Tracheal Intubation (tracheal + intubation)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Kinds of Tracheal Intubation

  • awake tracheal intubation
  • difficult tracheal intubation
  • successful tracheal intubation


  • Selected Abstracts


    Evaluation of the Video Intubation Unit in morbid obese patients

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010
    I. BATHORY
    Background: Tracheal intubation may be more difficult in morbidly obese (MO) patients than in the non-obese. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically if the use of the Video Intubation Unit (VIU), a video-optical intubation stylet, could improve the laryngoscopic view compared with the standard Macintosh laryngoscope in this specific population. Methods: We studied 40 MO patients (body mass index >35 kg/m2) scheduled for bariatric surgery. Each patient had a conventional laryngoscopy and a VIU inspection. The laryngoscopic grades (LG) using the Cormack and Lehane scoring system were noted and compared. Thereafter, the patients were randomised to be intubated with one of the two techniques. In one group, the patients were intubated with the help of the VIU and in the control group, tracheal intubation was performed conventionally. The duration of intubation, as well as the minimal SpO2 achieved during the procedure, were measured. Results: Patient characteristics were similar in both groups. Seventeen patients had a direct LG of 2 or 3 (no patient had a grade of 4). Out of these 17 patients, the LG systematically improved with the VIU and always attained grade 1 (P<0.0001). The intubation time was shorter within the VIU group, but did not attain significance. There was no difference in the SpO2 post-intubation. Conclusion: In MO patients, the use of the VIU significantly improves the visualisation of the larynx, thereby improving the intubation conditions. [source]


    Performance of the AirtraqÔ laryngoscope after failed conventional tracheal intubation: a case series

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2009
    E. MALIN
    Background: The AirtraqÔ, a new disposable indirect laryngoscope, was evaluated in patients with difficult intubation. Methods: The AirtraqÔ was used in 47 patients with predicted or unpredicted difficult intubation after failed orotracheal intubation performed by two senior anaesthesiologists with the Macintosh laryngoscope. Results: Tracheal intubation with AirtraqÔ was successful in 36 patients (80%). The Cormack and Lehane score was IIb,III in 35 patients, and IV in 12 patients, with the Macintosh laryngoscope, while Cormack and Lehane score was I,IIa in 40 patients, IIb,III in three and IV in four with AirtraqÔ. A gum elastic bougie was used to facilitate tracheal access in one-third (11/36) of the cases. Orotracheal intubation was not possible with AirtraqÔ in nine cases, five of whom had a pharyngeal, laryngeal or basal lingual tumour. Conclusion: In patients with difficult airway, following failed conventional orotracheal intubation, AirtraqÔ allows securing the airway in 80% of cases mainly by improving glottis view. However, the AirtraqÔ does not guarantee successful intubation in all instances, especially in case of laryngeal and/or pharyngeal obstruction. [source]


    Dose-response relationship of rocuronium: A comparison of electromyographic vs. acceleromyographic-derived values

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2005
    A. F. Kopman
    Background: Acceleromyography (AMG) is being employed with increasing frequency as a research tool. However, there is almost no information available regarding the accuracy of values for drug potency obtained using AMG. This study was an attempt to determine if AMG-derived ED50/95 values are interchangeable with those measured with a more traditional neuromuscular monitor. Methods: Thirty adult patients were studied. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with N20, propofol, and supplementation opioid. Tracheal intubation was accomplished without muscle relaxants. Simultaneous ipsilateral AMG and EMG responses to 0.10 Hz stimulation was recorded. Following instrument calibrations, a single dose of rocuronium was administered. The first patient received a bolus of 0.17 mg kg,1 of rocuronium. Using the Hill equation with a postulated slope of 4.50, the ED50 was calculated. The second subject received a dose which approximated the calculated ED50 for patient no. 1. Successive subjects were given a dose based on the running average of the estimated ED50. Results: The AMG-derived ED50/95 values for rocuronium (0.163 ± 0.055 and 0.314 ± 0.105 mg mg,1) were virtually identical to those established using EMG (0.159 ± 0.043 and 0.306 ± 0.084 mg kg,1). While mean peak twitch depression (,T1) was the same in both groups for individual subjects ,T1 differed by ± 20% (95% confidence interval). Discussion: Acceleromyography-derived twitch heights for individual patients are not necessarily interchangeable with information obtained using electromyography. Nevertheless, acceleromyography appears to be a valid methodology for determining the drug potency when a population rather than an individual subject is being studied. [source]


    Recovery characteristics of sevoflurane or halothane for day-case anaesthesia in children aged 1,3 years

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2000
    H. Viitanen
    Background: Our objective was to compare the recovery characteristics of sevoflurane and halothane for short day-case anaesthesia in a specifically limited age group of children 1,3 yr. Methods: Eighty unpremedicated children undergoing day-case adenoidectomy were randomly assigned to receive inhalational induction with either sevoflurane 8% or halothane 5% and nitrous oxide in oxygen (70/30) via a face mask. Tracheal intubation was performed without a muscle relaxant. Anaesthesia was continued with the volatile anaesthetic, adjusted to maintain heart rate and blood pressure within ±20% of initial values. Recovery was evaluated using a modified Aldrete score, a Pain/Discomfort scale and by measuring recovery end-points. A postoperative questionnaire was used to determine the well-being of the child at home until 24 h after discharge. Results: Emergence and interaction occurred significantly earlier after sevoflurane than halothane but discharge times were similar. More children in the sevoflurane group achieved full Aldrete scores within the first 30 min after anaesthesia, although this group suffered more discomfort during the first 10 min. The amount of postoperative analgesic administered was higher and the first dose given earlier in the sevoflurane group. Postoperative vomiting was more common with halothane, but side-effects in the two groups were otherwise similar in the recovery room and at home. Conclusions: In children 1,3 yr, sevoflurane provided more rapid early recovery but not discharge after anaesthesia of <30-min duration. Apart from more vomiting with halothane and more discomfort during the first 10 min after awakening with sevoflurane, the quality of recovery was similar with the two anaesthestics. [source]


    Tracheal intubation using pediatric Airtraq® optical laryngoscope in a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 9 2009
    Yoshihiro Hirabayashi
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Tracheal intubation without neuromuscular blocking drugs

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 6 2009
    James F. Mayhew
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Tracheal intubation without neuromuscular blocking drugs in children

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 3 2009
    FFPMRCA, FRCPCH, NEIL S. MORTON MBCHB
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Life threatening medullary injury following adenoidectomy and local anesthetic infiltration of the operative bed

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 2 2009
    ELI HERSHMAN MD
    Summary Objective:, To draw attention to a rare, life threatening complication of a rather common procedure, namely medullary injury following adenoidectomy and local anesthetic infiltration of the operative bed. Design:, Case report. Setting:, A tertiary pediatric critical care unit. Patient:, A healthy 7-year-old girl underwent adenoidectomy and local anesthetic infiltration of the adenoid bed with lidocaine and adrenaline. In the recovery room, nystagmus, dysarthria, dyspnea, inability to cough and right hemiparesis were noticed. Because of her inability to remove secretions tracheal intubation was performed, followed by severe, life threatening respiratory failure. Interventions:, Tracheal intubation, hemodynamic support, prolonged mechanical ventilation, nitric oxide, and tracheostomy. Conclusion:, In children, local anesthetic infiltration of the adenoid bed may cause life-threatening medullary injury and its routine use should be re-considered. [source]


    Assessment of small-dose fentanyl and sufentanil blunting the cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in children

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 6 2007
    FU SHAN XUE MD
    Summary Background:, The authors found no study assessing the efficacy of small-dose narcotics on the cardiovascular response from intubation in children, so they observed the effects of fentanyl 2 ,g·kg,1 and sufentanil 0.2 ,g·kg,1 on the cardiovascular changes during laryngoscopy and intubation in children. Methods:, Ninety-three children aged 3,9 years were randomized to one of three groups to receive the following treatments in a double-blind manner: normal saline (group C), fentanyl 2 ,g·kg,1 (group F) and sufentanil 0.2 ,g·kg,1 (group S) 2 min before induction. Noninvasive blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before anesthesia induction (baseline value), immediately before intubation (postinduction values), at intubation and 5 min after intubation at 1-min interval. Results:, Tracheal intubation caused significant increases in BP and HR in the three groups compared with baseline values. BP and HR at intubation and after intubation and their maximum values during observation were significantly lower in groups F and S than in group C (P < 0.05). The mean percent increases of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and HR at intubation were significantly lower in group S, 7% and 10%, than in group F, 17% and 25% (P < 0.05). The increases in SBP and HR of more than 30% of baseline values during the observation period were significantly higher in group F, 27% and 43%, than in group S, 0% and 3% (P < 0.05). Conclusions:, When used as part of anesthesia induction with propofol in children, sufentanil 0.2 ,g·kg,1 2 min before induction is more effective in attenuating the cardiovascular intubation response than fentanyl 2 ,g·kg,1. [source]


    Tracheal intubation without intravenous access

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 8 2004
    Shireen Mohiuddin MD
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    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]


    A comparison of the effect on QT interval between thiamylal and propofol during anaesthetic induction,

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2010
    U. Higashijima
    Summary The aim of this study was to determine the effect of thiamylal and propofol on heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval during anaesthetic induction. We studied 50 patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Patients were administered 3 ,g.kg,1 fentanyl and were randomly allocated to receive 5 mg.kg,1 thiamylal or 1.5 mg.kg,1 propofol as an induction agent. Tracheal intubation was performed after vecuronium administration. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, bispectral index score, and 12-lead electrocardiogram were recorded at the following time points: just before (T1) and 2 min after (T2) fentanyl administration; 2 min after anaesthetic administration (T3); 2.5 min after vecuronium injection (T4); and 2 min after intubation (T5). Thiamylal prolonged (p < 0.0001), but propofol shortened (p < 0.0001), the QTc interval. [source]


    Tracheal intubation in daylight and in the dark: a randomised comparison of the Airway Scope®, Airtraq®, and Macintosh laryngoscope in a manikin

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2010
    H. Ueshima
    Summary Fifteen anaesthetists attempted to intubate the trachea of a manikin lying supine on the ground using the Airway Scope®, Airtraq® or Macintosh laryngoscope in three simulated conditions: (1) in room light; (2) in the dark and (3) in daylight. The main outcome measure was the time to ventilate the lungs after successful intubation; the secondary outcome was the success rate of ventilation within 30 s. In room light and in the dark, ventilation after successful tracheal intubation could always be achieved within 30 s for all three devices. There were no clinically meaningful differences in time to ventilate between the three devices. In daylight, time to ventilate the lungs for the Airway Scope was significantly longer than for the Macintosh blade (p < 0.0001; 95% CI for difference 27.5,65.0 s) and for the Airtraq (p < 0.0001; 95% CI for difference 29.2,67.6 s). Ventilation was always successful for the Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopes, but for the Airway Scope, only one of 15 participants could successfully ventilate the lungs (p < 0.0001). Therefore, the Airway Scope may have a role for tracheal intubation under room light or in darkness, but may not be so useful in daylight. In contrast, the Airtraq may have a role in both darkness and daylight. [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]


    Tracheal intubation in patients with rigid collar immobilisation of the cervical spine: a comparison of Airtraq® and LMA CTrachÔ devices,

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 12 2009
    Z. I. Arslan
    Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Airtraq® and CTrachÔ in lean patients with simulated cervical spine injury after application of a rigid cervical collar. Eighty-six consenting adult patients of ASA physical status 1 or 2, who required elective tracheal intubation were included in this study in a randomised manner. Anaesthesia was induced using 1 ,g.kg,1 fentanyl, 3 mg.kg,1 propofol and 0.6 mg.kg,1 rocuronium, following which a rigid cervical collar was applied. Comparison was then made between tracheal intubation techniques using either the AirTraq or CTrach device. The mean (SD) time to see the glottis was shorter with the Airtraq than the CTrach (11.9 (6.8) vs 37.6 (16.7)s, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean (SD) time taken for tracheal intubation was also shorter with the Airtraq than the CTrach (25.6 (13.5) and 66.3 (29.3)s, respectively; p < 0.001). There was less mucosal damage in the Airtraq group (p = 0.008). Our findings demonstrate that use of the Airtraq device shortened the tracheal intubation time and reduced the mucosal damage when compared with the CTrach in patients who require cervical spine immobilisation. [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]


    Tracheal intubation with restricted access: a randomised comparison of the Pentax-Airway Scope and Macintosh laryngoscope in a manikin

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 10 2009
    T. Asai
    Summary Ten anaesthetists assessed the ease of tracheal intubation (time to see the glottis, to intubate the trachea and to ventilate), using the Pentax Airway Scope and Macintosh laryngoscope in a manikin, in three simulated circumstances of restricted laryngoscopy: (1) the patient lying supine on the ground; (2) the patient lying supine on the ground with the head close to a wall; (3) the patient confined to a car driver's seat. For the Pentax Airway Scope, intubation was successful (within 2 min) in all three circumstances. For the Macintosh laryngoscope, intubation was successful in all cases in circumstance (1), eight in circumstance (2), and five in circumstance (3). In circumstances (2) and (3), the Pentax Airway Scope needed significantly shorter time to see the vocal cords (median [95% confidence interval] for difference: 4.5 [0.5,9.5] s in circumstance (2), and 12.5 [7.0,32.5] s in circumstance (3)), shorter time to intubate (median [95% confidence interval] for difference: 21.0 [5.5,38.5] s in circumstance (2), and 40.5 [17.5,64.0] s in circumstance (3)), and shorter time to ventilate the lungs (median [95% confidence interval] for difference: 18. 3 [4.5,36.0] s in circumstance (2), and 47.5 [16.0,84.5] s in circumstance (3)). These results indicate that, in situations where access to the patient's head is restricted, the Pentax Airway Scope is more effective than the Macintosh laryngoscope. [source]


    Optimal remifentanil dosage for providing excellent intubating conditions when co-administered with a single standard dose of propofol

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2009
    L. Bouvet
    Summary This dose,response study aimed to determine the dose of remifentanil combined with propofol 2.5 mg.kg,1 which provided excellent intubation conditions in 95% of patients. Ninety premedicated female ASA 1 and 2 patients were randomly allocated to five remifentanil dose groups (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 ,g.kg,1). Induction of anaesthesia was performed with a blinded dose of remifentanil infused over 60 s simultaneously co-administered with propofol 2.5 mg.kg,1 infused over 45 s. Tracheal intubation was attempted 150 s after the beginning of induction. Intubating conditions were assessed with the Copenhagen score. A probit analysis was performed to calculate the intubating efficient doses (IED) of remifentanil in 95% of patients (IED95). Our data revealed that the IED95 of remifentanil was 4.0 (95% CI: 3.4,5.6) ,g.kg,1, which was associated with a maximum decrease in heart rate and mean arterial pressure of < 30%, a finding which also applied to the other groups. [source]


    Tracheal intubation and alternative airway management devices used by healthcare professionals with different level of pre-existing skills: a manikin study,

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 5 2009
    B. M. Wahlen
    Summary The classic Laryngeal Mask Airway (cLMAÔ), ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMAÔ), Intubating Laryngeal Mask AirwayÔ (ILMAÔ), Combitube (CTÔ), Laryngeal Tube (LTÔ) and tracheal intubation (TI) were compared in a manikin study. Nurses, anaesthetic nurses, paramedics, physicians and anaesthetists inserted the devices three times in a randomised sequence. Time taken for successful insertion, success rates and ease of insertion were evaluated. Anaesthetists performed tracheal intubation significantly faster than other healthcare professionals (p < 0.05). Insertion times for the cLMA, PLMA, LT and CT were not significantly different between the groups. Insertion of the CT, ILMA and TI was associated with a significant learning effect in all groups. This was not observed with the cLMA, PLMA or LT. All non-anaesthetists were able to insert the cLMA, PLMA and LT within two attempts with a > 90% success rate on the first attempt. The ILMA and TI were the only devices where more than one subject experienced some difficulty in insertion. The cLMA, PLMA and LT should be evaluated for use in situations where only limited airway training is possible. [source]


    Awake intubation using the LMA-CTrachÔ in patients with difficult airways,

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 4 2009
    A. M. López
    Summary We studied 21 patients with known difficult airways who underwent awake tracheal intubation using the LMA CTrachÔ. Patients were given midazolam, atropine, a continuous infusion of remifentanil and topical lidocaine applied to the oropharyx. We limited the number of insertion attempts to three and the time to adjust the view to 5 min. In case of failure, we performed awake fibreoptic tracheal intubation. We found insertion of the device was successful and well tolerated in all patients. Vocal cords could be seen immediately in nine patients and following corrective manoeuvres in 10 patients. Tracheal intubation was successful in 20 patients: 19 cases under direct vision and in one blindly. In one patient with undiagnosed lingual tonsil hyperplasia, tracheal intubation was impossible using the device. No patient had an unpleasant recall of the procedure. We conclude that the LMA CTrach is easy to use, well tolerated and suitable for awake orotracheal intubation in patients with known difficult airways. [source]


    A simple fibreoptic assisted laryngoscope for paediatric difficult intubation: a manikin study,

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 4 2009
    K. Komiya
    Summary The fibreoptic assisted laryngoscope is a new airway device. We compared the fibreoptic assisted laryngoscope with the Bullard laryngoscope, Macintosh laryngoscope and fibreoptic bronchoscope in a manikin with a simulated Cormack and Lehane Grade 4 laryngoscopic view. Eighteen anaesthetists intubated the manikin's trachea using these devices and the success rate of intubation was measured. They were then asked to rate the subjective difficulty of intubation. The success rate (95% confidence interval) was 100% (94.6,100) with the fibreoptic assisted laryngoscope, 88.9% (80.5,97.3) using the Bullard laryngoscope, 37.0% (24.1,49.9) with the Macintosh laryngoscope, and 22.2% (11.1,33.3) using the fibreoptic bronchoscope. Tracheal intubation using the fibreoptic assisted laryngoscope or Bullard laryngoscope is easier than that using the Macintosh laryngoscope or fibreoptic bronchoscope by subjective difficulty score. All of the intubations were successful with the fibreoptic assisted laryngoscope without practice. These results suggest that fibreoptic assisted laryngoscope may be a useful tool for paediatric difficult intubation. [source]


    Awake fibrecapnic intubation: a novel technique for intubation in head and neck cancer patients with a difficult airway,

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 5 2006
    J. M. Huitink
    Summary Awake fibreoptic intubation is the gold standard for difficult airway management but failures are reported in the literature in up to 13% of cases. In case of failure, a tracheotomy is often indicated. We describe a novel technique for intubation in head and neck cancer patients with a difficult airway that we call awake fibrecapnic intubation. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of this technique. We studied prospectively 15 consecutive intubations in head and neck cancer patients before diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedures. After topical anaesthesia, a fibrescope was introduced into the pharynx. Spontaneous respiration was maintained in all patients. Through the suction channel of the fibrescope a special suction catheter was advanced into the airway for carbon dioxide measurements. When four capnograms were obtained, the fibrescope was railroaded over the catheter and after identification of tracheal rings, a tracheal tube was placed. Tracheal intubation was successful in all patients without bleeding or complications, with a median (range) time to intubation of 3 (2,15) min. Identification of the vocal cords and glottis was difficult in four patients due to extensive anatomical abnormalities or poor visibility; even in these patients, a capnogram was obtained within 4 s. [source]


    Tracheal intubation through a laryngeal mask may kink the pilot tube

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 8 2004
    T. Moeller-Bertram
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    A comparison of the intubating laryngeal mask airway and the Bonfils intubation fibrescope in patients with predicted difficult airways,

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2004
    B. Bein
    Summary Tracheal intubation with the intubating laryngeal mask airway or the Bonfils intubation fibrescope was performed in 80 patients with predicted difficult airways. Mallampati score, thyromental distance, mouth opening and mobility of the atlanto-occipital joint were used to predict difficult airways. The overall success rate, time to the first adequate lung ventilation and time taken for the successful placement of the tracheal tube were recorded, as well as a subjective assessment of the handling of the device and the incidence of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness. The median [range] time to the first adequate ventilation was significantly shorter with the intubating laryngeal mask airway than with the Bonfils intubation fibrescope (28 [6,85] s vs. 40 [23,77] s, p < 0.005). Tracheal intubation was significantly slower with the intubating laryngeal mask airway than with the Bonfils intubation fibrescope (76 [45,155] s vs. 40 [23,77] s, p < 0.0001. Patients in the Bonfils group suffered less sore throat and hoarseness than those in the other group. [source]


    Tracheal intubation and sore throat: a mechanical explanation

    ANAESTHESIA, Issue 2 2002
    apparatus
    Although tracheal intubation remains a valuable tool, it may result in pressure trauma and sore throat. The evidence for an association between these sequelae is not conclusive and sore throat may be caused at the time of intubation. This hypothesis was tested in a mechanical model and the results from tracheal intubation compared with those from insertion of a laryngeal mask airway, which is associated with a lower incidence of sore throat. Use of the model suggests that the tracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway impinge on the pharyngeal wall in different manners and involve different mechanisms for their conformation to the upper airway, but that in a static situation, the forces exerted on the pharyngeal wall are low with both devices. It also suggests that the incidence of sore throat should be lower for softer and smaller tracheal tubes and that the standard ,Magill' curve (radius of curvature 140 ± 20 mm) is about optimum for the average airway. [source]


    Difficult intubation of a child through laryngeal mask airway with two tracheal tubes

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2006
    TANIL KENDIIRLI
    Abstract Difficult tracheal intubation occurs infrequently. It is estimated that difficult laryngoscopy occurs in 1,2% of patients. Tracheal intubation of especially small infants can be challenging. When faced with a difficult airway, intubation through a laryngeal mask airway is one method of obtaining a secure airway. Here, we report a 23-mo-old girl with chronic lung disease and severe pneumonia, who was admitted to our paediatric intensive care unit. Since the patient could not be intubated by the standard method, because her larynx was up and forward, she was intubated successfully with a laryngeal mask airway through which two consecutive tracheal tubes were inserted. Conclusion: Laryngeal mask airway has an important role as a back-up device in case direct visualization of the larynx is not possible. [source]


    Dental injuries resulting from tracheal intubation , a retrospective study

    DENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
    Jobst Vogel
    Thus, this retrospective study was conducted including the data of 115,151 patients. All patients involved had been exposed to general anesthesia between 1995 and 2005. The resulting tooth injuries were assessed according to the following parameters: age, kind of hospital conducting treatment, intubation difficulties, pre-existing tooth damage, type and localization of tooth, type of tooth damage, and the number of teeth injured. At least 170 teeth were injured in 130 patients, while patients 50 years of age and older were especially affected. In contrast to older patients where in the majority of cases the periodontium (lateral dislocation) was injured, in younger patients dental hard tissue (crown fracture) was more likely to be affected. It was calculated that patients from the cardiothoracic surgery clinic were showing the highest risk of tooth damage. In more than three-fourth of all cases the anterior teeth of the maxilla, especially the maxillary central incisors, were affected. Pre-existing dental pathology like caries, marginal periodontitis and tooth restorations were often distinguishable prior to operation. Mouthguards in connection with tracheal intubation are not generally recommended as preventive device, due to the already limited amount of space available. Instead, pre-existing risk factors should be thoroughly explored before the induction of intubation narcosis. [source]


    Impact of Emergency Medicine Faculty and an Airway Protocol on Airway Management

    ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 12 2002
    James H. Jones MD
    Objective: To determine the impact of emergency medicine (EM) faculty presence and an airway management protocol on success rates of tracheal intubation in the emergency department (ED). Methods: A retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data on rates of successful intubations between June 1997 and December 2001 in the ED of a large urban teaching hospital. The authors compared success rates of the first attempt at intubation and times to intubation prior to and after EM faculty presence and the institution of an airway management protocol. Results: Prior to EM faculty presence and the airway management protocol, tracheal intubation was achieved on the first attempt 46% of the time; more than six attempts were required 2.9% of the time. The mean time to intubation was 9.2 minutes (±13.2 SD). Following EM faculty presence and the airway protocol, the success rate on the first attempt was 62%, more than six attempts were required 1.1% of the time, and the mean time to intubation was 4.6 minutes (±6.2 SD). Conclusions: First-attempt intubation success rates and decreased mean time to successful intubation improved following EM faculty presence and the introduction of an airway management protocol. [source]


    A clinical prospective comparison of anesthetics sensitivity and hemodynamic effect among patients with or without obstructive jaundice

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2010
    L.-Q. YANG
    Background: To compare isoflurane anesthesia in patients with or without hyperbilirubinemia undergoing hepatobiliary surgery. Methods: Forty-two patients with obstructive jaundice and 40 control patients with normal liver function scheduled for hepatobiliary surgery under isoflurane anesthesia were studied. Anesthesia was induced with propofol (1.5,2 mg/kg) and remifentanil (2 ,g/kg). After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was titrated using isoflurane in oxygen-enriched air, adjusted to maintain a bispectral index (BIS) value of 46,54. Ephedrine, atropine and remifentanil were used to maintain hemodynamic parameters within 30% of the baseline. The mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), drug doses and the time taken to recover from anesthesia were recorded. Results: Demographic data, duration and BIS values were similar in both groups. Anesthesia induction and maintenance were associated with more hemodynamic instability in the patients with jaundice and they received more ephedrine and atropine and less remifentanil and isoflurane (51.1±24.2 vs. 84.6±20.3 mg/min; P for all <0.05) than control patients. Despite less anesthetic use, the time to recovery and extubation was significantly longer than that in control. Conclusion: Patients with obstructive jaundice have an increased sensitivity to isoflurane, more hypotension and bradycardia during anesthesia induction and maintenance and a prolonged recovery time compared with controls. [source]


    Classification of a traumatic brain injury: the Glasgow Coma scale is not enough

    ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2010
    A. CHIEREGATO
    Background: Classifying the severity of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) solely by means of the Glasgow Coma scale (GCS) is under scrutiny, because it overlooks other important clinical signs. Clinicians treating patients with acute TBI are well placed to suggest which variables, in addition to the GCS, should concur in a new classification of TBI. Methods: In Italy, acute TBI patients are treated by anaesthetists, and so we asked them, in a questionnaire survey, to rate the weight they give to the GCS and to other clinical variables in their approach to TBI. Because sedation may underestimate GCS scores, we also inquired whether anaesthetists select sedatives that allow drug-free GCS scores. The questionnaire was distributed to 1334 anaesthetists attending courses on neurotrauma; the response rate was 63%. Results: Two thirds of the respondents believe that the definition of severe TBI should include, in addition to GCS scores, pupil reactivity to light and computer tomogram (CT) findings, the variables that guide Italian anaesthetists in TBI management. Most respondents (68.2%) administer sedation which allows prompt neurological evaluation and reliable GCS scoring. A minority of respondents (9.3%) withhold or antagonize sedation, delay tracheal intubation or allow patient,ventilator asynchrony. Conclusions: Italian anaesthetists would welcome a definition of TBI severity that includes CT findings and pupil reactivity in addition to the GCS. [source]