior outcome compared to laryngomalacia (P <.001) and vocal cord mobility disorders (P = .004). Ninety-four patients (68.1%) had comorbidities complicating their management. Comorbid conditions were universal among deceased patients and least common in the resolved outcomes category (56.7%), supporting the premise that patients with poor outcomes are more likely to have comorbidities than patients with resolution of laryngotracheal symptoms (P = .034). Conclusions: Audio-video recording of pediatric laryngotracheal obstruction offers numerous advantages. Children classified into an array of diagnostic categories usually have favorable outcomes, but opportunities for continued advances exist, particularly regarding management of comorbidity and chronic obstruction. [source]

Unrecognized Misplacement of Endotracheal Tubes in a Mixed Urban to Rural Emergency Medical Services Setting

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 9 2003
Michael E. Jemmett MD
Abstract Objective: To determine the rate of unrecognized endotracheal tube misplacement when performed by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in a mixed urban and rural setting. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective, observational analysis of out-of-hospital endotracheal intubations (EIs) performed by EMS personnel serving a mixed urban, suburban, and rural population. From July 1, 1998, to August 30, 1999, emergency physicians assessed and recorded the position of out-of-hospital EIs using auscultation, direct laryngoscopy, infrared CO 2 detectors, esophageal detector devices, and chest x-ray. The state EMS database also was reviewed to determine the number of EIs involving patients transported to the authors' medical center and paramedic assessment of success for these encounters. Results: A total of 167 out-of-hospital EIs were recorded, of which 136 (81%) were deemed successful by EMS personnel. Observational forms were completed for 109 of the 136 patients who arrived intubated to the emergency department. Of the studied patients, 12% (13 of 109) were found to have misplaced endotracheal tubes. For the patients with unrecognized improperly placed tubes, 9% (10 of 109) were in the esophagus, 2% (2 of 109) were in the right main stem, and 1% (1 of 109) were above the cords. Paramedics serving urban and suburban areas did not perform significantly better (p < 0.05) than intermediate-level providers serving areas that are more rural. Conclusions: The incidence of unrecognized misplacement of endotracheal tubes by EMS personnel may be higher than most previous studies, making regular EMS evaluation and the out-of-hospital use of devices to confirm placement imperative. The authors were unable to show a difference in misplacement rates based on provider experience or level of training. [source]

Video-laryngoscopes in the adult airway management: a topical review of the literature

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 9 2010
P. NIFOROPOULOU
The aim of the present paper is to review the literature regarding video-laryngoscopes (Storz V-Mac and C-Mac, Glidescope, McGrath, Pentax-Airway Scope, Airtraq and Bullard) and discuss their clinical role in airway management. Video-laryngoscopes are new intubation devices, which provide an indirect view of the upper airway. In difficult airway management, they improve Cormack,Lehane grade and achieve the same or a higher intubation success rate in less time, compared with direct laryngoscopes. Despite the very good visualization of the glottis, the insertion and advancement of the endotracheal tube with video-laryngoscopes may occasionally fail. Each particular device's features may offer advantages or disadvantages, depending on the situation the anaesthesiologist has to deal with. So far, there is inconclusive evidence indicating that video-laryngoscopy should replace direct laryngoscopy in patients with normal or difficult airways. [source]

Fluoroscopic guidance of Arndt endobronchial blocker placement for single-lung ventilation in small children

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2008
B. MARCINIAK
Background: Thoracoscopic surgery may require single-lung ventilation (SLV) in infants and small children. A variety of balloon-tipped endobronchial blockers exist but the placement is technically challenging if the size of the tracheal tube does not allow the simultaneous passage of the fibreoptic scope and the endobronchial blocker. This report describes a technique for endobronchial blocker insertion using fluoroscopic guidance in children undergoing SLV. Methods: After approval from the local Medical Ethics Committee and parental consent, 18 patients aged 2 years or younger scheduled for thoracic surgery requiring SLV were prospectively included. Following induction of anesthesia, a 5 Fr endobronchial blocker (Cook® Arndt endobronchial blocker) was inserted first into the trachea under direct laryngoscopy. Correct placement in the main bronchus was assessed by fluoroscopy and tracheal intubation next to the endobronchial blocker. Optimal position and balloon inflation was verified using a fibreoptic scope. The duration and number of insertion attempts as well as age, weight and size of the tracheal tube were recorded. Results: Eighteen patients were studied. Median (range) age and weight were 12 (0.2,24) months and 11.2 (4,15) kg, respectively. SLV was successfully achieved in all patients using a 5 Fr endobronchial blocker outside a 3.5,4.5 mm ID tracheal tube within 11.2 (±2.2) min. No side effects were observed during the procedure. Conclusion: Fluoroscopic-guided insertion of extraluminal endobronchial blocker is an effective and reliable tool to place Arndt endobronchial blockers in small children. [source]

Study to assess the laryngeal and pharyngeal spread of topical local anesthetic administered orally during general anesthesia in children

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 8 2010
FRCA, RICHARD BERINGER BMedSci
Summary Background:, Topical local anesthesia of the airway of anaesthetized children has many potential benefits. In our institution, lignocaine is topically instilled blindly into the back of the mouth with the expectation that it will come into contact with the larynx. The volume and method of application varies between clinicians. There is no published evidence to support the plausibility of this technique. Aim:, To determine whether this technique of instillation results in the local anesthetic coming into contact with key laryngeal structures and whether this is influenced by volume or additional physical maneuvers. Methods/Materials:, Sixty-three healthy anaesthetized children between 6 months and 16 years old had lignocaine stained with methylene blue poured into the back of their mouths. The volume and subsequent physical maneuver were determined by randomization. A blinded observer assessed staining of the vocal cords, epiglottis, vallecula and piriform fossae by direct laryngoscopy. Airway complications were recorded. Results:, Fifty-three of the 63 children had complete staining of all four areas. Four children had one area unstained, and all others had at least partial staining of all four structures. Nine children coughed following induction of anesthesia. Coughing was more likely in children with incomplete staining (P = 0.03), low volume lignocaine (P = 0.003) and following a head lift (P = 0.02). Conclusion:, Oral administration of lignocaine without use of a laryngoscope frequently results in widespread coverage of key laryngeal structures and may reduce the risk of coughing. [source]

Response to , comments on comparison of Bonfils fiberscope-assisted laryngoscopy with standard direct laryngoscopy in simulated difficult pediatric intubation

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 8 2010
Soder Chris
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

A comparison of bonfils fiberscope-assisted laryngoscopy and standard direct laryngoscopy in simulated difficult pediatric intubation: a manikin study

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 6 2010
ARNIM VLATTEN MD
Summary Introduction:, Difficult airway management in children is challenging. One alternative device to the gold standard of direct laryngoscopy is the STORZ Bonfils fiberscope (Karl Storz Endoscopy, Tuttlingen, Germany), a rigid fiberoptic stylette-like scope with a curved tip. Although results in adults have been encouraging, reports regarding its use in children have been conflicting. We compared the effectiveness of a standard laryngoscope to the Bonfils fiberscope in a simulated difficult infant airway. Methods:, Ten pediatric anesthesiologists were recruited for this study and asked to perform three sets of tasks. For the first task, each participant intubated an unaltered manikin (SimBaby TM, Laerdal, Puchheim, Germany) five times using a styletted 3.5 endotracheal tube (ETT) and a Miller 1 blade (group DL-Normal). For the second task, a difficult airway configuration simulating a Cormack-Lehane grade 3B view was created by fixing a Miller-1 blade into position in the manikin using a laboratory stand. Each participant then intubated the manikin five times with a styletted 3.5 ETT using conventional technique but without touching the laryngoscope (group DL-Difficult). In the third task, the manikin was kept in the same difficult airway configuration, and each participant intubated the manikin five times using a 3.5-mm ETT mounted on the Bonfils fiberscope as an adjunct to direct laryngoscopy with the Miller-1 blade (group BF-Difficult). Primary outcomes were time to intubate and success rate. Results:, A total of 150 intubations were performed. Correct ETT placement was achieved in 100% of attempts in group DL-Normal, 90% of attempts in group DL-Difficult and 98% of attempts in BF-Difficult. Time to intubate averaged 14 s (interquartile range 12,16) in group DL-Normal; 12 s (10,15) in group DL-Difficult; and 11 s (10,18) in group BF-Difficult. The percentage of glottic opening seen (POGO score) was 70% (70,80) in group DL-Normal; 0% (0,0) in group DL-Difficult; and 100% (100,100) in group BF-Difficult. Discussion:, The Bonfils fiberscope-assisted laryngoscopy was easier to use and provided a better view of the larynx than simple direct laryngoscopy in the simulated difficult pediatric airway, but intubation success rate and time to intubate were not improved. Further studies of the Bonfils fibrescope as a pediatric airway adjunct are needed. [source]

A comparison of the STORZ video laryngoscope and standard direct laryngoscopy for intubation in the Pediatric airway , a randomized clinical trial

Vincristine-induced vocal cord paralysis in an infant

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 2 2002
DORALINA L. ANGHELESCU MD
We report the development of stridor and dysphagia in a 5-month-old-infant with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after the administration of four weekly doses of vincristine during induction therapy. Because direct laryngoscopy revealed bilateral vocal cord paralysis, the patient underwent elective intubation. Extubation was performed 7 days later, after direct laryngoscopy confirmed recovery of vocal cord mobility. Vincristine-induced bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. Therefore, it should be suspected when stridor is present, and clinicians should consider visualization of the airway to establish the cause of upper airway compromize in infants receiving vincristine. [source]

Transnasal Esophagoscopy: A High-Yield Diagnostic Tool,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 6 2005
Jennifer G. Andrus MD
Abstract Objectives: Transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) reveals a wide range of esophageal findings. TNE technique, indications, outcomes, advantages, limitations, and impact on patient care are described. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Charts of the first 30 patients to undergo TNE in an academic otolaryngology practice were reviewed. Technique details, patient demographics, and procedure indications and findings as well as the disposition of patients in this series are described. TNE limitations are discussed with areas for future development. Results: Thirty patients who underwent unsedated outpatient TNE by their otolaryngologist are described. TNE was directed toward select indications: dysphagia, screening esophagoscopy given long-standing gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and esophageal surveillance with a new diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Positive findings included mucosal cobblestoning, Barrett's esophagus, esophagitis, gastritis, candidal esophagitis, esophageal diverticulum, postcricoid mass, patulous esophagus, and absence of secondary esophageal peristalsis. Outcomes included referral to a gastroenterologist for evaluation, with or without biopsy; direct laryngoscopy or esophagoscopy with biopsy by the otolaryngologist; planned cancer resection by the otolaryngologist; and medical management of GER/LPR by the otolaryngologist. Conclusions: With appropriate selection criteria, TNE yields a high percentage of positive findings and wide range of esophageal abnormalities, directly impacting patient management. Available to otolaryngologists in the outpatient setting, TNE expedites interventions by providing a safe, effective alternative to rigid esophagoscopy under general anesthesia and flexible upper endoscopy with sedation. Patients will benefit from the integration of TNE into otolaryngologists' outpatient diagnostic armamentarium. [source]

Correlation of Findings on Direct Laryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy With Presence of Extraesophageal Reflux Disease

Tracheal intubation following training with the GlideScope® compared to direct laryngoscopy

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2010
C. M. Ayoub
Summary Tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy has a high failure rate when performed by untrained medical personnel. This study compares tracheal intubation following direct laryngoscopy by inexperienced medical students when initially trained by using either the GlideScope®, a video assisted laryngoscope, or a rigid (Macintosh) laryngoscope. Forty-two medical students with no previous experience in tracheal intubation were randomly divided into two equal groups to receive training with the GlideScope or with direct laryngoscopy. Subsequently, each medical student performed three consecutive intubations on patients with normal airways that were observed by a anaesthetist who was blinded to the training method. The rates of successful intubation were significantly higher in the Glidescope group after the first (48%), second (62%), and third (81%) intubations compared with the Macintosh group (14%, 14% and 33%; p = 0.043, 0.004 and 0.004, respectively). The mean (SD) times for the first, second, and third successful tracheal intubations were significantly shorter in the Glidescope group (59.3 (4.4) s, 56.6 (7.1) s and 50.1 (4.0) s) than the Macintosh group (70.7 (7.5) s, 73.7 (7.3) s and 67.6 (2.0) s; p = 0.006, 0.003 and 0.0001, respectively). Training with a video-assisted device such as the GlideScope improves the success rate and time for tracheal intubation in patients with normal airways when this is performed by inexperienced individuals following a short training programme. [source]

Evaluation of the McGrath® Series 5 videolaryngoscope after failed direct laryngoscopy,

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2010
R. R. Noppens
Summary Unanticipated difficulties during tracheal intubation and failure to intubate are among the leading causes of anaesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. Using the technique of video laryngoscopy, the alignment of the oral and pharyngeal axes to facilitate tracheal intubation is unnecessary. In this study we evaluated the McGrath® Series 5 videolaryngoscope for tracheal intubation in 61 patients who exhibited Cormack and Lehane grade 3 or 4 laryngoscopies with a Macintosh laryngoscope. Using the McGrath resulted in an improved glottic view, compared to Macintosh laryngoscope. Laryngoscopy was improved by one grade in 10%, by two grades in 80% and by three grades in 10% of cases (p < 0.0001). The success rate for intubation was 95% with the McGrath. These results suggest that the McGrath videolaryngoscope can be used with a high success rate to facilitate tracheal intubation in difficult intubation situations. [source]

Tracheal intubation using the Airtraq®: a comparison with the lightwand

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2010
E. Y. Park
Summary The Airtraq® laryngoscope is a new tracheal intubation device that has been developed for the management of normal and difficult airways. As with the lightwand, the Airtraq can be used without placing the patient in the ,sniffing position' for direct laryngoscopy. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and usability of the Airtraq with that of the lightwand during routine airway management. One hundred ASA 1-2 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to either the Airtraq (n = 50) or lightwand (n = 50). Intubation was performed by one of two anaesthetists experienced in the use of both devices. There was no difference in success rate, intubation time, and haemodynamic response between the two groups. In conclusion, the Airtraq® and lightwand have similar efficacy in patients without risk factors for difficult intubation. [source]

High frequency jet ventilation through a supraglottic airway device: a case series of patients undergoing extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 12 2009
D. J. Canty
Summary High frequency jet ventilation has been shown to be beneficial during extra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy as it reduces urinary calculus movement which increases lithotripsy efficiency with better utilisation of shockwave energy and less patient exposure to tissue trauma. In all reports, sub-glottic high frequency jet ventilation was delivered through a tracheal tube or a jet catheter requiring paralysis and direct laryngoscopy. In this study, a simple method using supraglottic jet ventilation through a laryngeal mask attached to a circle absorber anaesthetic breathing system is described. The technique avoids the need for dense neuromuscular blockade for laryngoscopy and the potential complications associated with sub-glottic instrumentation and sub-glottic jet ventilation. The technique was successfully employed in a series of patients undergoing lithotripsy under general anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. [source]

Evaluation of the GlideScope® for tracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine immobilisation by a semi-rigid collar

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 12 2009
I. Bathory
Summary Application of cervical collars may reduce cervical spine movements but render tracheal intubation with a standard laryngoscope difficult if not impossible. We hypothesised that despite the presence of a Philadelphia Patriot® cervical collar and with the patient's head taped to the trolley, tracheal intubation would be possible in 50 adult patients using the GlideScope® and its dedicated stylet. Laryngoscopy was attempted using a Macintosh laryngoscope with a size 4 blade, and the modified Cormack,Lehane grade was scored. Subsequently, laryngoscopy with the GlideScope was graded and followed by tracheal intubation. All patients' tracheas were successfully intubated with the GlideScope. The median (IQR) intubation time was 50 s (43,61 s). The modified Cormack,Lehane grade was 3 or 4 at direct laryngoscopy. It was significantly reduced with the GlideScope (p < 0.0001), reaching grade 2a in most patients. Tracheal intubation in patients wearing a semi-rigid collar and having their head taped to the trolley is possible with the help of the GlideScope. [source]

A documented previous difficult tracheal intubation as a prognostic test for a subsequent difficult tracheal intubation in adults

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2009
L. H. Lundstrøm
Summary We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of a documented previous difficult tracheal intubation as a stand-alone test for predicting a subsequent difficult intubation. Our assessment included patients from the Danish Anaesthesia Database who were scheduled for tracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy. We used a four-point scale to grade the tracheal intubation. A previous difficult intubation was defined according to the presence of a record documenting a difficult penultimate tracheal intubation-score for the 15 499 patients anaesthetised more than once. Our assessment demonstrates that a documented history of previous difficult or failed intubation using direct laryngoscopy are strong predictors of a subsequent difficult or failed intubation and may identify 30% of these patients. Although previous investigators have reported predictive values that exceed our findings markedly, a documented previous difficult or failed tracheal intubation appears in everyday anaesthetic practice to be a strong predictor of a subsequent difficult tracheal intubation. [source]

Use of the McGrath video laryngoscope in awake patients

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 8 2009
B. E. McGuire
Summary Reported are three cases of successful tracheal intubation using the McGrath Video Laryngoscope in awake patients. All three patients had predicted difficult direct laryngoscopy and signs of upper airway obstruction. [source]

A proposed model for direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 2 2008
K. B. Greenland
First page of article [source]

Use of a gum elastic bougie to facilitate blind nasotracheal intubation in children: a series of three cases

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 3 2006
M. K. Arora
Summary Management of a difficult paediatric airway is challenging, and the unavailability of a paediatric fibreoptic bronchoscope, a common limitation in developing countries, adds to these difficulties. Children with bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis have limited mouth opening and therefore direct laryngoscopy and intubation is not usually possible. In the absence of sophisticated fibreoptic equipment, blind nasal intubation remains the only non-surgical option for control of the airway. Blind nasal intubation in paediatric anaesthesia is difficult. We describe a novel method of blind nasal intubation in paediatric patients using a gum elastic bougie. We have used this method successfully in three patients in whom tracheal intubation using a conventional blind nasal approach was unsuccessful. In view of its reliability and the absence of any soft tissue injury, we propose the use of this novel technique as an alternative to conventional blind nasal intubation, when more sophisticated fibreoptic equipment is not available. [source]

A new mirrored laryngoscope,

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2003
R. C. N. McMorrow
Summary A new laryngoscope has been designed, incorporating an adjustable mirror and a levered tip similar to the McCoy blade, in an attempt to bridge the gulf between simple direct laryngoscopy and fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Manual in-line neck stabilisation was used to simulate difficult laryngoscopy in 14 anaesthetised patients after full neuromuscular blockade. The best view at laryngoscopy was assessed using a standard Macintosh laryngsocope, a size 3 McCoy laryngoscope and the mirrored laryngoscope. The best laryngeal view obtained in all cases with the Macintosh blade was a grade 3. The mirrored laryngoscope improved this view in 10 cases (71%) compared with five cases (36%) with the McCoy laryngoscope (p =,0.005); in seven cases (50%), the view improved to a grade 1 compared with no cases when the McCoy was used (p =,0.02). We conclude that the mirrored laryngoscope offers considerable advantages over the Macintosh and the McCoy laryngoscopes in simulated difficult laryngoscopy, is simple to use and requires no special training. [source]

A Comparison of GlideScope Video Laryngoscopy Versus Direct Laryngoscopy Intubation in the Emergency Department

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 9 2009
Timothy F. Platts-Mills MD
Abstract Objectives:, The first-attempt success rate of intubation was compared using GlideScope video laryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy in an emergency department (ED). Methods:, A prospective observational study was conducted of adult patients undergoing intubation in the ED of a Level 1 trauma center with an emergency medicine residency program. Patients were consecutively enrolled between August 2006 and February 2008. Data collected included indication for intubation, patient characteristics, device used, initial oxygen saturation, and resident postgraduate year. The primary outcome measure was success with first attempt. Secondary outcome measures included time to successful intubation, intubation failure, and lowest oxygen saturation levels. An attempt was defined as the introduction of the laryngoscope into the mouth. Failure was defined as an esophageal intubation, changing to a different device or physician, or inability to place the endotracheal tube after three attempts. Results:, A total of 280 patients were enrolled, of whom video laryngoscopy was used for the initial intubation attempt in 63 (22%) and direct laryngoscopy was used in 217 (78%). Reasons for intubation included altered mental status (64%), respiratory distress (47%), facial trauma (9%), and immobilization for imaging (9%). Overall, 233 (83%) intubations were successful on the first attempt, 26 (9%) failures occurred, and one patient received a cricothyrotomy. The first-attempt success rate was 51 of 63 (81%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 70% to 89%) for video laryngoscopy versus 182 of 217 (84%, 95% CI = 79% to 88%) for direct laryngoscopy (p = 0.59). Median time to successful intubation was 42 seconds (range, 13 to 350 seconds) for video laryngoscopy versus 30 seconds (range, 11 to 600 seconds) for direct laryngoscopy (p < 0.01). Conclusions:, Rates of successful intubation on first attempt were not significantly different between video and direct laryngoscopy. However, intubation using video laryngoscopy required significantly more time to complete. [source]