Articles

Abstract

Law, J.A., Kovacs, G. Videolaryngoscopy 2.0. Can J Anesth/J Can Anesth (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-021-02162-4
Videolaryngoscopy (VL) is great. For many reasons, it helps alleviate much of the stress associated with airway management. It’s probably fair to say that, were there enough to go around (perhaps, if money was no object), we’d all like to use VL to facilitate every tracheal intubation. Indeed, published airway recommendations are beginning to suggest exactly this, resources allowing.1 This follows from the many studies and meta-analyses indicating that, compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL), VL is associated with increased tracheal intubation success and fewer complications. And many studies there are, with a PubMed search of the term “videolaryngoscopy” or “video laryngoscopy” currently yielding over 2900 results.

Abstract

Driver BE, Semler MW, Self WH, et al. Effect of Use of a Bougie vs Endotracheal Tube With Stylet on Successful Intubation on the First Attempt Among Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Tracheal Intubation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. Published online December 08, 2021. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.22002

Importance: For critically ill adults undergoing emergency tracheal intubation, failure to intubate the trachea on the first attempt occurs in up to 20% of cases and is associated with severe hypoxemia and cardiac arrest. Whether using a tracheal tube introducer (“bougie”) increases the likelihood of successful intubation compared with using an endotracheal tube with stylet remains uncertain.
Objective: To determine the effect of use of a bougie vs an endotracheal tube with stylet on successful intubation on the first attempt.
Design, Setting, and Participants: The Bougie or Stylet in Patients Undergoing Intubation Emergently (BOUGIE) trial was a multicenter, randomized clinical trial among 1102 critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation in 7 emergency departments and 8 intensive care units in the US between April 29, 2019, and February 14, 2021; the date of final follow-up was March 14, 2021.
Interventions Patients were randomly assigned to use of a bougie (n = 556) or use of an endotracheal tube with stylet (n = 546).
Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was successful intubation on the first attempt. The secondary outcome was the incidence of severe hypoxemia, defined as a peripheral oxygen saturation less than 80%.
Results: Among 1106 patients randomized, 1102 (99.6%) completed the trial and were included in the primary analysis (median age, 58 years; 41.0% women). Successful intubation on the first attempt occurred in 447 patients (80.4%) in the bougie group and 453 patients (83.0%) in the stylet group (absolute risk difference, −2.6 percentage points [95% CI, −7.3 to 2.2]; P = .27). A total of 58 patients (11.0%) in the bougie group experienced severe hypoxemia, compared with 46 patients (8.8%) in the stylet group (absolute risk difference, 2.2 percentage points [95% CI, −1.6 to 6.0]). Esophageal intubation occurred in 4 patients (0.7%) in the bougie group and 5 patients (0.9%) in the stylet group, pneumothorax was present after intubation in 14 patients (2.5%) in the bougie group and 15 patients (2.7%) in the stylet group, and injury to oral, glottic, or thoracic structures occurred in 0 patients in the bougie group and 3 patients (0.5%) in the stylet group.
Conclusions and Relevance: Among critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation, use of a bougie did not significantly increase the incidence of successful intubation on the first attempt compared with use of an endotracheal tube with stylet.

Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03928925

Abstract

Law JA, Duggan LV, Asselin M, Baker P, Crosby E, Downey A, Hung OR, Kovacs G, Lemay F, Noppens R, Parotto M, Preston R, Sowers N, Sparrow K, Turkstra TP, Wong DT, Jones PM; Canadian Airway Focus Group. Canadian Airway Focus Group updated consensus-based recommendations for management of the difficult airway: part 2. Planning and implementing safe management of the patient with an anticipated difficult airway. Can J Anaesth. 2021 Sep;68(9):1405-1436.

Purpose: Since the last Canadian Airway Focus Group (CAFG) guidelines were published in 2013, the published airway management literature has expanded substantially. The CAFG therefore re-convened to examine this literature and update practice recommendations. This second of two articles addresses airway evaluation, decision-making, and safe implementation of an airway management strategy when difficulty is anticipated.

Source: Canadian Airway Focus Group members, including anesthesia, emergency medicine, and critical care physicians were assigned topics to search. Searches were run in the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL databases. Results were presented to the group and discussed during video conferences every two weeks from April 2018 to July 2020. These CAFG recommendations are based on the best available published evidence. Where high-quality evidence is lacking, statements are based on group consensus.

Findings and key recommendations: Prior to airway management, a documented strategy should be formulated for every patient, based on airway evaluation. Bedside examination should seek predictors of difficulty with face-mask ventilation (FMV), tracheal intubation using video- or direct laryngoscopy (VL or DL), supraglottic airway use, as well as emergency front of neck airway access. Patient physiology and contextual issues should also be assessed. Predicted difficulty should prompt careful decision-making on how most safely to proceed with airway management. Awake tracheal intubation may provide an extra margin of safety when impossible VL or DL is predicted, when difficulty is predicted with more than one mode of airway management (e.g., tracheal intubation and FMV), or when predicted difficulty coincides with significant physiologic or contextual issues. If managing the patient after the induction of general anesthesia despite predicted difficulty, team briefing should include triggers for moving from one technique to the next, expert assistance should be sourced, and required equipment should be present. Unanticipated difficulty with airway management can always occur, so the airway manager should have a strategy for difficulty occurring in every patient, and the institution must make difficult airway equipment readily available. Tracheal extubation of the at-risk patient must also be carefully planned, including assessment of the patient's tolerance for withdrawal of airway support and whether re-intubation might be difficult.

Abstract

Law JA, Duggan LV, Asselin M, Baker P, Crosby E, Downey A, Hung OR, Jones PM, Lemay F, Noppens R, Parotto M, Preston R, Sowers N, Sparrow K, Turkstra TP, Wong DT, Kovacs G; Canadian Airway Focus Group. Canadian Airway Focus Group updated consensus-based recommendations for management of the difficult airway: part 1. Difficult airway management encountered in an unconscious patient. Can J Anaesth. 2021 Sep;68(9):1373-1404.

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

Abstract

Groombridge CJ, Maini A, Olaussen A, Kim Y, Fitzgerald M, Smit V. Unintended consequences: The impact of airway management modifications introduced in response to COVID-19 on intubations in a tertiary centre emergency department. Emerg Med Australas. 2021 Aug;33(4):728-733.

Objective: In response to COVID-19, we introduced and examined the effect of a raft of modifications to standard practice on adverse events and first-attempt success (FAS) associated with ED intubation. Methods: An analysis of prospectively collected registry data of all ED intubations over a 3-year period at an Australian Major Trauma Centre. During the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, we introduced modifications to standard practice to reduce the risk to staff including: aerosolisation reduction, comprehensive personal protective equipment for all intubations, regular low fidelity simulation with ‘sign-off’ for all medical and nursing staff, senior clinician laryngoscopist and the introduction of pre-drawn medications. Results: There were 783 patients, 136 in the COVID-19 era and 647 in the pre-COVID-19 comparator group. The rate of hypoxia was higher during the COVID-19 era compared to pre-COVID-19 (18.4% vs 9.6%, P < 0.005). This occurred despite the FAS rate remaining very high (95.6% vs 93.8%, P = 0.42) and intubation being undertaken by more senior laryngoscopists (consultant 55.9% during COVID-19 vs 22.6% pre-COVID-19, P < 0.001). Other adverse events were similar before and during COVID-19 (hypotension 12.5% vs 7.9%, P = 0.082; bradycardia 1.5% vs 0.5%, P = 0.21). Video laryngoscopy was more likely to be used during COVID-19 (95.6% vs 82.5%, P < 0.001) and induction of anaesthesia more often used ketamine (66.9% vs 42.3%, P < 0.001) and rocuronium (86.8% vs 52.1%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: This raft of modifications to ED intubation was associated with significant increase in hypoxia despite a very high FAS rate and more senior first laryngoscopist.

Abstract

Caputo N, Strayer R, Levitan R. Academic Emergency Medicine 2020

OBJECTIVE Prolonged and unaddressed hypoxia can lead to poor patient outcomes. Proning has become a standard treatment in the management of patients with ARDS who have difficulty achieving adequate oxygen saturation. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of early proning of awake, non-intubated patients in the emergency department (ED) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This pilot study was carried out in a single urban ED in New York City. We included patients suspected of having COVID19 with hypoxia on arrival. A standard pulse oximeter was used to measure SpO2. SpO2 measurements were recorded at triage and after five minutes of proning. Supplemental oxygenation methods included non-rebreather mask (NRB) and nasal cannula. We also characterized post-proning failure rates of intubation within the first 24 hours of arrival to the ED.RESULTS Fifty patients were included. Overall, the median SpO2 at triage was 80% (IQR 69 to 85). After application of supplemental oxygen was given to patients on room air it was 84% (IQR 75 to 90). After 5 minutes of proning was added SpO2 improved to 94% (IQR 90 to 95). Comparison of the pre- to post-median by the Wilcoxon Rank-sum test yielded P=0.001. Thirteen patients (24%) failed to improve or maintain their oxygen saturations and required endotracheal intubation within 24 hours of arrival to the ED. CONCLUSION Awake early self-proning in the emergency department demonstrated improved oxygen saturation in our COVID-19positive patients. Further studies are needed to support causality and determine the effect of proning on disease severity and mortality.

Abstract

Alhazzani W et al. Crit Care Med. 2020 Mar 27.

Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of a rapidly spreading illness, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), affecting thousands of people around the world. Urgent guidance for clinicians caring for the sickest of these patients is needed.
METHODS:
We formed a panel of 36 experts from 12 countries. All panel members completed the World Health Organization conflict of interest disclosure form. The panel proposed 53 questions that are relevant to the management of COVID-19 in the ICU. We searched the literature for direct and indirect evidence on the management of COVID-19 in critically ill patients in the ICU. We identified relevant and recent systematic reviews on most questions relating to supportive care. We assessed the certainty in the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, then generated recommendations based on the balance between benefit and harm, resource and cost implications, equity, and feasibility. Recommendations were either strong or weak, or in the form of best practice recommendations.
RESULTS:
The Surviving Sepsis Campaign COVID-19 panel issued 54 statements, of which four are best practice statements, nine are strong recommendations, and 35 are weak recommendations. No recommendation was provided for six questions. The topics were: 1) infection control, 2) laboratory diagnosis and specimens, 3) hemodynamic support, 4) ventilatory support, and 5) COVID-19 therapy.
CONCLUSION:
The Surviving Sepsis Campaign COVID-19 panel issued several recommendations to help support healthcare workers caring for critically ill ICU patients with COVID-19. When available, we will provide new evidence in further releases of these guidelines.

Abstract

Murthy S, Gomersall C, Fowler R. JAMA. 2020 Mar 11.

Abstract

Brewster D, Chrimes N, Do T et al. Medical Journal of Australia 2020. This a living document so please monitor the website for updates:
https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2020/212/10/consensus-statement-safe-airway-society-principles-airway-management-and

Abstract

Wax R, Christian M. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia 2020

A global health emergency has been declared by the World Health Organization as the 2019-nCoV outbreak spreads across the world, with confirmed patients in Canada. Patients infected with 2019-nCoV are at risk for developing respiratory failure and requiring admission to critical care units. While providing optimal treatment for these patients, careful execution of infection control measures is necessary to prevent nosocomial transmission to other patients and to healthcare workers providing care. Although the exact mechanisms of transmission are currently unclear, human-to-human transmission can occur, and the risk of airborne spread during aerosol-generating medical procedures remains a concern in specific circumstances. This paper summarizes important considerations regarding patient screening, environmental controls, personal protective equipment, resuscitation measures (including intubation), and critical care unit operations planning as we prepare for the possibility of new imported cases or local outbreaks of 2019-nCoV. Although understanding of the 2019-nCoV virus is evolving, lessons learned from prior infectious disease challenges such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome will hopefully improve our state of readiness regardless of the number of cases we eventually manage in Canada.

Abstract

Jarrod M Mosier, John C Sakles, J Adam Law, Calvin A Brown, Peter G Brindley
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2020

Tracheal intubation is commonly performed in critically ill patients. Unfortunately, this procedure also carries a high risk of complications; half of critically ill patients with difficult airways experiencing life threatening complications. The high complication rates stem from difficulty with laryngoscopy and tube placement, consequences of physiologic derangement, and human factors including failure to recognize and reluctance to manage the failed airway. The last 10 years have seen a rapid expansion in devices available that help overcome anatomic difficulties with laryngoscopy and provide rescue oxygenation in the setting of failed attempts. Recent research in critically ill patients has highlighted other important considerations for critically ill patients and evaluated interventions to reduce the risks with repeated attempts, desaturation, and cardiovascular collapse during emergency airway management. There are three actions that should be implemented to reduce the risk of danger and include: 1. Preintubation assessment for potential difficulty (e.g. MACOCHA score), 2. Preparation and optimization of the patient and team for difficulty-including using a checklist, acquiring necessary equipment, maximizing preoxygenation, and hemodynamic optimization, and 3. Recognition and management of failure to restore oxygenation and reduce the risk of cardiopulmonary arrest. This review describes the history of emergency airway management and explores the challenges with modern emergency airway management in critically ill patients. We offer clinically relevant recommendations based on current evidence, guidelines, and expert opinion.

Abstract

Cooper R. Anesthesiology 2019
An airway manager's primary objective is to provide a path to oxygenation. This can be achieved by means of a facemask, a supraglottic airway, or a tracheal tube. If one method fails, an alternative approach may avert hypoxia. We cannot always predict the difficulties with each of the methods, but these difficulties may be overcome by an alternative technique. Each unsuccessful attempt to maintain oxygenation is time lost and may incrementally increase the risk of hypoxia, trauma, and airway obstruction necessitating a surgical airway. We should strive to optimize each effort. Differentiation between failed laryngoscopy and failed intubation is important because the solutions differ. Failed facemask ventilation may be easily managed with an supraglottic airway or alternatively tracheal intubation. When alveolar ventilation cannot be achieved by facemask, supraglottic airway, or tracheal intubation, every anesthesiologist should be prepared to perform an emergency surgical airway to avert disaster.

Abstract

Baillard C, Boubaya M, Statescu E et al. BJA 2019

BACKGROUND The incidence of hypoxaemia related to airway management is still a matter of concern. Our aim was to determine the factors that contribute to hypoxaemia during induction of anaesthesia after a standardised preoxygenation procedure. METHODS The study was a multicentre and prospective observational trial. It evaluated the incidence of hypoxaemia at induction of anaesthesia in adult patients. The primary endpoint was the incidence of hypoxaemia defined as pulse oximetry of arterial oxyhaemoglobin saturation (SpO2) <95%. RESULTS Of 2398 patients, hypoxaemia was observed in 158 (6.6%). We identified five preoperative independent risk factors: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, anticipated difficult mask ventilation and difficult tracheal intubation, and emergency surgery. There were also three pre-induction independent risk factors: difficult preoxygenation, difficult mask ventilation, and difficult tracheal intubation. We found a high negative predictive value of preoperative risk factors for difficult mask ventilation of 0.96 (0.95-0.96), and for difficult tracheal intubation (0.95 [0.94-0.96]). A total of 723 patients (30%) experienced difficult preoxygenation (FeO2 <90% at the end of preoxygenation). Male sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, emergency surgery, and predictable difficult mask ventilation were independent patient risk factors for difficult preoxygenation. CONCLUSIONS Difficult mask ventilation and difficult tracheal intubation are risk factors for hypoxaemia at induction of general anaesthesia. Difficult preoxygenation was observed in 30% of patients and was also identified as a risk factor for hypoxaemia. This suggests that techniques improving preoxygenation should be implemented in daily practice.

Abstract

Casey J, Janz D, Russell D et al. NEJM 2019

BACKGROUND Hypoxemia is the most common complication during tracheal intubation of critically ill adults and may increase the risk of cardiac arrest and death. Whether positive-pressure ventilation with a bag-mask device (bag-mask ventilation) during tracheal intubation of critically ill adults prevents hypoxemia without increasing the risk of aspiration remains controversial. METHODS In a multicenter, randomized trial conducted in seven intensive care units in the United States, we randomly assigned adults undergoing tracheal intubation to receive either ventilation with a bag-mask device or no ventilation between induction and laryngoscopy. The primary outcome was the lowest oxygen saturation observed during the interval between induction and 2 minutes after tracheal intubation. The secondary outcome was the incidence of severe hypoxemia, defined as an oxygen saturation of less than 80%. RESULTS Among the 401 patients enrolled, the median lowest oxygen saturation was 96% (interquartile range, 87 to 99) in the bag-mask ventilation group and 93% (interquartile range, 81 to 99) in the no-ventilation group (P = 0.01). A total of 21 patients (10.9%) in the bag-mask ventilation group had severe hypoxemia, as compared with 45 patients (22.8%) in the no-ventilation group (relative risk, 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30 to 0.77). Operator-reported aspiration occurred during 2.5% of intubations in the bag-mask ventilation group and during 4.0% in the no-ventilation group (P = 0.41). The incidence of new opacity on chest radiography in the 48 hours after tracheal intubation was 16.4% and 14.8%, respectively (P = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS Among critically ill adults undergoing tracheal intubation, patients receiving bag-mask ventilation had higher oxygen saturations and a lower incidence of severe hypoxemia than those receiving no ventilation. (Funded by Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research and others; PreVent ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03026322.).

Abstract

Caputo N, Oliver M, West J. Annals of Emergency Medicine

STUDY OBJECTIVE
Preoxygenation is important to prevent oxygen desaturation during emergency airway management. The purpose of this study is to describe the use of end tidal oxygen (eto2) during rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department.

METHODS
This study was carried out in 2 academic centers in Sydney, Australia, and New York City. We included patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department. A standard gas analyzer was used to measure eto2. Preoxygenation methods included nonrebreather mask and bag-valve-mask ventilation. We measured eto2 before preoxygenation and at administration of rapid sequence intubation medications. We also characterized peri-intubation SpO2, identifying instances of SpO2 less than 90%.

RESULTS
We included 100 patients during a 6-month period. Median eto2 level before and after preoxygenation was 53% (interquartile range [IQR] 43% to 65%) and 78% (IQR 64% to 86%), respectively. One fourth of patients achieved an eto2 level greater than 85%. Median eto2 level achieved varied with preoxygenation method, ranging from 80% (IQR 60% to 87%) for the nonrebreather mask group to 77% (IQR 65% to 86%) for the bag-valve-mask group. The method with the highest median eto2 level was nonrebreather mask at flush rate (86%; IQR 80% to 90%) and the lowest median eto2 level was nonrebreather mask at 15 L/min (57%; IQR 53% to 60%). Eighteen patients (18%) experienced oxygen desaturation (SpO2 <90%); of these, 14 (78%) did not reach an eto2 level greater than 85% at induction.

CONCLUSION
ETO2 varied with different preoxygenation techniques employed in the emergency department. Most patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation did not achieve maximal preoxygenation. Measuring ETO2 in the emergency department may be a valuable adjunct for optimizing preoxygenation during emergency airway management.

Abstract

Frat JP, Ricard JD, Quenot JP et al. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine 2019

Findings Between April 15, 2016, and Jan 8, 2017, 2079 patients were intubated in the 28 participating units, and 322 were enrolled. We excluded five patients with no recorded data, two who withdrew consent or were under legal protection, one who was not intubated, and one who had a cardiac arrest. Of the 313 patients included in the intention- to-treat analysis, 142 were assigned to non-invasive ventilation and 171 to high-flow oxygen therapy. Severe hypoxaemia occurred in 33 (23%) of 142 patients after preoxygenation with non-invasive ventilation and 47 (27%) of 171 with high- flow oxygen (absolute difference –4·2%, 95% CI –13·7 to 5·5; p=0·39). In the 242 patients with moderate-to-severe hypo xaemia (PaO2/FiO2 ≤200 mm Hg), severe hypoxaemia occurred less frequently after preoxygenation with non-
invasive ventilation than with high-flow oxygen (28 [24%] of 117 patients vs 44 [35%] of 125; adjusted odds ratio 0·56, 0·32 to 0·99, p=0·0459). Serious adverse events did not differ between treatment groups, with the most common immediate complications being systolic arterial hypotension (70 [49%] patients in the non-invasive ventilation group vs 86 [50%] patients in the high-flow oxygen group) and chest infiltrate on x-ray (28 [20%] vs 33 [19%]), and the most common late complications being death at day 28 (53 [37%] vs 58 [34%]) and ventilator-associated pneumonia during ICU stay (31 [22%] vs 35 [20%]).
Interpretation In patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure, preoxygenation with non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen therapy did not change the risk of severe hypoxaemia. Future research should explore the effect of preoxygenation method in patients with moderate-to-severe hypoxaemia at baseline.

Abstract

Long B, Koyfman A, Gottlieb M. Academic Emergency Medicine 2019

In summary, the existing evidence indicates that several findings predict a difficult endotracheal intubation, but their absence cannot reliably exclude this scenario. The most accurate assessment was the upper lip bite test, followed by shorter hyomental distance, retrognathia, impaired neck mobility, modified Mal- lampati score > 3, and the Wilson score. Future stud- ies should incorporate new airway technology such as video laryngoscopy and include emergency situations.

Abstract

Carlson J, Zocchi M, Marsh K et al. Annals of Emergency Medicine 2019

Study objective: Although intubation is a commonly discussed procedure in emergency medicine, the number of opportunities for emergency physicians to perform it is unknown. We determine the frequency of intubation performed by emergency physicians in a national emergency medicine group. Methods: Using data from a national emergency medicine group (135 emergency departments [EDs] in 19 states, 2010 to 2016), we determined intubation incidence per physician, including intubations per year, intubations per 100 clinical hours, and intubations per 1,000 ED patient visits. We report medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) for estimated intubation rates among emergency physicians working in general EDs (those treating mixed adult and pediatric populations). Results: We analyzed 53,904 intubations performed by 2,108 emergency physicians in general EDs (53,265 intubations) and pediatric EDs (639 intubations). Intubation incidence varied among general ED emergency physicians (median 10 intubations per year; IQR 5 to 17; minimum 0, maximum 109). Approximately 5% of emergency physicians did not perform any intubations in a given year. During the study, 24.1% of general ED emergency physicians performed fewer than 4 intubations per year (range 21.2% in 2010 to 25.7% in 2016). Emergency physicians working in general EDs performed a median of 0.7 intubations per 100 clinical hours (IQR 0.3 to 1.1) and 2.7 intubations per 1,000 ED patient visits (IQR 1.2 to 4.6). Conclusion: These findings provide insights into the frequency with which emergency physicians perform intubations.

Abstract

Nwakanma C, Wright B. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America 2109

A subset of intubated patients can safely be extubated in the emergency department (ED). The emergency medicine provider should be prepared for both common and life-threatening complications if considering ED extubation. Patients selected for extubation in the ED should have a low or near zero risk of reintubation or extubation failure. Intensive nursing care, close monitoring, and the ability to reintubate are minimum requirements for EDs considering ED extubation. This article provides a framework for determining appropriate patients for extubation and a practical approach on how to safely perform the procedure.

Abstract

Janz D, Casey J, Semler M et al. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine 2019

BACKGROUND Tracheal intubation is common in the care of critically ill adults and is frequently complicated by hypotension, cardiac arrest, or death. We aimed to evaluate administration of an intravenous fluid bolus to prevent cardiovascular collapse during intubation of critically ill adults. METHODS We did a pragmatic, multicentre, unblinded, randomised trial in nine sites (eight ICUs and one emergency department) around the USA. Critically ill adults (≥18 years) undergoing tracheal intubation were randomly assigned (1:1, block sizes of 2, 4, and 6, stratified by study site) to either an intravenous infusion of 500 mL of crystalloid solution or no fluid bolus. The primary outcome, assessed in the intention-to-treat population, was cardiovascular collapse, defined as a new systolic blood pressure <65 mm Hg; new or increased vasopressor receipt between induction and 2 min after tracheal intubation; or cardiac arrest or death within 1 h of tracheal intubation. Adverse events were assessed in the as-treated population. This trial, which is now complete, is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03026777. FINDINGS Patients were enrolled from Feb 6, 2017, to Jan 9, 2018, when the data and safety monitoring board stopped the trial on the basis of futility. By trial termination, 337 (63%) of 537 screened adults had been randomly assigned. Cardiovascular collapse occurred in 33 (20%) of 168 patients in the fluid bolus group compared with 31 (18%) of 169 patients in the no fluid bolus group (absolute difference 1·3% [95% CI -7·1% to 9·7%]; p=0·76). The individual components of the cardiovascular collapse composite outcome did not differ between groups (new systolic blood pressure <65 mm Hg 11 [7%] in the bolus group vs ten [6%] in the no-bolus group, new or increased vasopressor 32 [19%] vs 31 [18%], cardiac arrest within 1 h seven [4%] vs two [1%], death within 1 h of intubation two [1%] vs one [1%]). In-hospital mortality was not significantly different in the fluid bolus group (48 [29%]) compared with no fluid bolus (59 [35%]). INTERPRETATION Administration of an intravenous fluid bolus did not decrease the overall incidence of cardiovascular collapse during tracheal intubation of critically ill adults compared with no fluid bolus in this trial. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health.

Abstract

Schober P, Biesheuvel T, de Leeuw MA, Loer SA, Schwarte LA. BMC Emerg Med. 2019 Jan 23;19(1):12. PMID: 30674276

BACKGROUND:
Creating a patent airway by cricothyrotomy is the ultimate maneuver to allow oxygenation (and ventilation) of the patient. Given the rarity of airway management catastrophes necessitating cricothyrotomy, sufficiently sized prospective randomized trials are difficult to perform. Our Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) documents all cases electronically, allowing a retrospective analysis of a larger database for all cases of prehospital cricothyrotomy.

METHODS:
We analyzed all 19,382 dispatches of our HEMS 'Lifeliner 1', since set-up of a searchable digital database. This HEMS operates 24/7, covering ~ 4.5 million inhabitants of The Netherlands. The potential cases were searched and cross-checked in two independent databases.

RESULTS:
We recorded n = 18 cases of prehospital cricothyrotomy. In all 18 cases, less invasive airway techniques, e.g., supraglottic devices, were attempted before cricothyrotomy. With exception of 2 cases, at least one attempt of orotracheal intubation had been performed before cricothyrotomy. Out of the 18 cases, 4 were performed by puncture-based technique (Melker), the remaining 14 cases by surgical technique. Indications for cricothyrotomy were diverse, dividable into 9 trauma cases and 9 medical cases. The procedure was successful in all but one case (17/18, i.e., 94%; with a 95% confidence interval of 72.7-99.9%). Outcome was such that 6/18 patients arrived at the hospital alive. Long term outcome was poor, with only 2/18 patients discharged from hospital alive.

CONCLUSIONS:
Cricothyrotomy remains, although rare, a regularly occurring requirement in (H)EMS. Our finding of a convincingly high success rate of 94% in trained hands encourages training and a timely performance of cricothyrotomy.

Abstract

Detsky ME et al. JAMA. 2019 Feb 5;321(5):493-503. PubMed PMID: 30721300.

IMPORTANCE:
Recognizing patients in whom endotracheal intubation is likely to be difficult can help alert physicians to the need for assistance from a clinician with airway training and having advanced airway management equipment available.
OBJECTIVE:
To identify risk factors and physical findings that predict difficult intubation.
DATA SOURCES:
The databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1946 to June 2018 and from 1947 to June 2018, respectively, and the reference lists from the retrieved articles and previous reviews were searched for additional studies.
STUDY SELECTION:
Sixty-two studies with high (level 1-3) methodological quality that evaluated the accuracy of clinical findings for identifying difficult intubation were reviewed.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS:
Two authors independently abstracted data. Bivariate random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate summary positive likelihood ratios across studies or univariate random-effects models when bivariate models failed to converge.
RESULTS:
Among the 62 high-quality studies involving 33 559 patients, 10% (95% CI, 8.2%-12%) of patients were difficult to intubate. The physical examination findings that best predicted a difficult intubation included a grade of class 3 on the upper lip bite test (lower incisors cannot extend to reach the upper lip; positive likelihood ratio, 14 [95% CI, 8.9-22]; specificity, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.97]), shorter hyomental distance (range of <3-5.5 cm; positive likelihood ratio, 6.4 [95% CI, 4.1-10]; specificity, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.94-0.98]), retrognathia (mandible measuring <9 cm from the angle of the jaw to the tip of the chin or subjectively short; positive likelihood ratio, 6.0 [95% CI, 3.1-11]; specificity, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.90-1.0]), and a combination of physical findings based on the Wilson score (positive likelihood ratio, 9.1 [95% CI, 5.1-16]; specificity, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.90-0.98]). The widely used modified Mallampati score (≥3) had a positive likelihood ratio of 4.1 (95% CI, 3.0-5.6; specificity, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.81-0.91]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
Although several simple clinical findings are useful for predicting a higher likelihood of difficult endotracheal intubation, no clinical finding reliably excludes a difficult intubation. An abnormal upper lip bite test, which is easily assessed by clinicians, raises the probability of difficult intubation from 10% to greater than 60% for the average-risk patient.

Abstract

Lyons C, Callaghan M. Anaesthesia. 2019 Apr;74(4):497-507. PMID: 30784037.

Apnoeic oxygenation refers to oxygenation in the absence of spontaneous respiration or mechanical ventilation. It has been described in humans for over half a century and has seen a resurgence in interest given its potential to delay oxygen desaturation during airway management, especially with the advent of high-flow nasal cannulae. This narrative review summarises our current understanding of the mechanisms of gas exchange during apnoeic oxygenation and its diverse range of clinical applications, including its use at induction of anaesthesia and for the facilitation of 'tubeless anaesthesia'. Additional discussion covers use in critical care, obese, obstetric and paediatric sub-populations. The article also highlights current research efforts aiming to enhance the evidence base for the use of this technique.

Abstract

Meitzen SE, Benumof JL. Anesth Analg. 2019 Mar;128(3):399-401. PMID: 30789409.

The video laryngoscope is a useful addition to the anesthesiologist’s armamentarium and is well past its infancy stage. Now we must mindfully navigate this audacious teenager safely into adulthood and see where and how it fits. Until the 4 concerns mentioned herein, namely (1) under emphasis of the preoperative eval- uation and the presence of obvious severe pathological and anatomical entities; (2) the wide variation in exactly what a video laryngoscopy is; (3) the wide variation in exactly where video laryngoscopies are; and (4) the wide varia- tion in practitioner experience with video laryngoscopy are understood better, the role of video laryngoscopy with regard to a precise definition of a “difficult intubation,” remains, to some extent, elusive.

Abstract

Frat JP et al. FLORALI-2 study group Lancet Respir Med. 2019
Apr;7(4):303-312. doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30048-7. Epub 2019 Mar 18. PMID: 30898520.

Summary
Background Non-invasive ventilation has never been compared with high-flow oxygen to determine whether it reduces the risk of severe hypoxaemia during intubation. We aimed to determine if preoxygenation with non-invasive ventilation was more efficient than high-flow oxygen in reducing the risk of severe hypoxaemia during intubation.
Methods The FLORALI-2 multicentre, open-label trial was done in 28 intensive care units in France. Adult patients undergoing tracheal intubation for acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (a partial pressure of arterial oxygen [PaO2] to fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2] ratio of ≤300 mm Hg) were randomly assigned (1:1; block size, four participants) to non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen during preoxygenation, with stratification by PaO2/FiO2 ratio (≤200 mm Hg vs >200 mm Hg). Key exclusion criteria were intubation for cardiac arrest, altered consciousness (defined as a Glasgow coma score of less than eight points), other contraindications to non-invasive ventilation (recent laryngeal, oesophageal, or gastric surgery, and substantial facial fractures), pulse oximetry not available, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and refusal to participate. The primary outcome was the occurrence of severe hypoxaemia (pulse oximetry <80%) during the procedure, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02668458.
Findings Between April 15, 2016, and Jan 8, 2017, 2079 patients were intubated in the 28 participating units, and 322 were enrolled. We excluded five patients with no recorded data, two who withdrew consent or were under legal protection, one who was not intubated, and one who had a cardiac arrest. Of the 313 patients included in the intention- to-treat analysis, 142 were assigned to non-invasive ventilation and 171 to high-flow oxygen therapy. Severe hypoxaemia occurred in 33 (23%) of 142 patients after preoxygenation with non-invasive ventilation and 47 (27%) of 171 with high- flow oxygen (absolute difference –4·2%, 95% CI –13·7 to 5·5; p=0·39). In the 242 patients with moderate-to-severe hypoxaemia (PaO2/FiO2 ≤200 mm Hg), severe hypoxaemia occurred less frequently after preoxygenation with non- invasive ventilation than with high-flow oxygen (28 [24%] of 117 patients vs 44 [35%] of 125; adjusted odds ratio 0·56, 0·32 to 0·99, p=0·0459). Serious adverse events did not differ between treatment groups, with the most common immediate complications being systolic arterial hypotension (70 [49%] patients in the non-invasive ventilation group vs 86 [50%] patients in the high-flow oxygen group) and chest infiltrate on x-ray (28 [20%] vs 33 [19%]), and the most common late complications being death at day 28 (53 [37%] vs 58 [34%]) and ventilator-associated pneumonia during ICU stay (31 [22%] vs 35 [20%]).
Interpretation In patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure, preoxygenation with non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygen therapy did not change the risk of severe hypoxaemia. Future research should explore the effect of preoxygenation method in patients with moderate-to-severe hypoxaemia at baseline.

Abstract

Cole J (Editorial) Ann Emerg Med 2018

The use of both neuromuscular blockers and propofol in emergency medicine was initially met with harsh criticism. Over time, evidence mounted that the use of these medications in the ED was safe and, according to clinically meaningful outcomes from high-quality research, improved on previous approaches. The use of bolus-dose vasopressors in the ED should inspire similar practice- changing research. Future research should examine whether treatment with a vasopressor leads to improved outcomes after transient hypotension in the ED, such as hypotension occurring after intubation or sedation. For patients in whom it is agreed that hypotension should be treated, randomized trials comparing the initiation of vasopressor infusions with or without the preceding use of bolus-dose vasopressors and measuring patient-centered outcomes such as mortality, hospital length of stay, and rates of medication errors would help define the role of bolus-dose vasopressors in the ED. As it achieves popularity ahead ofsupporting science and literature, the practice of using bolus-dose vasopressors in the ED needs a framework to keep patients safe. Holden et al offer an approach that takes into account the difficulty of dose calculations and drug dilution under pressure. It is an important first step.

Abstract

Cook T. Anaesthesia 2018

Despite being infrequent, complications of airway management remain an important contributor to morbidity and mortality during anaesthesia and care of the critically ill. Developments in the last three decades have made anaesthesia safer, and this has been mirrored in the equipment and techniques available for airway management. Modern technology including novel oxygenation modalities, widespread availability of capnography, second-generation supraglottic airway devices and videolaryngoscopy provide the tools to make airway management safer still. However, technology will only take safety so far, and non-technical aspects of airway management are critically important for communication and decision making during airway crises, acknowledging a 'cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate' situation and transitioning to emergency front of neck airway. Randomised controlled trials provide little useful information about safety in this setting, and data from registries and databases are likely to be of more value. This narrative review focuses on recent evidence in this area.

Abstract

Arulkumaran N Lowe J, Ions R et al. BJA 2108

Videolaryngoscopy (VL) may improve the success of orotracheal intubation compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL). We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases for studies comparing VL and DL for emergency orotracheal intubations outside the operating room. The primary outcome was rate of first-pass intubation, with subgroup analyses by location, device used, clinician experience, and clinical scenario. The secondary outcome was complication rates. Data are presented as [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals); P-values]. We identified 32 studies with 15 064 emergency intubations. There was no difference in first-pass intubation with VL compared with DL [OR=1.28, (0.99-1.65); P=0.06]. First-pass intubations were increased with VL compared with DL in the intensive care unit (ICU) [2.02 (1.43-2.85); P<0.001], and similar in the emergency department or pre-hospital setting. First-pass intubations were similar with GlideScope®, but improved with the CMAC®[1.32 (1.08-1.62); P=0.007] compared with DL. There was greater first-pass intubation with VL compared with DL amongst novice/trainee clinicians [OR=1.95 (1.45-2.64); P<0.001], but not amongst experienced clinicians or paramedics/nurses. There was no difference in first-pass intubation with VL compared with DL during cardiopulmonary resuscitation or trauma. VL compared with DL was associated with fewer oesophageal intubations [OR=0.32 (0.14-0.70); P=0.003], but more arterial hypotension [OR=1.49 (1.00-2.23); P=0.05]. In summary, VL compared with DL is associated with greater first-pass emergency intubation in the ICU and amongst less experienced clinicians, and reduces oesophageal intubations. However, VL is associated with greater incidence of arterial hypotension. Further trials investigating the utility of VL over DL in specific situations are required.

Abstract

Higgs A, Cook T. British journal of hospital medicine 2018

Editorial referencing DAS Critical Care Airway Guidelines

Abstract

Hayden E, Pallin D, Wilcox S et al. Acad Emerg Med

BACKGROUND To describe the frequency, indications and outcomes of flexible fiberoptic intubations (FFI) performed in the emergency department (ED). METHODS From the National Emergency Airway Registry (NEAR), we identified all encounters during 7/1/02 through 12/31/12 with the use of FFI. We determined patient, provider and intubation characteristics, success and failure rates, and modes of intubation rescue. RESULTS Among 17,910 intubations of patients >15 years old at 13 EDs, FFI was used in 204 cases (1.1%, 95% CI = 0.26%-2.0%). FFI was the first method chosen (primary FFI) in 180 encounters (1%, 95% CI = 0.2%-1.8%). The most common indication for FFI was airway obstruction (36.1%; 95% CI = 24.6%-47.7%). For primary FFI, first attempt intubation success was 51.1% (95% CI = 43.6%-58.6%), and overall intubation success with FFI was 74.3% (95% CI = 65.7%-82.9%). FFI was used as a rescue airway strategy in 24 cases (0.1% of all encounters) and was successful in 17 of those (70.8%; 95% CI = 65.4%-85.2%). CONCLUSIONS ED FFI is uncommon, and typically used as a non-surgical alternative for airway obstruction. First attempt ED FFI is successful in half of cases, and in two-thirds of rescue attempts. This data provides an important baseline to help better characterize the nature of FFI as a rare critical procedure in the ED, and offers an empiric basis for ongoing discussions on the optimal role of FFI in ED training and practice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Abstract

April M, Arana A, Pallin D et al. Ann Emerg Med

STUDY OBJECTIVE Although both succinylcholine and rocuronium are used to facilitate emergency department (ED) rapid sequence intubation, the difference in intubation success rate between them is unknown. We compare first-pass intubation success between ED rapid sequence intubation facilitated by succinylcholine versus rocuronium. METHODS We analyzed prospectively collected data from the National Emergency Airway Registry, a multicenter registry collecting data on all intubations performed in 22 EDs. We included intubations of patients older than 14 years who received succinylcholine or rocuronium during 2016. We compared the first-pass intubation success between patients receiving succinylcholine and those receiving rocuronium. We also compared the incidence of adverse events (cardiac arrest, dental trauma, direct airway injury, dysrhythmias, epistaxis, esophageal intubation, hypotension, hypoxia, iatrogenic bleeding, laryngoscope failure, laryngospasm, lip laceration, main-stem bronchus intubation, malignant hyperthermia, medication error, pharyngeal laceration, pneumothorax, endotracheal tube cuff failure, and vomiting). We conducted subgroup analyses stratified by paralytic weight-based dose. RESULTS There were 2,275 rapid sequence intubations facilitated by succinylcholine and 1,800 by rocuronium. Patients receiving succinylcholine were younger and more likely to undergo intubation with video laryngoscopy and by more experienced providers. First-pass intubation success rate was 87.0% with succinylcholine versus 87.5% with rocuronium (adjusted odds ratio 0.9; 95% confidence interval 0.6 to 1.3). The incidence of any adverse event was also comparable between these agents: 14.7% for succinylcholine versus 14.8% for rocuronium (adjusted odds ratio 1.1; 95% confidence interval 0.9 to 1.3). We observed similar results when they were stratified by paralytic weight-based dose. CONCLUSION In this large observational series, we did not detect an association between paralytic choice and first-pass rapid sequence intubation success or peri-intubation adverse events.

Abstract

Driver B, Prekker M, Klein L et al. JAMA 2108

Importance
The tracheal tube introducer, known as the bougie, is typically used to aid tracheal intubation in poor laryngoscopic views or after intubation attempts fail. The effect of routine bougie use on first-attempt intubation success is unclear.
Objective
To compare first attempt intubation success facilitated by the bougie vs the endotracheal tube + stylet.
Design, Setting, and Patients
The Bougie Use in Emergency Airway Management (BEAM) trial was a randomized clinical trial conducted from September 2016 through August 2017 in the emergency department at Hennepin County Medical Center, an urban, academic department in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where emergency physicians perform all endotracheal intubations. Included patients were 18 years and older who were consecutively admitted to the emergency department and underwent emergency orotracheal intubation with a Macintosh laryngoscope blade for respiratory arrest, difficulty breathing, or airway protection.
Interventions
Patients were randomly assigned to undergo the initial intubation attempt facilitated by bougie (n = 381) or endotracheal tube + stylet (n = 376).
Main Outcomes and Measures
The primary outcome was first-attempt intubation success in patients with at least 1 difficult airway characteristic (body fluids obscuring the laryngeal view, airway obstruction or edema, obesity, short neck, small mandible, large tongue, facial trauma, or the need for cervical spine immobilization). Secondary outcomes were first-attempt success in all patients, first-attempt intubation success without hypoxemia, first-attempt duration, esophageal intubation, and hypoxemia.
Results
Among 757 patients who were randomized (mean age, 46 years; women, 230 [30%]), 757 patients (100%) completed the trial. Among the 380 patients with at least 1 difficult airway characteristic, first-attempt intubation success was higher in the bougie group (96%) than in the endotracheal tube + stylet group (82%) (absolute between-group difference, 14% [95% CI, 8% to 20%]). Among all patients, first-attempt intubation success in the bougie group (98%) was higher than the endotracheal tube + stylet group (87%) (absolute difference, 11% [95% CI, 7% to 14%]). The median duration of the first intubation attempt (38 seconds vs 36 seconds) and the incidence of hypoxemia (13% vs 14%) did not differ significantly between the bougie and endotracheal tube + stylet groups.
Conclusions and Relevance
In this emergency department, use of a bougie compared with an endotracheal tube + stylet resulted in significantly higher first-attempt intubation success among patients undergoing emergency endotracheal intubation. However, these findings should be considered provisional until the generalizability is assessed in other institutions and settings.
Trial Registration
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT02902146

Abstract

Wang H, Schmicker R, Daya M et al. JAMA 2018

Importance Emergency medical services (EMS) commonly perform endotracheal intubation (ETI) or insertion of supraglottic airways, such as the laryngeal tube (LT), on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The optimal method for OHCA advanced airway management is unknown. Objective To compare the effectiveness of a strategy of initial LT insertion vs initial ETI in adults with OHCA. Design, Setting, and Participants Multicenter pragmatic cluster-crossover clinical trial involving EMS agencies from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium. The trial included 3004 adults with OHCA and anticipated need for advanced airway management who were enrolled from December 1, 2015, to November 4, 2017. The final date of follow-up was November 10, 2017. Interventions Twenty-seven EMS agencies were randomized in 13 clusters to initial airway management strategy with LT (n = 1505 patients) or ETI (n = 1499 patients), with crossover to the alternate strategy at 3- to 5-month intervals. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was 72-hour survival. Secondary outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital discharge, favorable neurological status at hospital discharge (Modified Rankin Scale score ≤3), and key adverse events. Results Among 3004 enrolled patients (median [interquartile range] age, 64 [53-76] years, 1829 [60.9%] men), 3000 were included in the primary analysis. Rates of initial airway success were 90.3% with LT and 51.6% with ETI. Seventy-two hour survival was 18.3% in the LT group vs 15.4% in the ETI group (adjusted difference, 2.9% [95% CI, 0.2%-5.6%]; P = .04). Secondary outcomes in the LT group vs ETI group were return of spontaneous circulation (27.9% vs 24.3%; adjusted difference, 3.6% [95% CI, 0.3%-6.8%]; P = .03); hospital survival (10.8% vs 8.1%; adjusted difference, 2.7% [95% CI, 0.6%-4.8%]; P = .01); and favorable neurological status at discharge (7.1% vs 5.0%; adjusted difference, 2.1% [95% CI, 0.3%-3.8%]; P = .02). There were no significant differences in oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal injury (0.2% vs 0.3%), airway swelling (1.1% vs 1.0%), or pneumonia or pneumonitis (26.1% vs 22.3%). Conclusions and Relevance Among adults with OHCA, a strategy of initial LT insertion was associated with significantly greater 72-hour survival compared with a strategy of initial ETI. These findings suggest that LT insertion may be considered as an initial airway management strategy in patients with OHCA, but limitations of the pragmatic design, practice setting, and ETI performance characteristics suggest that further research is warranted. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02419573.

Abstract

Benger J, Kirby K, Black S et al. JAMA 2108

Importance The optimal approach to airway management during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is unknown. Objective To determine whether a supraglottic airway device (SGA) is superior to tracheal intubation (TI) as the initial advanced airway management strategy in adults with nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Design, Setting, and Participants Multicenter, cluster randomized clinical trial of paramedics from 4 ambulance services in England responding to emergencies for approximately 21 million people. Patients aged 18 years or older who had a nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and were treated by a participating paramedic were enrolled automatically under a waiver of consent between June 2015 and August 2017; follow-up ended in February 2018. Interventions Paramedics were randomized 1:1 to use TI (764 paramedics) or SGA (759 paramedics) as their initial advanced airway management strategy. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was modified Rankin Scale score at hospital discharge or 30 days after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, whichever occurred sooner. Modified Rankin Scale score was divided into 2 ranges: 0-3 (good outcome) or 4-6 (poor outcome; 6 = death). Secondary outcomes included ventilation success, regurgitation, and aspiration. Results A total of 9296 patients (4886 in the SGA group and 4410 in the TI group) were enrolled (median age, 73 years; 3373 were women [36.3%]), and the modified Rankin Scale score was known for 9289 patients. In the SGA group, 311 of 4882 patients (6.4%) had a good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score range, 0-3) vs 300 of 4407 patients (6.8%) in the TI group (adjusted risk difference [RD], -0.6% [95% CI, -1.6% to 0.4%]). Initial ventilation was successful in 4255 of 4868 patients (87.4%) in the SGA group compared with 3473 of 4397 patients (79.0%) in the TI group (adjusted RD, 8.3% [95% CI, 6.3% to 10.2%]). However, patients randomized to receive TI were less likely to receive advanced airway management (3419 of 4404 patients [77.6%] vs 4161 of 4883 patients [85.2%] in the SGA group). Two of the secondary outcomes (regurgitation and aspiration) were not significantly different between groups (regurgitation: 1268 of 4865 patients [26.1%] in the SGA group vs 1072 of 4372 patients [24.5%] in the TI group; adjusted RD, 1.4% [95% CI, -0.6% to 3.4%]; aspiration: 729 of 4824 patients [15.1%] vs 647 of 4337 patients [14.9%], respectively; adjusted RD, 0.1% [95% CI, -1.5% to 1.8%]). Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, randomization to a strategy of advanced airway management with a supraglottic airway device compared with tracheal intubation did not result in a favorable functional outcome at 30 days. Trial Registration ISRCTN Identifier: 08256118.

Abstract

Carlson J, Wang H. Current Opinion in Critical Care. 2018

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Historically, most evidence supporting emergency airway management strategies have been limited to small series, retrospective analyses and extrapolation from other settings (i.e. the operating room). Over the past year, several large, randomized clinical trials have offered new findings to inform emergency airway management techniques. RECENT FINDINGS One large, randomized clinical trial, found improved first attempt success rates with bougie facilitated intubation compared with traditional intubation. Two randomized clinical trials suggested better outcomes in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with supraglottic airways (SGA) than intubation. A randomized clinical trial in OHCA patients could not identify outcome differences between endotracheal intubation (ETI) and bag-valve mask (BVM) ventilation but suggested higher rates of aspiration with BVM. SUMMARY These studies offer new findings to inform the practice of emergency airway management. Bougie use should be considered as a first-line approach in emergency intubation. SGA-based strategies should be considered as a first-line approach in the management of OHCA.

Abstract

Bakhsh A, Ritchie M. Academic Emergency Medicine 2018

Tracheal intubation is a critical step in securing the patient's airway in a variety of emergent and non-emergent settings. Difficulties and complications may arise with this procedure, and alternative laryngoscopes that use video technology have been designed to improve visibility when airway difficulty is predicted or encountered. These devices may be flexible or rigid in design for the purpose of assisting in intubations, especially expected difficult intubations. Video laryngoscopes have been advertised as being able to reduce difficulty, failure, trauma and other complications compared with direct laryngoscopy. Rigid video laryngoscopy uses a blade to retract the soft tissues and transmits a video image to a screen attached to the end of the handle or to a monitor. This design enables a lighted view of the larynx without direct 'line of sight', and is also referred to as indirect laryngoscopy. In the Cochrane review discussed here,1 video laryngoscopy is compared to direct laryngoscopy in the tracheal intubation of adult patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Thomsen J, Nørskov A, Rosenstock C. Anaesthesia 2018

Indications for using supraglottic airway devices have widened over time and they now hold a prominent role in guidelines for difficult airway management. We aimed to describe the use of supraglottic airway devices in difficult airway management. We included adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia registered in the Danish Anaesthesia Database from 2008 to 2012 whose airway management had been recorded as difficult, defined as: ≥ 3 tracheal intubation attempts; failed tracheal intubation; or difficult facemask ventilation. In the Danish Anaesthesia Database, a separate difficult airway management module requires the technique used in each successive airway management attempt to be recorded. The primary aim of the study was to describe the use of supraglottic airway devices in cases of difficult airway management. Secondary aims were to examine success rates of supraglottic airway devices in difficult airway management cases, and specifically in the cases of ‘cannot intubate, cannot facemask ventilate’. Difficult airway management occurred in 4898 (0.74% (95%CI 0.72–0.76%)) of 658,104 records of general anaesthesia. Supraglottic airway devices were used or use was attempted in 607 cases of difficult airway management (12.4% (95%CI 11.5–13.3%)), and were successful in 395 (65.1% (95%CI 61.2–68.8%)) cases. In ‘cannot intubate, cannot facemask ventilate’ situations, supraglottic airway devices were used in 86 (18.9% (95%CI 15.6–22.8%)) of 455 records and were successful in 54 (62.8% (95%CI 52.2–72.3%)) cases. We found that supraglottic airway devices are not widely used in the management of the difficult

Abstract

Jabre P, Penaloza A, Pinero D et al. JAMA 2018

Importance Bag-mask ventilation (BMV) is a less complex technique than endotracheal intubation (ETI) for airway management during the advanced cardiac life support phase of cardiopulmonary resuscitation of patients with out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest. It has been reported as superior in terms of survival. Objectives To assess noninferiority of BMV vs ETI for advanced airway management with regard to survival with favorable neurological function at day 28. Design, Settings, and Participants Multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing BMV with ETI in 2043 patients with out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest in France and Belgium. Enrollment occurred from March 9, 2015, to January 2, 2017, and follow-up ended January 26, 2017. Intervention Participants were randomized to initial airway management with BMV (n = 1020) or ETI (n = 1023). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was favorable neurological outcome at 28 days defined as cerebral performance category 1 or 2. A noninferiority margin of 1% was chosen. Secondary end points included rate of survival to hospital admission, rate of survival at day 28, rate of return of spontaneous circulation, and ETI and BMV difficulty or failure. Results Among 2043 patients who were randomized (mean age, 64.7 years; 665 women [32%]), 2040 (99.8%) completed the trial. In the intention-to-treat population, favorable functional survival at day 28 was 44 of 1018 patients (4.3%) in the BMV group and 43 of 1022 patients (4.2%) in the ETI group (difference, 0.11% [1-sided 97.5% CI, -1.64% to infinity]; P for noninferiority = .11). Survival to hospital admission (294/1018 [28.9%] in the BMV group vs 333/1022 [32.6%] in the ETI group; difference, -3.7% [95% CI, -7.7% to 0.3%]) and global survival at day 28 (55/1018 [5.4%] in the BMV group vs 54/1022 [5.3%] in the ETI group; difference, 0.1% [95% CI, -1.8% to 2.1%]) were not significantly different. Complications included difficult airway management (186/1027 [18.1%] in the BMV group vs 134/996 [13.4%] in the ETI group; difference, 4.7% [95% CI, 1.5% to 7.9%]; P = .004), failure (69/1028 [6.7%] in the BMV group vs 21/996 [2.1%] in the ETI group; difference, 4.6% [95% CI, 2.8% to 6.4%]; P < .001), and regurgitation of gastric content (156/1027 [15.2%] in the BMV group vs 75/999 [7.5%] in the ETI group; difference, 7.7% [95% CI, 4.9% to 10.4%]; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with out-of-hospital cardiorespiratory arrest, the use of BMV compared with ETI failed to demonstrate noninferiority or inferiority for survival with favorable 28-day neurological function, an inconclusive result. A determination of equivalence or superiority between these techniques requires further research. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02327026.

Abstract

Hudson A, Strandenes G, Bjerkvig C et al. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 2018

Many standard trauma management guidelines advocate the early use ofendotracheal intubation (ETI) and positive pressure ven- tilation as key treatment interventions in hemorrhagic shock. The evidence for using these airway and ventilation strategies to man- age a circulation problem is unclear. The potentially harmful effects of drug-assisted intubation and positive pressure ventilation include reduced cardiac output, apnea, hypoxia, hypocapnea (due to inadvertent hyperventilation), and unnecessarily prolonged on- scene times. Conversely, the beneficial effects of spontaneous negative pressure ventilation on cardiac output are well described. Few studies, however, have attempted to explore the potential advantages ofa strategy ofdelayed intubation and ventilation (together with a policy ofaggressive volume replacement) in shocked trauma patients. Given the lack ofevidence, the decision making around how, when, andwhere to subject shocked trauma patients to intubation and positive pressure ventilation remains complex. Ifproviders choose to delay intubation, they must have the appropriate skills to safely manage the airway and recognize the need for subsequent intervention. If they decide to perform intubation and positive pressure ventilation, they must understand the potential risks and how best to minimize them.We suggest that for patients with hemorrhagic shockwho do not have a compromised airway andwho are able to maintain adequate oxygen saturation (or mentation ifmonitoring is unreliable), a strategy ofdelayed intubation should be strongly encouraged. (JTrauma Acute Care Surg. 2018;84: S77–S82. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Abstract

Roth D, Pace N, Lee A et al. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2018

BACKGROUND The unanticipated difficult airway is a potentially life-threatening event during anaesthesia or acute conditions. An unsuccessfully managed upper airway is associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Several bedside screening tests are used in clinical practice to identify those at high risk of difficult airway. Their accuracy and benefit however, remains unclear. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to characterize and compare the diagnostic accuracy of the Mallampati classification and other commonly used airway examination tests for assessing the physical status of the airway in adult patients with no apparent anatomical airway abnormalities. We performed this individually for each of the four descriptors of the difficult airway: difficult face mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy, difficult tracheal intubation, and failed intubation. SEARCH METHODS We searched major electronic databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL, as well as regional, subject specific, and dissertation and theses databases from inception to 16 December 2016, without language restrictions. In addition, we searched the Science Citation Index and checked the references of all the relevant studies. We also handsearched selected journals, conference proceedings, and relevant guidelines. We updated this search in March 2018, but we have not yet incorporated these results. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered full-text diagnostic test accuracy studies of any individual index test, or a combination of tests, against a reference standard. Participants were adults without obvious airway abnormalities, who were having laryngoscopy performed with a standard laryngoscope and the trachea intubated with a standard tracheal tube. Index tests included the Mallampati test, modified Mallampati test, Wilson risk score, thyromental distance, sternomental distance, mouth opening test, upper lip bite test, or any combination of these. The target condition was difficult airway, with one of the following reference standards: difficult face mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy, difficult tracheal intubation, and failed intubation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We performed screening and selection of the studies, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality (using QUADAS-2) independently and in duplicate. We designed a Microsoft Access database for data collection and used Review Manager 5 and R for data analysis. For each index test and each reference standard, we assessed sensitivity and specificity. We produced forest plots and summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots to summarize the data. Where possible, we performed meta-analyses to calculate pooled estimates and compare test accuracy indirectly using bivariate models. We investigated heterogeneity and performed sensitivity analyses. MAIN RESULTS We included 133 (127 cohort type and 6 case-control) studies involving 844,206 participants. We evaluated a total of seven different prespecified index tests in the 133 studies, as well as 69 non-prespecified, and 32 combinations. For the prespecified index tests, we found six studies for the Mallampati test, 105 for the modified Mallampati test, six for the Wilson risk score, 52 for thyromental distance, 18 for sternomental distance, 34 for the mouth opening test, and 30 for the upper lip bite test. Difficult face mask ventilation was the reference standard in seven studies, difficult laryngoscopy in 92 studies, difficult tracheal intubation in 50 studies, and failed intubation in two studies. Across all studies, we judged the risk of bias to be variable for the different domains; we mostly observed low risk of bias for patient selection, flow and timing, and unclear risk of bias for reference standard and index test. Applicability concerns were generally low for all domains. For difficult laryngoscopy, the summary sensitivity ranged from 0.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13 to 0.33; mouth opening test) to 0.67 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.83; upper lip bite test) and the summary specificity ranged from 0.80 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.85; modified Mallampati test) to 0.95 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.98; Wilson risk score). The upper lip bite test for diagnosing difficult laryngoscopy provided the highest sensitivity compared to the other tests (P < 0.001). For difficult tracheal intubation, summary sensitivity ranged from 0.24 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.43; thyromental distance) to 0.51 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.61; modified Mallampati test) and the summary specificity ranged from 0.87 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.91; modified Mallampati test) to 0.93 (0.87 to 0.96; mouth opening test). The modified Mallampati test had the highest sensitivity for diagnosing difficult tracheal intubation compared to the other tests (P < 0.001). For difficult face mask ventilation, we could only estimate summary sensitivity (0.17, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.39) and specificity (0.90, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.95) for the modified Mallampati test. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Bedside airway examination tests, for assessing the physical status of the airway in adults with no apparent anatomical airway abnormalities, are designed as screening tests. Screening tests are expected to have high sensitivities. We found that all investigated index tests had relatively low sensitivities with high variability. In contrast, specificities were consistently and markedly higher than sensitivities across all tests. The standard bedside airway examination tests should be interpreted with caution, as they do not appear to be good screening tests. Among the tests we examined, the upper lip bite test showed the most favourable diagnostic test accuracy properties. Given the paucity of available data, future research is needed to develop tests with high sensitivities to make them useful, and to consider their use for screening difficult face mask ventilation and failed intubation. The 27 studies in 'Studies awaiting classification' may alter the conclusions of the review, once we have assessed them.

Abstract

Baker P, F1000Research 2018
Effective mask ventilation is an essential skill for any practitioner engaged in airway management. Recent methods to objectively describe mask ventilation using waveform capnography help practitioners to monitor and communicate the effectiveness of mask ventilation. Gentle mask ventilation is now considered acceptable during rapid sequence induction/intubation after loss of consciousness, hence reducing the incidence of hypoxia prior to tracheal intubation. Mask ventilation can be enhanced with muscle relaxation, a double C-E grip, and jaw thrust. This is particularly relevant for patients with reduced apnoea time. An awareness of the complications associated with mask ventilation may help reduce the morbidity associated with this technique. Effective ventilation technique and optimum device selection are important aspects for resuscitation of the newborn. Teaching correct establishment and maintenance of mask ventilation is essential for safe patient care. This review will examine some of the latest developments concerning mask ventilation for adult and paediatric patients.

Abstract

Kristensen M, Teoh W British Journal of Anaesthesia, 120 (5): 895e898 (2018)

In this issue of British Journal of Anaesthesia, Gadd and col-leagues add small, but important, details to our knowledge of the anatomy of the front of the neck regarding the increased depth from the surface of the skin to the lumen of the trachea at the level of the cricothyroid membrane in the severely obese, and how much deeper we can expect it to be in the severely obese compared with in lean patients. Gadd and colleagues 1 studied third-trimester non-labouring parturients, and concluded that the cricothyroid membrane is indeed a deep structure in women of childbearing age with a high BMI. They studied a highly relevant patient group that has an increased risk of ending up in a situation where it is impossible to ventilate and intubate the trachea, 2 with ensuing necessity for emergency front-of-neck access to the airway. However, we do not know how well the findings in pregnant patients correspond to other patient categories, including males. The clinician can benefit from these findings in several situations. In cases where the cricothyroid membrane is identified by inspection or palpation before induction of anaesthesia, it will allow the clinician to estimate the depth to the tracheal lumen; the same is the case when no previous attempt was made to identify the cricothyroid membrane. This knowledge could subsequently assist the clinician with accurate needle or scalpel insertion by achieving adequate depth for accessing the airway lumen, whilst avoiding an excessively deep insertion that could injure the posterior wall and lead to the creation of a false passage. 3 This could thus lead to an increased success rate with emergency cricothyr-otomy, an increase that is highly needed, as the success rate with these procedures in the hands of anaesthetists has been disappointingly low.

Abstract

Vukovic A, Hanson H, Murphy S, Mercurio D, Sheedy C, Arnold D. American Journal of Emergency Medicine 2018

Background: Apneic oxygenation (AO) has been evaluated in adult patients as a means of reducing hypoxemia during endotracheal intubation (ETI). While less studied in pediatric patients, its practice has been largely adopted. Objective: Determine association between AO and hypoxemia in pediatric patients undergoing ETI. Methods: Observational study at an urban, tertiary children's hospital emergency department. Pediatric patients undergoing ETI were examined during eras without (January 2011–June 2011) and with (August 2014–March 2017) apneic oxygenation. The primary outcome was hypoxemia, defined as pulse oximetry (SpO2) b 90%. The χ2 and Wilcoxon rank-sumtests examined differences between cohorts.Multivariable regressionmodels exam- ined adjusted associations between covariates and hypoxemia. Results: 149 patientswere included. Cohortswere similar except for greater incidence of alteredmental status in those receiving AO (26% vs. 7%, p=0.03). Nearly 50% of the pre-AO cohort experienced hypoxemia during ETI, versus b25% in the AOcohort.Median [IQR] lowest SpO2 during ETIwas 93 (69, 99) for pre-AOand 100 [95, 100] for the AO cohort (p b 0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, hypoxemia during ETI was associated withAO(aOR0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1–0.8), increased age (for 1 year, aOR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7–1.0), lowest SpO2 before ETI (for 1% increase,aOR 0.9, 95%CI 0.8–1.0), and each additional intubation attempt (aOR4.0, 95%CI 2.2–7.2). Conclusions:Apneicoxygenation isaneasily-applied interventionassociatedwithdecreases inhypoxemiaduring pediatric ETI. Nearly 50% of children not receiving AO experienced hypoxemia.

Abstract

A. Higgs, B. A. McGrath, C. Goddard, J. Rangasami, G. Suntharalingam, R. Gale, T.M. Cook and on behalf of Difficult Airway Society, Intensive Care Society, Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, Royal College of Anaesthetists
Br J Anaesth. 2018 Feb;120(2):323-352

Abstract
These guidelines describe a comprehensive strategy to optimize oxygenation, airway management, and tracheal intu- bation in critically ill patients, in all hospital locations. They are a direct response to the 4th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and Difficult Airway Society, which highlighted deficient management of these extremely vulnerable patients leading to major complications and avoidable deaths. They are founded on robust evidence where available, supplemented by expert consensus opinion where it is not. These guidelines recognize that improved out- comes of emergency airway management require closer attention to human factors, rather than simply introduction of new devices or improved technical proficiency. They stress the role of the airway team, a shared mental model, planning, and communication throughout airway management. The primacy of oxygenation including pre- and peroxygenation is emphasized. A modified rapid sequence approach is recommended. Optimal management is presented in an algorithm that combines Plans B and C, incorporating elements of the Vortex approach. To avoid delays and task fixation, the importance of limiting procedural attempts, promptly recognizing failure, and transitioning to the next algorithm step are emphasized. The guidelines recommend early use of a videolaryngoscope, with a screen visible to all, and second generation supraglottic airways for airway rescue. Recommendations for emergency front of neck airway are for a scalpelebougieetube technique while acknowledging the value of other techniques performed by trained experts. As most critical care airway catastrophes occur after intubation, from dislodged or blocked tubes, essential methods to avoid these complications are also emphasized.

Abstract

T. Renda, A. Corrado, G. Iskandar, G. Pelaia, K. Abdalla and P. Navalesi
British Journal of Anaesthesia, 120(1): 18e27 (2018)

Abstract
Oxygen therapy is first-line treatment for hypoxaemic acute respiratory failure (ARF). High-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO) represents an alternative to conventional oxygen therapy. HFNO provides humidified, titrated oxygen therapy matching or even exceeding the patients’ inspiratory demand. The application of HFNO is becoming widespread in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), favoured by increasing evidence based on numerous studies supporting its efficacy. The mechanisms of action and physiological effects of HFNO are not yet fully understood. Pharyngeal dead space washout, decrease in airway resistance, generation of a positive end-expiratory pressure, and enhanced delivery of oxygen are all alleged to be potential mechanisms. The emerging evidence suggests that HFNO is effective in improving oxygenation in most patients with hypoxaemic ARF of different aetiologies. Notwithstanding the potential benefit of HFNO in the management of hypoxaemia, further large cohort studies are necessary to clarify the indications, contraindications and factors associated with HFNO failure. HFNO may also be valuable in reducing the need for tracheal intubation in the management of post-extubation ARF. In addition, HFNO has been proposed to limit oxygen desaturation by prolonging apnoeic oxygenation during intubation both in ICUs and operating theatres.

Abstract

Audrey De Jong, Amélie Rolle, Nicolas Molinari, Catherine Paugam-Burtz, Jean-Michel Constantin, Jean-Yves Lefrant, Karim Asehnoune, Boris Jung, Emmanuel Futier, Gérald Chanques, Elie Azoulay, Samir Jaber
Critical Care Medicine 2017 December 19

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for cardiac arrest during intubation in ICU, as well as the association of ICU intubation-related cardiac arrest with 28-day mortality.
DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.
SETTING: Sixty-four French ICUs.
PATIENTS: Critically ill patients requiring intubation in the ICU.
INTERVENTIONS: None.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During the 1,847 intubation procedures included, 49 cardiac arrests (2.7%) occurred, including 14 without return of spontaneous circulation (28.6%) and 35 with return of spontaneous circulation (71.4%). In multivariate analysis, the main predictors of intubation-related cardiac arrest were arterial hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg) prior to intubation (odds ratio = 3.406 [1.797-6.454]; p = 0.0002), hypoxemia prior to intubation (odds ratio = 3.991 [2.101-7.583]; p < 0.0001), absence of preoxygenation (odds ratio = 3.584 [1.287-9.985]; p = 0.0146), overweight/obesity (body mass index > 25 kg/m; odds ratio = 2.005 [1.017-3.951]; p = 0.0445), and age more than 75 years old (odds ratio = 2.251 [1.080-4.678]; p = 0.0297). Overall 28-day mortality rate was 31.2% (577/1,847) and was significantly higher in patients who experienced intubation-related cardiac arrest than in noncardiac arrest patients (73.5% vs 30.1%; p < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, intubation-related cardiac arrest was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality (hazard ratio = 3.9 [2.4-6.3]; p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: ICU intubation-related cardiac arrest occurs in one of 40 procedures with high immediate and 28-day mortality. We identified five independent risk factors for cardiac arrest, three of which are modifiable, possibly to decrease intubation-related cardiac arrest prevalence and 28-day ICU mortality.

Abstract

Kovacs G, Sowers N. Emergency Clinics of North America

The “ABCs” of trauma resuscitation were born from the assumption that correcting
hypoxemia and hypotension reduces morbidity and mortality. Definitive care for
severely injured or polytrauma patients includes the ability to provide advanced airway
management in a variety of settings: in the emergency department, 20% to 30% intubations
are for trauma.1,2 Airway management in the trauma patient presents
numerous unique challenges beyond placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT), with
outcomes dependent on the provider’s ability to predict and anticipate difficulty and
have a safe and executable plan.

Abstract

Holden D, Ramich J, Timm E, Pauze D, Lesar T. Ann Emerg Med. 2017

The use of intermittently administered doses of vasopressors to correct hypotension in the emergency department (ED), commonly referred to as bolus-dose pressors, push-dose pressors, Neo-sticks, or phenyl sticks, has been widely advocated outside of the traditional printed medical literature. No outcomes data of this practice exist to demonstrate benefits over traditional continuous infusion of vasopressors. Use of bolus-dose vasopressors in the ED setting raises a number of patient safety concerns, and misuse and errors in the preparation and administration of bolus-dose vasopressors may result in patient harm. A systems-based approach should be implemented to maximize safety and patient benefits if bolus-dose vasopressors are used. This article discusses the wide range of issues to consider when evaluating the role of bolus-dose vasopressors in the ED and provides recommendations based on current safe medication practices guidelines. [Ann

Comments

Check out Scott Weingart's take on the subject on EMCrit https://emcrit.org/emcrit/push-dose-pressor-update/

Abstract

Henry E Wang, David K Prince, Ian R Drennan, Brian Grunau, David J Carlbom, Nicholas Johnson, Matthew Hansen, Jonathan Elmer, Jim Christenson, Peter Kudenchuk, Tom Aufderheide, Myron Weisfeldt, Ahamed Idris, Stephen Trzeciak, Michael Kurz, Jon C Rittenberger, Denise Griffiths, Jamie Jasti, Susanne May
Resuscitation 2017 September 21, 120: 113-118

OBJECTIVE: To determine if arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide abnormalities in the first 24h after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) are associated with increased mortality in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
METHODS: We used data from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC), including adult OHCA with sustained ROSC ≥1h after Emergency Department arrival and at least one arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement. Among ABGs measured during the first 24h of hospitalization, we identified the presence of hyperoxemia (PaO2≥300mmHg), hypoxemia (PaO2<60mmHg), hypercarbia (PaCO2>50mmHg) and hypocarbia (PaCO2<30mmHg). We evaluated the associations between oxygen and carbon dioxide abnormalities and hospital mortality, adjusting for confounders.
RESULTS: Among 9186 OHCA included in the analysis, hospital mortality was 67.3%. Hyperoxemia, hypoxemia, hypercarbia, and hypocarbia occurred in 26.5%, 19.0%, 51.0% and 30.6%, respectively. Initial hyperoxemia only was not associated with hospital mortality (adjusted OR 1.10; 95% CI: 0.97-1.26). However, final and any hyperoxemia (1.25; 1.11-1.41) were associated with increased hospital mortality. Initial (1.58; 1.30-1.92), final (3.06; 2.42-3.86) and any (1.76; 1.54-2.02) hypoxemia (PaO2<60mmHg) were associated with increased hospital mortality. Initial (1.89; 1.70-2.10); final (2.57; 2.18-3.04) and any (1.85; 1.67-2.05) hypercarbia (PaCO2>50mmHg) were associated with increased hospital mortality. Initial (1.13; 0.90-1.41), final (1.19; 1.04-1.37) and any (1.01; 0.91-1.12) hypocarbia (PaCO2<30mmHg) were not associated with hospital mortality.
CONCLUSIONS: In the first 24h after ROSC, abnormal post-arrest oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions are associated with increased out of-hospital cardiac arrest mortality.

Abstract

S R Lewis, A R Butler, J Parker, T M Cook, O J Schofield-Robinson, A F Smith
British Journal of Anaesthesia 2017 Sep 1; 119 (3) : 369-383.

Difficulties with tracheal intubation commonly arise and impact patient safety. This systematic review evaluates whether videolaryngoscopes reduce intubation failure and complications compared with direct laryngoscopy in adults. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and clinicaltrials.gov up to February 2015, and conducted forward and backward citation tracking. We included randomized controlled trials that compared adult patients undergoing laryngoscopy with videolaryngoscopy or Macintosh laryngoscopy. We did not primarily intend to compare individual videolaryngoscopes. Sixty-four studies (7044 participants) were included. Moderate quality evidence showed that videolaryngoscopy reduced failed intubations (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.19-0.65) including in participants with anticipated difficult airways (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.15-0.55). There was no evidence of reduction in hypoxia or mortality, but few studies reported these outcomes. Videolaryngoscopes reduced laryngeal/airway trauma (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.96) and hoarseness (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36-0.88). Videolaryngoscopy increased easy laryngeal views (OR 6.77, 95% CI 4.17-10.98) and reduced difficult views (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.13-0.27) and intubation difficulty, typically using an 'intubation difficulty score' (OR 7.13, 95% CI 3.12-16.31). Failed intubations were reduced with experienced operators (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.13-0.75) but not with inexperienced users. We identified no difference in number of first attempts and incidence of sore throat. Heterogeneity around time for intubation data prevented meta-analysis. We found evidence of differential performance between different videolaryngoscope designs. Lack of data prevented analysis of impact of obesity or clinical location on failed intubation rates. Videolaryngoscopes may reduce the number of failed intubations, particularly among patients presenting with a difficult airway. They improve the glottic view and may reduce laryngeal/airway trauma. Currently, no evidence indicates that use of a videolaryngoscope reduces the number of intubation attempts or the incidence of hypoxia or respiratory complications, and no evidence indicates that use of a videolaryngoscope affects time required for intubation.

Abstract

Sakles J. Academic Emergency Medicine 2017

Emergent tracheal intubation is one of the most critical, yet risky procedures an emergency physician can perform. Desaturation during RSI in the ED is common, and when severe, can result in life- threatening complications. The risk of desaturation can be substantially reduced with meticulous attention to preoxygenation, using the most appropriate method for the given clinical circumstances. Portable oxygen analyzers are now available and may be helpful in maximizing preoxygenation before emergent intubation. Apneic oxygenation is a simple intervention that may help reduce the risk of desaturation, but it will not rescue poor preoxygenation. An emphasis on the maintenance of oxygenation during RSI in the ED is necessary to improve the safety of this life-saving procedure.

Comments

Check out EMCrit on the topic:
https://emcrit.org/emcrit/apox-preox-update/
https://emcrit.org/emnerd/em-nerd-case-elemental-truancy/

Abstract

Lucas Oliveira J. e Silva; Daniel Cabrera, MD; Patricia Barrionuevo, MD; Rebecca L. Johnson, MD; Patricia J. Erwin, MLS; M. Hassan Murad, MD, MPH; M. Fernanda Bellolio, MD, MS* Ann Emerg Med 2017

Study objective: We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of apneic oxygenation during emergency intubation.
Methods: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid CENTRAL, and Scopus databases for randomized controlled trials and observational studies from 2006 until July 2016, without language restrictions. Gray literature, clinicaltrials. gov, and reference lists of articles were hand searched. We conducted a meta-analysis with random-effects models to evaluate first-pass success rates, incidence of hypoxemia, and lowest peri-intubation SpO2 between apneic oxygenation and standard oxygenation cases.
Results: A total of 1,386 studies were screened and 77 selected for full-text review. A total of 14 studies were included for qualitative analysis, and 8 studies (1,837 patients) underwent quantitative analysis. In the meta-analysis of 8 studies (1,837 patients), apneic oxygenation was associated with decreased hypoxemia (odds ratio [OR] 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52 to 0.84), but was not associated with decreased severe hypoxemia (6 studies; 1,043 patients; OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.57) or life-threatening hypoxemia (5 studies; 1,003 patients; OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.55). Apneic oxygenation was associated with increased first-pass success rate (6 studies; 1,658 patients; OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.44) and increased lowest peri-intubation SpO2 (6 studies; 1,043 patients; weighted mean difference 2.2%; 95% CI 0.8% to 3.6%).
Conclusion: In this meta-analysis, apneic oxygenation was associated with increased peri-intubation oxygen saturation, decreased rates of hypoxemia, and increased first-pass intubation success. [Ann Emerg Med. 2017;-:1-12.]

Abstract

Fei, Blair,Rice et al. British Journal of Anaesthesia 2017

Background. Mask ventilation and tracheal intubation are basic techniques for airway management and mutually inclusive rescue measures to restore ventilation. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of mask ventilation between two commonly used techniques of two-handed mask ventilation in obese unconscious apnoeic adults. Methods. Eighty-one obese adults received mask ventilation after induction using C-E clamp and modified V-E clamp tech- niques in a randomized crossover manner. Mechanical ventilation was provided using a pressure-control mode, at a rate of 10 bpm, with an inspiratory-to-expiratory time ratio of 1:2 and a pre-set plateau airway pressure of 20cm H2O. The primary outcome was expired tidal volume.
Results. The BMI for the subjects was 37 (SD 4.9) kgm?2. The failure rates for mask ventilation (tidal volume? anatomical dead space) were 44% for the C-E technique and 0% for the V-E technique (P<0.001). Tidal volume was significantly lower for the C-E than the V-E technique [371 (SD 345) vs 720 (244) ml, P<0.001]. The peak airway pressures were 21 (SD 1.5) cm H2O for the C-E technique and 21 (1.3) cm H2O for the V-E technique. Conclusions. Mask ventilation using the modified V-E technique is more effective than with the C-E technique in uncon- scious obese apnoeic adults. Subjects who fail ventilation with the C-E technique can be ventilated effectively with the V-E technique

Abstract

Andersen, Granfeldt, Callaway. JAMA 2017

IMPORTANCE Tracheal intubation is common during adult in-hospital cardiac arrest, but little is known about the association between tracheal intubation and survival in this setting.
OBJECTIVE To determine whether tracheal intubation during adult in-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with survival to hospital discharge.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Observational cohort study of adult patients who had an in-hospital cardiac arrest from January 2000through December 2014 included in the Get With The Guidelines–Resuscitation registry, a US-based multicenter registry of in-hospital cardiac arrest. Patients who had an invasive airway in place at the time of cardiac arrestwere excluded. Patients intubated at any given minute (from 0-15 minutes)were matched with patients at risk of being intubated within the same minute (ie, still receiving resuscitation) based on a time-dependent propensity score calculated from multiple patient, event, and hospital characteristics.
EXPOSURE Tracheal intubation during cardiac arrest.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomewas survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and a good functional outcome. A cerebral performance category score of 1 (mild or no neurological deficit) or 2 (moderate cerebral disability)was considered a good functional outcome.
RESULTS The propensity-matched cohortwas selected from 108079 adult patients at 668 hospitals. The median agewas 69 years (interquartile range, 58-79 years), 45073 patients (42%)were female, and 24256 patients (22.4%) survived to hospital discharge.Of 71615 patients (66.3%) who were intubated within the first 15 minutes, 43 314 (60.5%)were matched to a patient not intubated in the same minute. Survival was lower among patients whowere intubated compared with those not intubated: 7052 of 43 314 (16.3%) vs 8407 of 43 314 (19.4%), respectively (risk ratio [RR] = 0.84; 95%CI,0.81-0.87; P < .001). The proportion of patients with ROSC was lower among intubated patients than those not intubated: 25022 of 43 311 (57.8%) vs 25 685 of 43 310 (59.3%), respectively (RR = 0.97; 95%CI,0.96-0.99; P < .001). Good functional outcome was also lower among intubated patients than those not intubated: 4439 of 41868 (10.6%) vs 5672 of 41 733 (13.6%), respectively (RR = 0.78; 95%CI,0.75-0.81; P < .001). Although differences existed in prespecified subgroup analyses, intubation was not associated with improved outcomes in any subgroup.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among adult patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, initiation of tracheal intubation within any given minute during the first 15 minutes of resuscitation, compared with no intubation during that minute, was associated with decreased survival to hospital discharge. Although the study design does not eliminate the potential for confounding by indication, these findings do not support early tracheal intubation for adult in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract

LundstrømLH, Duez CHV, Nørskov AK, Rosenstock CV, Thomsen JL,Møller AM, Strande S, Wetterslev JThe Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2017
BACKGROUND Tracheal intubation during induction of general anaesthesia is a vital procedure performed to secure a patient's airway. Several studies have identified difficult tracheal intubation (DTI) or failed tracheal intubation as one of the major contributors to anaesthesia-related mortality and morbidity. Use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) to facilitate tracheal intubation is a widely accepted practice. However, because of adverse effects, NMBA may be undesirable. Cohort studies have indicated that avoiding NMBA is an independent risk factor for difficult and failed tracheal intubation. However, no systematic review of randomized trials has evaluated conditions for tracheal intubation, possible adverse effects, and postoperative discomfort. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of avoiding neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) versus using NMBA on difficult tracheal intubation (DTI) for adults and adolescents allocated to tracheal intubation with direct laryngoscopy. To look at various outcomes, conduct subgroup and sensitivity analyses, examine the role of bias, and apply trial sequential analysis (TSA) to examine the level of available evidence for this intervention. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS, International Web of Science, LILACS, advanced Google, CINAHL, and the following trial registries: Current Controlled Trials; ClinicalTrials.gov; and www.centerwatch.com, up to January 2017. We checked the reference lists of included trials and reviews to look for unidentified trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of avoiding versus using NMBA in participants 14 years of age or older. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors extracted data independently. We conducted random-effects and fixed-effect meta-analyses and calculated risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used published data and data obtained by contacting trial authors. To minimize the risk of systematic error, we assessed the risk of bias of included trials. To reduce the risk of random errors caused by sparse data and repetitive updating of cumulative meta-analyses, we applied TSA. MAIN RESULTS We identified 34 RCTs with 3565 participants that met our inclusion criteria. All trials reported on conditions for tracheal intubation; seven trials with 846 participants described 'events of upper airway discomfort or injury', and 13 trials with 1308 participants reported on direct laryngoscopy. All trials used a parallel design. We identified 18 dose-finding studies that included more interventions or control groups or both. All trials except three included only American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I and II participants, 25 trials excluded participants with anticipated DTI, and obesity or overweight was an excluding factor in 13 studies. Eighteen trials used suxamethonium, and 18 trials used non-depolarizing NMBA.Trials with an overall low risk of bias reported significantly increased risk of DTI with no use of NMBA (random-effects model) (RR 13.27, 95% CI 8.19 to 21.49; P < 0.00001; 508 participants; four trials; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) = 1.9, I(2) = 0%, D(2) = 0%, GRADE = moderate). The TSA-adjusted CI for the RR was 1.85 to 95.04. Inclusion of all trials resulted in confirmation of results and of significantly increased risk of DTI when an NMBA was avoided (random-effects model) (RR 5.00, 95% CI 3.49 to 7.15; P < 0.00001; 3565 participants; 34 trials; NNTH = 6.3, I(2) = 70%, D(2) = 82%, GRADE = low). Again the cumulative z-curve crossed the TSA monitoring boundary, demonstrating harmful effects of avoiding NMBA on the proportion of DTI with minimal risk of random error. We categorized only one trial reporting on upper airway discomfort or injury as having overall low risk of bias. Inclusion of all trials revealed significant risk of upper airway discomfort or injury when an NMBA was avoided (random-effects model) (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.74; P = 0.008; 846 participants; seven trials; NNTH = 9.1, I(2) = 13%, GRADE = moderate). The TSA-adjusted CI for the RR was 1.00 to 1.85. None of these trials reported mortality. In terms of our secondary outcome 'difficult laryngoscopy', we categorized only one trial as having overall low risk of bias. All trials avoiding NMBA were significantly associated with difficult laryngoscopy (random-effects model) (RR 2.54, 95% CI 1.53 to 4.21; P = 0.0003; 1308 participants; 13 trials; NNTH = 25.6, I(2) = 0%, D(2)= 0%, GRADE = low); however, TSA showed that only 6% of the information size required to detect or reject a 20% relative risk reduction (RRR) was accrued, and the trial sequential monitoring boundary was not crossed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review supports that use of an NMBA may create the best conditions for tracheal intubation and may reduce the risk of upper airway discomfort or injury following tracheal intubation. Study results were characterized by indirectness, heterogeneity, and high or uncertain risk of bias concerning our primary outcome describing difficult tracheal intubation. Therefore, we categorized the GRADE classification of quality of evidence as moderate to low. In light of defined outcomes of individual included trials, our primary outcomes may not reflect a situation that many clinicians consider to be an actual difficult tracheal intubation by which the patient's life or health may be threatened.

Abstract

Fouche, Stein, Simpson, Carlson, Doi
Annals of Emergency Medicine 2017

STUDY OBJECTIVE Rapid sequence intubation performed by nonphysicians such as paramedics or nurses has become increasingly common in many countries; however, concerns have been stated in regard to the safe use and appropriateness of rapid sequence intubation when performed by these health care providers. The aim of our study is to compare rapid sequence intubation success and adverse events between nonphysician and physician in the out-of-hospital setting. METHODS A systematic literature search of key databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Eligibility, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias were assessed independently by 2 reviewers. A bias-adjusted meta-analysis using a quality-effects model was conducted for the primary outcomes of overall intubation success and first-pass intubation success and for adverse events when possible. RESULTS Eighty-three studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was a 2% difference in successful intubation proportion for physicians versus nonphysicians, 99% (95% confidence interval [CI] 98% to 99%) versus 97% (95% CI 95% to 99%). A 10% difference in first-pass rapid sequence intubation success was noted between physicians versus nonphysicians, 88% (95% CI 83% to 93%) versus 78% (95% CI 65% to 89%). For airway trauma, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, endobronchial intubation, hypertension, and hypotension, lower prevalences of adverse events were noted for physicians. However, nonphysicians had a lower prevalence of hypoxia and esophageal intubations. Similar proportions were noted for pulmonary aspiration and emesis. Nine adverse events estimates lacked precision, except for endobronchial intubation, and 4 adverse event analyses showed evidence of possible publication bias. Consequently, no reliable evidence exists for differences between physicians and nonphysicians for adverse events. CONCLUSION This analysis shows that physicians have a higher rapid sequence intubation first-pass and overall success, as well as mostly lower rates of adverse events for rapid sequence intubation in the out-of-hospital setting. Nevertheless, for all success and adverse events no firm conclusion for a difference could be drawn because of lack of precision of meta-analytic estimates or selective reporting. First-pass success could be an area in which to focus quality improvement strategies for nonphysicians.

Abstract

Alkhouri, Vassiliadis, Murray, Mackenzie, Tzannes, McCarthy, Fogg
Emergency Medicine Australasia 2017

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the practice of endotracheal intubation across a range of Australasian EDs. METHODS We established a multicentre airway registry (The Australian and New Zealand Emergency Department Airway Registry [ANZEDAR]) prospectively capturing intubations from 43 Australian and New Zealand EDs over 24 months using the ANZEDAR form. Information recorded included patient demographics, intubation indications, predicted difficulty, rapid sequence induction and endotracheal intubation preparation technique, induction drugs, airway adjuncts and complications. Factors associated with first attempt success were explored. RESULTS Of the 3710 intubations captured, 3533 were in adults (95.2%), 2835 (76.4%) for medical and 810 (21.8%) for trauma indications. Overall, 3127 (84.3%) patients were successfully intubated at the first attempt; the majority by ED doctors (2654 [72.1%]). A total of 10 surgical airways were performed, all of which were successful cricothyroidotomies. Propofol, thiopentone or ketamine were used with similar frequency for induction, and suxamethonium was the most often used muscle relaxant. Adverse events were reported in 964 (26%), the majority involving desaturation or hypotension. CONCLUSION Australasian ED doctors, predominantly specialist emergency physicians or trainees, perform the majority of ED intubations using rapid sequence induction as their preferred technique mainly for medical indications. First attempt success rate was not different between different types of EDs, and is comparable published international data. Complications are not infrequent, and are comparable to other published series. Monitoring and reporting of ED intubation practice will enable continued improvements in the safety of this high-risk procedure.

Abstract

Sakles, John C. Douglas, Matthew J.K. Hypes, Cameron D. Patanwala, Asad E. Mosier, Jarrod M
The Journal of Emergency Medicine 2107 PMID: 28606617


Abstract—Background: Patients with difficult airways are sometimes encountered in the emergency department (ED), however, there is a little data available regarding their management. Objectives: To determine the incidence, man- agement, and outcomes of patients with predicted difficult airways in the ED. Methods: Over the 1-year period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, data were prospectively collected on all patients intubated in an academic ED. After each intubation, the operator completed an airway manage- ment data form. Operators performed a pre-intubation difficult airway assessment and classified patients into routine, challenging, or difficult airways. All non-arrest pa- tients were included in the study. Results: There were 456 patients that met inclusion criteria. Fifty (11%) had pre- dicted difficult airways. In these 50 patients, neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) were used in 40 (80%), an awake intubation technique with light sedation was used in 7 (14%), and no medications were used in 3 (6%). In the 40 difficult airway patients who underwent NMBA facilitated intubation, a video laryngoscope (GlideScope 21, Verathon, Bothell, WA and C-MAC 19, Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Ger- many) was used in each of these, with a first-pass success of 90%. In the 7 patients who underwent awake intubation, a video laryngoscope was used in 5, and a flexible fiberoptic scope was used in 2.Ketamine was used in 6 of the awake in-
Disclosures: Dr. Sakles serves as an adviser toVerathon Med- ical.
tubations. None of these difficult airway patients required rescue with a surgical airway. Conclusions: Difficult airways were predicted in11% of non-arrest patients requiring intu- bation in the ED, the majority of which were managed using an NMBA and a video laryngoscope with a high first-pass success. ?

Abstract

Nimmagadda U, Salem MR, Crystal GJ. Preoxygenation: Physiologic Basis, Benefits, and Potential Risks. Anesth Analg. 2017 Feb;124(2):507-517

Preoxygenation before anesthetic induction and tracheal intubation is a widely accepted maneuver, designed to increase the body oxygen stores and thereby delay the onset of arterial hemoglobin desaturation during apnea. Because difficulties with ventilation and intubation are unpredictable, the need for preoxygenation is desirable in all patients. During emergence from anesthesia, residual effects of anesthetics and inadequate reversal of neuromuscular blockade can lead to hypoventilation, hypoxemia, and loss of airway patency. In accordance, routine preoxygenation before the tracheal extubation has also been recommended. The objective of this article is to discuss the physiologic basis, clinical benefits, and potential concerns about the use of preoxygenation. The effectiveness of preoxygenation is assessed by its efficacy and efficiency. Indices of efficacy include increases in the fraction of alveolar oxygen, increases in arterial oxygen tension, and decreases in the fraction of alveolar nitrogen. End points of maximal preoxygenation (efficacy) are an end-tidal oxygen concentration of 90% or an end-tidal nitrogen concentration of 5%. Efficiency of preoxygenation is reflected in the rate of decline in oxyhemoglobin desaturation during apnea. All investigations have demonstrated that maximal preoxygenation markedly delays arterial hemoglobin desaturation during apnea. This advantage may be blunted in high-risk patients. Various maneuvers have been introduced to extend the effect of preoxygenation. These include elevation of the head, apneic diffusion oxygenation, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and/or positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), bilevel positive airway pressure, and transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange. The benefit of apneic diffusion oxygenation is dependent on achieving maximal preoxygenation, maintaining airway patency, and the existence of a high functional residual capacity to body weight ratio. Potential risks of preoxygenation include delayed detection of esophageal intubation, absorption atelectasis, production of reactive oxygen species, and undesirable hemodynamic effects. Because the duration of preoxygenation is short, the hemodynamic effects and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species are insufficient to negate its benefits. Absorption atelectasis is a consequence of preoxygenation. Two approaches have been proposed to reduce the absorption atelectasis during preoxygenation: a modest decrease in the fraction of inspired oxygen to 0.8, and the use of recruitment maneuvers, such as CPAP, PEEP, and/or a vital capacity maneuver (all of which are commonly performed during the administration of anesthesia). Although a slight decrease in the fraction of inspired oxygen reduces atelectasis, it does so at the expense of a reduction in the protection afforded during apnea.

Abstract

Andersen LW, Granfeldt A, Callaway CW, Bradley SM, Soar J, Nolan JP, Kurth T, Donnino MW; American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines–Resuscitation Investigators.. Association Between Tracheal Intubation During Adult In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Survival. JAMA. 2017 Feb 7;317(5):494-506.

Importance Tracheal intubation is common during pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest, although the relationship between intubation during cardiac arrest and outcomes is unknown. Objective To determine if intubation during pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with improved outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants Observational study of data from United States hospitals in the Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation registry. Pediatric patients (<18 years) with index in-hospital cardiac arrest between January 2000 and December 2014 were included. Patients who were receiving assisted ventilation, had an invasive airway in place, or both at the time chest compressions were initiated were excluded. Exposures Tracheal intubation during cardiac arrest . Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation and neurologic outcome. A favorable neurologic outcome was defined as a score of 1 to 2 on the pediatric cerebral performance category score. Patients being intubated at any given minute were matched with patients at risk of being intubated within the same minute (ie, still receiving resuscitation) based on a time-dependent propensity score calculated from multiple patient, event, and hospital characteristics. Results The study included 2294 patients; 1308 (57%) were male, and all age groups were represented (median age, 7 months [25th-75th percentiles, 21 days, 4 years]). Of the 2294 included patients, 1555 (68%) were intubated during the cardiac arrest. In the propensity score-matched cohort (n = 2270), survival was lower in those intubated compared with those not intubated (411/1135 [36%] vs 460/1135 [41%]; risk ratio [RR], 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81-0.99]; P = .03). There was no significant difference in return of spontaneous circulation (770/1135 [68%] vs 771/1135 [68%]; RR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.95-1.06]; P = .96) or favorable neurologic outcome (185/987 [19%] vs 211/983 [21%]; RR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.75-1.02]; P = .08) between those intubated and not intubated. The association between intubation and decreased survival was observed in the majority of the sensitivity and subgroup analyses, including when accounting for missing data and in a subgroup of patients with a pulse at the beginning of the event. Conclusions and Relevance Among pediatric patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, tracheal intubation during cardiac arrest compared with no intubation was associated with decreased survival to hospital discharge. Although the study design does not eliminate the potential for confounding, these findings do not support the current emphasis on early tracheal intubation for pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract

Sawyer T, Foglia E, Hatch LD, Moussa A, Ades A, Johnston L, Nishisaki A. Improving neonatal intubation safety: A journey of a thousand miles. J Neonatal Perinatal Med. 2017;10(2):125-131.

Abstract

Wong DT, Yee AJ, Leong SM, Chung F. The effectiveness of apneic oxygenation during tracheal intubation in various clinical settings: a narrative review. Can J Anaesth. 2017 Apr;64(4):416-427.

PURPOSE During the process of tracheal intubation, patients are apneic or hypoventilating and are at risk of becoming hypoxemic. This risk is especially high in patients with acute or chronic respiratory failure and accompanying compromised respiratory reserve. To address this concern, apneic oxygenation can be administered during tracheal intubation to aid in maintaining arterial oxygen saturation. The objective of this narrative review is to examine the utilization of apneic oxygenation within the operating room, intensive care unit (ICU), emergency department, and pre-hospital settings and to determine its efficacy compared with controls. SOURCE For this narrative review, we obtained pertinent articles using MEDLINE(®) (1946 to April 2016), EMBASE™ (1974 to April 2016), Google Scholar, and manual searches. Apneic oxygenation was administered using various techniques, including the use of nasal prongs, nasopharyngeal or endotracheal catheters, or laryngoscopes. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS First, all 12 operating room studies showed that apneic oxygenation significantly prolonged the duration to, and incidence of, desaturation. Second, two of the five ICU studies showed a significantly smaller decline in oxygen saturation with apneic oxygenation, with three studies showing no statistically significant difference vs controls. Lastly, two emergency department or pre-hospital studies showed that the use of apneic oxygenation resulted in a significantly lower incidence of desaturation and smaller declines in oxygen saturation. CONCLUSION Sixteen of the 19 studies showed that apneic oxygenation prolongs safe apneic time and reduces the incidence of arterial oxygen desaturation. Overall, studies in this review show that apneic oxygenation prolongs the time to oxygen desaturation during tracheal intubation. Nevertheless, the majority of the studies were small in size, and they neither measured nor were adequately powered to detect adverse respiratory events or other serious rare complications. Prolonged apneic oxygenation (with its consequent hypercarbia) can have risks and should be avoided in patients with conditions such as increased intracranial pressure, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract

Louise Park, Irene Zeng, Andrew Brainard
Emergency Medicine Australasia: EMA 2016 October 27

OBJECTIVE: Many EDs have begun to evaluate their airway performance. The first-pass success (FPS) rate is a commonly used marker of proficiency, and has been associated with rates of adverse events. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to quantify the ED FPS rates and summarise the rates of adverse events associated with endotracheal intubation.
METHODS: A structured literature search was performed through MEDLINE and EMBASE. Research published since 2000 was included if it prospectively collected data on all patients intubated in the ED and reported the FPS rates. Data on demographics, indication, FPS rates, adverse events, proportion by RSI and proportion by emergency medicine doctors were extracted. Pooled mean FPS rates were estimated using a random effects model.
RESULTS: The literature search generated 21 162 articles. Full-text review identified 16 publications for meta-analysis. This included a total of 42 081 intubations from 83 institutions, in 10 countries. The FPS rate was 84.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80.1-87.4] in the 'ED-All' group and 81.8% (95% CI 76.3-86.2) in the 'Trauma-Only' group. The incidence rates of commonly reported adverse events were hypoxia 6.4% (95% CI 2.5-11.9), hypotension 3.0% (95% CI 1.5-4.9), oesophageal intubation 3.5% (95% CI 2.3-4.9), greater than three attempts 0.8% (95% CI 0.4-1.4), cricothyrotomy 0.3% (95% CI 0.1-0.5) and peri-intubation cardiac arrest 0.6% (95% CI 0.2-1.0).
CONCLUSION: Research published in the last 16 years shows a mean ED FPS rate of 84.1%. This represents the best available published data that can be used to benchmark emergency airway performance.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many emergency physicians gain familiarity with the laryngeal anatomy only during the brief view achieved during rapid sequence induction and intubation. Awake laryngoscopy in the emergency department (ED) is an important and clinically underutilized procedure.
DISCUSSION: Providing benefit to the emergency physician through a slow, controlled, and deliberate examination of the airway, awake laryngoscopy facilitates confidence in the high-risk airway and eases the evolution to intubation, should it be required. Emergency physicians possess all the tools and skills required to effectively perform this procedure, through either the flexible endoscopic or rigid approaches. The procedure can be conducted utilizing local anesthesia with or without mild sedation, such that patients protect their airway.
CONCLUSION: We discuss two clinical scenarios, indications/contraindications, patient selection, and steps to performing two approaches to awake laryngoscopy in the ED.

Abstract

Andrea S Rinderknecht, Jenna R Dyas, Benjamin T Kerrey, Gary L Geis, Mona H Ho, Matthew R Mittiga
Academic Emergency Medicine: Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine 2016 December 15

OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe and compare chart and video review as data collection sources for the study of Emergency Department (ED) Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI).
METHODS: This retrospective cohort study compares the availability and content of key RSI outcome and process data from two sources: chart and video data from 12 months of pediatric ED RSI. Key outcomes included adverse effects (oxyhemoglobin desaturation, physiologic changes, inadequate paralysis, vomiting), process components (number of laryngoscopy attempts, end-tidal CO2 detection), and timing data (duration of pre-oxygenation and laryngoscopy attempts).
RESULTS: We reviewed 566 documents from 114 cases with video data. Video review detected higher rates of adverse effects (67%) than did chart review (46%, p<0.0001), identifying almost twice the rate of desaturation noted in the chart (34%, vs 18%, p=0.0002). The performance and timing of key RSI processes were significantly more reliably available via video review (timing and duration of pre-oxygenation, as well as timing, duration, and number of laryngoscopy attempts, all p<0.05). Video review identified 221 laryngoscopy attempts, whereas chart review only identified 187.
CONCLUSIONS: When compared with video review for retrospective study of RSI in a pediatric ED, chart review significantly underestimated adverse effects, inconsistently contained data on important RSI process elements, rarely provided time data, and often conflicted with observations made on video review. Interpretation of and design of future studies of RSI should take into consideration the quality of the data source. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Christian Braun, Ulrich Kisser, Astrid Huber, Klaus Stelter
Resuscitation 2017, 110: 37-41

INTRODUCTION: In various motion pictures, medical TV shows and internet chatrooms, non-medical devices were presented as tools for life-saving cricothyroidotomies. However, there is uncertainty about whether it is possible for a bystander to perform a cricothyroidotomy and maintain gas exchange using improvised household items. This study examines the ability of bystanders to carry out an emergency cricothyroidotomy in fresh human cadavers using only a pocket knife and a ballpoint pen.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two commonly available pens and five different pocket knives were used. Ten participants with no or only basic anatomical knowledge had to choose one of the pens and one of the knives and were asked to perform a cricothyroidotomy as quickly as possible after a short introduction. Primary successful outcome was a correct placement of the pen barrel and was determined by the thoracic lifting in a mouth-to-pen resuscitation.
RESULTS: Eight (80%) participants performed a successful approach to the upper airway with a thoracic lifting at the end. Five participants performed a cricothyroidotomy and three performed an unintentional tracheotomy. Injuries to muscles and cartilage were common, but no major vascular damage was seen in the post-procedural autopsy. However, mean time in the successful group was 243s.
CONCLUSION: In this cadaveric model, bystanders with variable medical knowledge were able to establish an emergency cricothyroidotomy in 80% of the cases only using a pocketknife and a ballpoint pen. No major complications (particularly injuries of arterial blood vessels or the oesophagus) occurred. Although a pocket knife and ballpoint pen cricothyroidotomy seem a very extreme procedure for a bystander, the results of our study suggest that it is a feasible option in an extreme scenario.1 For a better outcome, the anatomical landmarks of the neck and the incision techniques should be taught in emergency courses.

Abstract

F Mir, A Patel, R Iqbal, M Cecconi, S A R Nouraei
Anaesthesia 2016 December 30

Pre-oxygenation is an essential part of rapid sequence induction of general anaesthesia for emergency surgery, in order to increase the oxygen reservoir in the lungs. We performed a randomised controlled trial of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) pre-oxygenation or facemask pre-oxygenation in patients undergoing emergency surgery. Twenty patients were allocated to each group. No patient developed arterial oxygen saturation < 90% during attempted tracheal intubation. Arterial blood gases were sampled from an arterial catheter immediately after intubation. The mean (SD) PaO2 was 43.7 (15.2) kPa in the THRIVE group vs. 41.9 (16.2) kPa in the facemask group (p = 0.722); PaCO2 was 5.8 (1.1) kPa in the THRIVE group vs. 5.6 (1.0) kPa in the facemask group (p = 0.631); arterial pH was 7.36 (0.05) in the THRIVE group vs. 7.34 (0.06) in the facemask group (p = 0.447). No airway rescue manoeuvres were needed, and there were no differences in the number of laryngoscopy attempts between the groups. In spite of this, patients in the THRIVE group had a significantly longer apnoea time of 248 (71) s compared with 123 (55) s in the facemask group (p < 0.001). Transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange is a practicable method for pre-oxygenating patients during rapid sequence induction of general anaesthesia for emergency surgery; we found that it maintained an equivalent blood gas profile to facemask pre-oxygenation, in spite of a significantly longer apnoea time.

Abstract

LD White, TM Melhuish, LK White, LA Wallace Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 2017, 45 (1): 21-27

Summary
Apnoeic oxygenation during intubation is used to prevent desaturation during intubation. The aim of this review was to assess whether apnoeic oxygenation during endotracheal intubation reduced the incidence of hypoxaemia. Five major databases were systematically searched for all relevant studies published up to May 2016. All study designs with a control group and a group receiving apnoeic oxygenation were included in this review. These studies were then assessed for level of evidence and risk of bias. The data were then analysed using a meta-analysis. Eleven studies (six high quality randomised controlled trials, four low quality level two studies and one low quality level three study) were found. In the meta-analysis there was strong evidence for benefit of apnoeic oxygenation in terms of improved SpO2 in elective surgical patients, obese patients and those undergoing emergency intubation without respiratory failure. However, no significant benefit was found in patients with respiratory failure. This is the first meta-analysis to be performed on apnoeic oxygenation during intubation. Apnoeic oxygenation provides significant benefit in terms of improving SpO2 for the majority of intubations, although there appears to be no benefit in patients whose indication for intubation is respiratory failure. Apnoeic oxygenation ought to be considered for integration into intubation protocols.

Abstract

Lewis SR, Butler AR, Parker J, Cook TM, Smith AF. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Nov 15
Background
Successful tracheal intubation during general anaesthesia traditionally requires a line of sight to the larynx attained by positioning the head and neck and using a laryngoscope to retract the tongue and soft tissues of the floor of the mouth. Difficulties with intubation commonly arise, and alternative laryngoscopes that use digital and/or fibreoptic technology have been designed to improve visibility when airway difficulty is predicted or encountered. Among these devices, a rigid videolaryngoscope (VLS) uses a blade to retract the soft tissues and transmits a lighted video image to a screen.
Objectives

Our primary objective was to assess whether use of videolaryngoscopy for tracheal intubation in adults requiring general anaesthesia reduces risks of complications and failure compared with direct laryngoscopy. Our secondary aim was to assess the benefits and risks of these devices in selected population groups, such as adults with obesity and those with a known or predicted difficult airway.
Search methods

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and Embase on 10 February 2015. Our search terms were relevant to the review question and were not limited by outcomes. We carried out clinical trials register searches and forward and backward citation tracking. We reran the search on 12 January 2016; we added potential new studies of interest from the 2016 search to a list of 'Studies awaiting classification', and we will incorporate these studies into the formal review during the review update.
Selection criteria

We considered all randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized studies with adult patients undergoing laryngoscopy performed with a VLS or a Macintosh laryngoscope in a clinical, emergency or out-of-hospital setting. We included parallel and cross-over study designs.
Data collection and analysis

Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data, consulting a third review author to resolve disagreements. We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures, including assessment of risk of bias.

Main results
We included 64 studies identified during the 2015 search that enrolled 7044 adult participants and compared a VLS of one or more designs with a Macintosh laryngoscope. We identified 38 studies awaiting classification and seven ongoing studies. Of the 64 included studies, 61 included elective surgical patients, and three were conducted in an emergency setting. Among 48 studies that included participants without a predicted difficult airway, 15 used techniques to simulate a difficult airway. Seven recruited participants with a known or predicted difficult airway, and the remaining studies did not specify or included both predicted and not predicted difficult airways. Only two studies specifically recruited obese participants. It was not possible to blind the intubator to the device, and we noted a high level of inevitable heterogeneity, given the large number of studies.

Statistically significantly fewer failed intubations were reported when a VLS was used (Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) odds ratio (OR), random-effects 0.35, 95% confidence Interval (CI) 0.19 to 0.65; 38 studies; 4127 participants), and fewer failed intubations occurred when a VLS was used in participants with an anticipated difficult airway (M-H OR, random-effects 0.28, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.55; six studies; 830 participants). We graded the quality of this evidence as moderate on the basis of the GRADE system. Failed intubations were fewer when a VLS was used in participants with a simulated difficult airway (M-H OR, random-effects 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.77; nine studies; 810 participants), but groups with no predicted difficult airway provided no significant results (M-H OR, random-effects 0.61, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.67; 19 studies; 1743 participants).

Eight studies reported on hypoxia, and only three of these described any events; results showed no differences between devices for this outcome (M-H OR, random-effects 0.39, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.44; 1319 participants). Similarly, few studies reported on mortality, noting no differences between devices (M-H OR, fixed-effect 1.09, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.82; two studies; 663 participants), and only one study reporting on the occurrence of respiratory complications (78 participants); we graded these three outcomes as very low quality owing to lack of data. We found no statistically significant differences between devices in the proportion of successful first attempts (M-H OR, random-effects 1.27, 95% CI 0.77 to 2.09; 36 studies; 4731 participants) nor in those needing more than one attempt. We graded the quality of this evidence as moderate. Studies reported no statistically significant differences in the incidence of sore throat in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) (M-H OR, random-effects 1.00 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.38); 10 studies; 1548 participants) nor at 24 hours postoperatively (M-H OR random-effects 0.54, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.07; eight studies; 844 participants); we graded the quality of this evidence as moderate. Data combined to include studies of cross-over design revealed statistically significantly fewer laryngeal or airway traumas (M-H OR, random-effects 0.68, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.96; 29 studies; 3110 participants) and fewer incidences of postoperative hoarseness (M-H OR, fixed-effect 0.57, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.88; six studies; 527 participants) when a VLS was used. A greater number of laryngoscopies performed with a VLS achieved a view of most of the glottis (M-H OR, random-effects 6.77, 95% CI 4.17 to 10.98; 22 studies; 2240 participants), fewer laryngoscopies performed with a VLS achieved no view of the glottis (M-H OR, random-effects 0.18, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.27; 22 studies; 2240 participants) and the VLS was easier to use (M-H OR, random-effects 7.13, 95% CI 3.12 to 16.31; seven studies; 568 participants).

Although a large number of studies reported time required for tracheal intubation (55 studies; 6249 participants), we did not present an effects estimate for this outcome owing to the extremely high level of statistical heterogeneity (I2 = 96%).

Authors' conclusions
Videolaryngoscopes may reduce the number of failed intubations, particularly among patients presenting with a difficult airway. They improve the glottic view and may reduce laryngeal/airway trauma. Currently, no evidence indicates that use of a VLS reduces the number of intubation attempts or the incidence of hypoxia or respiratory complications, and no evidence indicates that use of a VLS affects time required for intubation.

Abstract

A K Nørskov, J Wetterslev, C V Rosenstock, A Afshari, G Astrup, J C Jakobsen, J L Thomsen, L H Lundstrøm Anaesthesia 2016 November 24
We compared implementation of systematic airway assessment with existing practice of airway assessment on prediction of difficult mask ventilation. Twenty-six departments were cluster-randomised to assess eleven risk factors for difficult airway management (intervention) or to continue with their existing airway assessment (control). In both groups, patients predicted as a difficult mask ventilation and/or difficult intubation were registered in the Danish Anaesthesia Database, with a notational summary of airway management. The trial's primary outcome was the respective incidence of unpredicted difficult and easy mask ventilation in the two groups. Among 94,006 patients undergoing mask ventilation, the incidence of unpredicted difficult mask ventilation in the intervention group was 0.91% and 0.88% in the control group; (OR) 0.98 (95% CI 0.66-1.44), p = 0.90. The incidence of patients predicted difficult to mask ventilate, but in fact found to be easy ('falsely predicted difficult') was 0.64% vs. 0.35% (intervention vs. control); OR 1.56 (1.01-2.42), p = 0.045. In the intervention group, 86.3% of all difficult mask ventilations were not predicted, compared with a higher proportion 91.2% in the control group, OR 0.61 (0.41-0.91), p = 0.016. The systematic intervention did not alter the overall incidence of unpredicted difficult mask ventilations, but of the patients who were found to be difficult to mask ventilate, the proportion predicted was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. However, this was at a 'cost' of increasing the number of mask ventilations falsely predicted to be difficult.

Abstract

Anesthesia & Analgesia 2016, Usharani MD; Salem, M. Ramez MD; Crystal, George J. PhD

Preoxygenation before anesthetic induction and tracheal intubation is a widely accepted maneuver, designed to increase the body oxygen stores and thereby delay the onset of arterial hemoglobin desaturation during apnea. Because difficulties with ventilation and intubation are unpredictable, the need for preoxygenation is desirable in all patients. During emergence from anesthesia, residual effects of anesthetics and inadequate reversal of neuromuscular blockade can lead to hypoventilation, hypoxemia, and loss of airway patency. In accordance, routine preoxygenation before the tracheal extubation has also been recommended. The objective of this article is to discuss the physiologic basis, clinical benefits, and potential concerns about the use of preoxygenation. The effectiveness of preoxygenation is assessed by its efficacy and efficiency. Indices of efficacy include increases in the fraction of alveolar oxygen, increases in arterial oxygen tension, and decreases in the fraction of alveolar nitrogen. End points of maximal preoxygenation (efficacy) are an end-tidal oxygen concentration of 90% or an end-tidal nitrogen concentration of 5%. Efficiency of preoxygenation is reflected in the rate of decline in oxyhemoglobin desaturation during apnea. All investigations have demonstrated that maximal preoxygenation markedly delays arterial hemoglobin desaturation during apnea. This advantage may be blunted in high-risk patients. Various maneuvers have been introduced to extend the effect of preoxygenation. These include elevation of the head, apneic diffusion oxygenation, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and/or positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), bilevel positive airway pressure, and transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange. The benefit of apneic diffusion oxygenation is dependent on achieving maximal preoxygenation, maintaining airway patency, and the existence of a high functional residual capacity to body weight ratio. Potential risks of preoxygenation include delayed detection of esophageal intubation, absorption atelectasis, production of reactive oxygen species, and undesirable hemodynamic effects. Because the duration of preoxygenation is short, the hemodynamic effects and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species are insufficient to negate its benefits. Absorption atelectasis is a consequence of preoxygenation. Two approaches have been proposed to reduce the absorption atelectasis during preoxygenation: a modest decrease in the fraction of inspired oxygen to 0.8, and the use of recruitment maneuvers, such as CPAP, PEEP, and/or a vital capacity maneuver (all of which are commonly performed during the administration of anesthesia). Although a slight decrease in the fraction of inspired oxygen reduces atelectasis, it does so at the expense of a reduction in the protection afforded during apnea.

Abstract

Brian E. Driver, Matthew E. Prekker, Rebecca L. Kornas, Ellen K. Cales, Robert F. Reardon. Annals of Emergency Medicine 2016.

Study objective: Recent data suggest that emergency airway preoxygenation with a bag-valve-mask (BVM) device (held with a tight mask seal but without squeezing the bag) is superior to a nonrebreather (NRB) mask at standard oxygen flow rates. We seek to determine whether preoxygenation with an NRB mask with flush rate oxygen (>40 L/min by fully opening a standard oxygen flowmeter) is noninferior to BVM device with standard-flow oxygen (15 L/min). We also seek to compare the efficacy of preoxygenation with NRB mask at flush rate oxygen with both NRB mask with oxygen at 15 L/min and simple mask at flush rate oxygen. Methods: We performed a crossover trial using healthy volunteers. In random sequence, subjects underwent 3-minute trials of preoxygenation with nonrebreather mask with oxygen at 15 L/min (NRB-15), nonrebreather mask with flush rate oxygen (NRB-Flush), BVM device with oxygen at 15 L/min (BVM-15), and simple mask with flush rate oxygen. The primary outcome measure was the FeO2 in a single exhaled breath. We compared the FeO2 of NRB-Flush to other study groups, using a prespecified noninferiority margin of 10%. Results: We enrolled 26 subjects. Mean FeO2 values for NRB-15, NRB-Flush, BVM-15, and simple mask with flush rate oxygen were 54% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50% to 57%), 86% (95% CI 84% to 88%), 77% (95% CI 74% to 81%), and 72% (95% CI 69% to 76%), respectively. FeO2 for NRB-Flush was noninferior to BVM-15 (difference 8%; 95% CI 5% to 11%). FeO2 for NRB-Flush was higher than both NRB-15 (FeO2 difference 32%; 95% CI 29% to 35%) and simple mask with flush rate oxygen (FeO2 difference 13%; 95% CI 10% to 17%). Conclusion: Preoxygenation with NRB-Flush was noninferior to BVM-15. NRB with flush rate oxygen may be a reasonable preoxygenation method for spontaneously breathing patients undergoing emergency airway management.

Abstract

B. S. Natt, J. Malo, C. D. Hypes, J. C. Sakles and J. M. Mosier. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 117 (S1): i60–i68 (2016)

Tracheal intubation in critically ill patients is a high-risk procedure. The risk of complications increases with repeated or prolonged attempts, making expedient first attempt success the goal for airway management in these patients. Patient-related factors often make visualization of the airway and placement of the tracheal tube difficult. Physiologic derangements reduce the patient’s tolerance for repeated or prolonged attempts at laryngoscopy and, as a result, hypoxaemia and haemodynamic deterioration are common complications. Operator-related factors such as experience, device selection, and pharmacologic choices affect the odds of a successful intubation on the first attempt. This review will discuss the ‘difficult airway’ in critically ill patients and highlight recent advances in airway management that have been shown to improve first attempt success and decrease adverse events associated with the intubation of critically ill patients.

Abstract

N. Jagannathan, L. Sohn and J. E. Fiadjoe. British Journal of Anaesthesia 117 (S1): i3–i5 (2016)

Airway management remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in anaesthetized children. Children with difficult direct laryngoscopy are an especially vulnerable group. However, most paediatric anaesthetics are administered by generalists without advanced paediatric training. This editorial is aimed at all practitioners who care for children, particularly those without advanced paediatric anaesthesia training. Our goal is to convey three important points: (i) the contributing factors for severe complications in this population; (ii) the important role of the supraglottic airway (SGA) in managing these patients; and (iii) the ideal method of invasive airway access when oxygenation is compromised. We hope this editorial enhances the care and out- comes in this vulnerable patient population.

Abstract

P. A. Baker, E. P. O’Sullivan, M. S. Kristensen and D. Lockey. British Journal of Anaesthesia 117 (S1): i17–i19 (2016)

The emergency nature and infrequency of CICO and invasive rescue techniques make it unlikely that high-quality human studies will ever be available to support our choice of techniques. However, what is clear from observational studies is that cannula techniques cannot be relied upon to save lives and prevent severe morbidity. With appropriate training, scalpel techniques are reli- able and easy to perform and have the potential to reduce mortal- ity and morbidity in time-critical airway emergencies.

Abstract

Siobal, M. S. Respiratory Care. September 2016
In the past few decades, assessment of exhaled CO2 in both intubated and non-intubated patients has evolved into an essential component in many aspects of patient monitoring. Besides the basic assessment of ventilation, exhaled CO2 monitoring can provide valuable patient safety information and critical physiologic data in regard to the ventilation and perfusion matching in the lungs, cardiac output, and metabolic rate. Despite these important clinical monitoring benefits and wide-spread availability, exhaled CO2 monitoring is often underutilized. The purpose of this paper is to review the importance and present the extensive body of knowledge to support the use of exhaled CO2 monitoring in various areas of clinical practice. Advanced application concepts and the future development of exhaled CO2 monitoring will also be discussed.

Abstract

S. J. Mercer, C. P. Jones1, M. Bridge, E. Clitheroe, B. Morton and P. Groom British Journal of Anaesthesia, 117 (S1): i49–i59 (2016)

Introduction: Non-iatrogenic trauma to the airway is rare and presents a significant challenge to the anaesthetist. Although guidelines for the management of the unanticipated difficult airway have been published, these do not make provision for the ‘anticipated’ difficult airway. This systematic review aims to inform best practice and suggest management options for different injury patterns. Methods: A literature search was conducted using Embase, Medline, and Google Scholar for papers after the year 2000 reporting on the acute airway management of adult patients who suffered airway trauma. Our protocol and search strategy are registered with and published by PROSPERO (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, ID: CRD42016032763). Results: A systematic literature search yielded 578 articles, of which a total of 148 full-text papers were reviewed.We present our results categorized by mechanism of injury: blunt, penetrating, blast, and burns. Conclusions: The hallmark of airway management with trauma to the airway is the maintenance of spontaneous ventilation, intubation under direct vision to avoid the creation of a false passage, and the avoidance of both intermittent positive pressure ventilation and cricoid pressure (the latter for laryngotracheal trauma only) during a rapid sequence induction. Management depends on available resources and time to perform airway assessment, investigations, and intervention (patients will be classified into one of three categories: no time, some time, or adequate time).Humanfactors, particularly the development of a shared mental model amongst the trauma team, are vital to mitigate risk and improve patient safety.

Abstract

F. E. Kelly and T. M. Cook British Journal of Anaesthesia 117 (S1): i9–i13 (2016)
Department
In summary, videolaryngoscopy is a potential step change advance in anaesthesia, but its introduction needs to be accom- panied by appropriate training of all anaesthetists; not only trai- nees, but also trained and experienced intubators. The potential benefits of videolaryngoscopy for patients are numerous and significan

Abstract

Adi Osman, Kok Meng Sum. Journal of Intensive Care 2016, 4: 52

Upper airway ultrasound is a valuable, non-invasive, simple, and portable point of care ultrasound (POCUS) for evaluation of airway management even in anatomy distorted by pathology or trauma. Ultrasound enables us to identify important sono anatomy of the upper airway such as thyroid cartilage, epiglottis, cricoid cartilage, cricothyroid membrane, tracheal cartilages, and esophagus. Understanding this applied sono anatomy facilitates clinician to use ultrasound in assessment of airway anatomy for difficult intubation, ETT and LMA placement and depth, assessment of airway size, ultrasound-guided invasive procedures such as percutaneous needle cricothyroidotomy and tracheostomy, prediction of post extubation stridor and left double-lumen bronchial tube size, and detecting upper airway pathologies. Widespread POCUS awareness, better technological advancements, portability, and availability of ultrasound in most critical areas facilitate upper airway ultrasound to become the potential first-line non-invasive airway assessment tool in the future.

Comments

There are an increasing number of publications describing the role of POCUS in airway management. Is it a value added adjunct or a technology creep... "we're using it, it's available, let's do it". I'm not convinced at this stage. Perhaps there is a role for helping landmark the CTM however even here it is unclear whether the pre-RSI POCUS landmarked CTM will remain accurate once the patient has received an NMBA and various failed attempts at securing an airway.

Mark Vu one of our AIME instructors/scholars has this to say:
I don't believe in U/S for airway, but maybe that is just my secular approach to airway management. This journal article sums up my position on POCUS:

British Journal of Emergency Ultrasonogagunography 2016 Aug 26;

Heterogenous Content Upheaval Scans with Point Of Care UltraSound determine lunch bag continence for cycle commuting health care workers. M Vu, P Linden, J Thompson

Loss of thermos contents in back packs during bicycle commutes is a common and preventable source of emotional morbidity in cycle commuting health care professionals. Causes of thermos-thermos lid discontinuity include silicone seal dehiscence, thermos hyperpressurization (if contents of thermos include carbonated hops based beverages), and iatrogenic causes (like when your kids fuck with your stuff). Until recently, the only manner of diagnosing thermos incontinence was manual palpation of saturated back pack contents, resulting in Tourette like symptoms (Linden's sign) and partial thickness burns if lunch included tomato bisque. Ultrasound technology has rendered traditional tactile examination unnecessary thanks to the HeterOgenous Content Upheaval Scan with Point of Care UltraSound, or HOCUS POCUS. Ultrasound based diagnosis of lunch thermos incontinence was compared to the tradition dump-bag-out-and-see-what-is-wet approach. With >20% thermos souparrhea into the back pack, hyper echoic fluid levels are easily evident in the low lumbar bag region posteriorly creating a soup-precious paperwork fluid interface. Larger amounts of free fluid/soup can be percussed and a fluid wave is visible on ultrasonography (Thompson wave). We propose the three-fold findings of 1) transudative stains at the base of the lunch bag, 2) foul odor that reminiscent of 20 year old paramedic's boots, and HOCUS POCUS positive exam be henceforth named Benoit's triad, and is pathognomonic for catastrophic (Class IV) thermos failure.

Mark Vu, MD FRCPC
Clinical Assistant Professor,
Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics
University of British Columbia
Department of Anesthesiology, Vancouver Island Health Authority
Associate Medical Director, Mobile Medical Unit
Provincial Health Services Authority

Abstract

Weingart S, Sutherasan Y, Vargas M et al. Ann Emerg Med 2016

The full complexity of ventilator management is best left to treatises of greater length than this one.8,9 However, the practices described will provide a safe path through the initial stages of ventilator management. By taking over one of the primary physiologic processes of our patients, we shoulder an enormous responsibility. A meticulous approach to ventilator management will keep those we care for safe until they can recover. Descriptions of the above strategies can be found on the EMCrit Podcast (http://emcrit.org/vent).

Abstract

Mosier J, Hypes C, Sackles J. Intensive Care Med 2016

On the basis of the available data, we offer the following recommendations:
1. “Preoxygenation” should be defined as the initiation of denitrogenation to the initiation of mechanical ventilation and thus includes the apneic period.
2. Denitrogenation should begin with maximum exhalation followed by high-flow oxygen administration with a tight-fitting mask for at least 3 min. In the presence of a mask leak, a nasal cannula should be added.
3. In patients with a high A-a gradient, preoxygenation with NIPPV should be performed for at least 3 min for alveolar recruitment. Promising pilot data suggest that HFNC may be useful as well [14].
4. ApOx efficacy depends on denitrogenation adequacy, the A-a gradient, and the degree of shunt. ApOx performed with an HFNC capable of 40–60 L/min may be effective and, if not available, a nasal can- nula at greater than 15 L/min could be added after adequate denitrogenation. NIPPV by nasal mask can provide similar flows and the addition of positive pressure when the mouth is closed.

All airway mangers intubating the critically ill should be intimately familiar with these concepts and under- stand their application to optimize oxygenation before and during intubation to maximize the safety of the procedure.

Abstract

John C. Sakles, Jarrod M. Mosier, Asad E. Patanwala, Brittany Arcaris, and John M. Dicken. The Journal of Emergency Medicine, Vol.-, No.-, pp. 1–9, 2016.

Background: Although the C-MAC (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) is a video laryngoscope (VL), it can also be used as a direct laryngoscope (DL). Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the utility of the C-MAC as a DL for intubations in the emergency depart- ment (ED). Methods: This was an analysis of prospectively collected continuous quality-improvement data during the 6-year period from February 1, 2009 to January 31, 2015, when both the C-MAC and Macintosh DL (Mac DL) were clinically available in our ED. This analysis included adult patients who underwent rapid sequence intubation by an emergency medicine resident in the ED with a C-MAC initially used as a DL or a Mac DL. The primary outcome measure was the first pass success (FPS). Results: When the C-MAC was used as a DL, the initial DL attempt was successful in 199 of 346 (57.6%) cases. When the attempt could not be completed using the C-MAC as a DL, the oper- ator utilized the video monitor and successfully completed the intubation using VL in 104 of 134 (77.6%) cases, thus achieving an overall FPS of 303 of 346 (87.6%). When the Mac DL was used, the FPS was 505 of 671 (75.3%). Conclu- sions: The C-MAC is a useful device for DL because in the event of a failed DL attempt, operators have the option of switching to the video monitor to successfully complete the intubation using VL without having to make a second attempt.

Comments

We teach that there are at least 4 reasons for better success with Mac VL:
1. Bigger is better. Simply having larger screen target improves success
2. Lack of 'framing distraction’: The distal camera gives you view of target directly without the proximal distractions of teeth, facial hair, tongue, lips, blade etc
3. Camera angle: The camera angle determines view and they all seem to have an anterior tilt that gives a better screen POGO.
4. Easier tube delivery: Axis alignment is occuring with Mac VL allowing the use of a less acute angled styletted ETT. We use the same straight to cuff 30-40* bend for Mac VL as we would for DL leading to a lower incidence of anterior tracheal wall hangup.
5. Skill transfer: Head lift, ELM and bougie use all skills known to benefit Mac DL will work equally well with Mac VL and visa versa.

Abstract

Chrimes N. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 2016, 1–8

Factors influencing performance during emergency airway management can be broadly divided into issues with preparation and those with implementation. Effective design of resources that provide guidance on management requires consideration of the context in which they are to be used. Many of the major airway guidelines do not specify whether they are intended to be used during preparation or implementation and may not take the context for use into account in their design. This can produce tools which may be not only ineffective but actively disruptive to team function in an emergency. TheVortex is a novel, simple, and predominantly visually based cognitive aid, which has been specifically designed to be used in real time during airway emergencies to support team function and target recognized failings in airway crisis management. Unlike the major algorithms, which are context specific, the Vortex is flexible enough for the same tool to be applied to any circumstance in which airway management takes place, independent of context, patient type, or the intended airway device. This makes the same tool suitable for use by emergency physicians, intensivists, paramedical staff, and anaesthetists. The Vortex contains many of the recognized features of an ideal cognitive tool and may be effective in reducing implementation errors in emergency airway management. Experimental evidence is required to establish this.

Abstract

T. M. Cook, N.Woodall and C. Frerk. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 117 (2): 182–90 (2016)

Background: The 4th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ and Difficult Airway Society (NAP4) made recommendations to improve reliability and safety of airway management in hospitals. This survey examines its impact. Methods: A survey was sent to allUKNational Health Service hospitals to examine changes in practice in response to NAP4.We performed a ‘gap analysis’ to determine whether NAP4 had reduced the ‘safety gap’ between actual and ideal practice. Results: The response rate was 62% (192 of 307 hospitals), and 78% answered all questions. Most (97%) respondents reported changes in practice in response to NAP4 but these differed by specialty: 95% in anaesthesia; 80% in intensive care (ICU) and 59% in the emergency department (ED). Approximately25%reported changes in organizational aspects of airway and human factors teaching. Practice changes led to a median closure of the ‘safety gap’ in anaesthesia of 39% (IQR 14–66%, range 11–83%), 59% in ICU (IQR 54–73%, range 31–81%) and 48% in ED (IQR 39–53%, range 35–53%). Conclusions: Publication of NAP4was followed by changes in practice in the majority of responding departments within two yr. Improvements included improved provision of difficult airway equipment and more widespread routine use of capnography. The biggest change occurred in ICU; the impact on training nursing and junior staff was modest and here, significant safety gaps remain.

Abstract

Law, John A. Editorial: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia 2016

With good decision-making in the anticipated difficult airway situation and a well thought out approach to the unanticipated difficult airway, the need for establishing an ESA will continue to remain a rare event. Nevertheless, this will always be a double-edged sword—i.e., good that we may never have to do it, but bad in that we’ll never have a chance to master it through experience. This means that, both mentally19 and in simulation sessions, we must continue to rehearse the management techniques of a CICO scenario, including optimizing face mask ventilation; placing a supraglottic device, if not already attempted; ensuring pharmacologic paralysis if there is no prospect of a timely return to spontaneous ventilation; and performing ESA without delay.6 Furthermore, when informed by the results of continuing investigations, we must continue to adapt to emerging evidence by modifying existing guidelines and recommendations where needed

Comments

Adding a vertical landmarking incision to identify the cricothyroid membrane is a low risk high yield move in a scenario that depends on rapid front of neck access to the trachea. Stabilize with a handshake cut vertically, feel, cut horizontal, extend and enter, dilate with blade and or finger, place bougie and then the tube.

Abstract

Mohamed Naguib, Lara Brewer, Cristen LaPierre, Aaron F Kopman, Ken B Johnson
Anesthesia and Analgesia 2016 May 2

BACKGROUND: An unanticipated difficult airway during induction of anesthesia can be a vexing problem. In the setting of can't intubate, can't ventilate (CICV), rapid recovery of spontaneous ventilation is a reasonable goal. The urgency of restoring ventilation is a function of how quickly a patient's hemoglobin oxygen saturation decreases versus how much time is required for the effects of induction drugs to dissipate, namely the duration of unresponsiveness, ventilatory depression, and neuromuscular blockade. It has been suggested that prompt reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex will allow respiratory activity to recover before significant arterial desaturation. Using pharmacologic simulation, we compared the duration of unresponsiveness, ventilatory depression, and neuromuscular blockade in normal, obese, and morbidly obese body sizes in this life-threatening CICV scenario. We hypothesized that although neuromuscular function could be rapidly restored with sugammadex, significant arterial desaturation will occur before the recovery from unresponsiveness and/or central ventilatory depression in obese and morbidly obese body sizes.
METHODS: We used published models to simulate the duration of unresponsiveness and ventilatory depression using a common induction technique with predicted rates of oxygen desaturation in various size patients and explored to what degree rapid reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex might improve the return of spontaneous ventilation in CICV situations.
RESULTS: Our simulations showed that the duration of neuromuscular blockade was longer with 1.0 mg/kg succinylcholine than with 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium followed 3 minutes later by 16 mg/kg sugammadex (10.0 vs 4.5 minutes). Once rocuronium neuromuscular blockade was completely reversed with sugammadex, the duration of hemoglobin oxygen saturation >90%, loss of responsiveness, and intolerable ventilatory depression (a respiratory rate of ≤4 breaths/min) were dependent on the body habitus and duration of oxygen administration. There is a high probability of intolerable ventilatory depression that extends well beyond the time when oxygen saturation decreases <90%, especially in obese and morbidly obese patients. If ventilatory rescue is inadequate, oxygen desaturation will persist in the latter groups, despite full reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Depending on body habitus, the duration of intolerable ventilatory depression after sugammadex reversal may be as long as 15 minutes in 5% of individuals.
CONCLUSIONS: The clinical management of CICV should focus primarily on restoration of airway patency, oxygenation, and ventilation consistent with the American Society of Anesthesiologist's practice guidelines for management of the difficult airway. Pharmacologic intervention cannot be relied upon to rescue patients in a CICV crisis.

Abstract

A Higgs, T M Cook, B A McGrath
British Journal of Anaesthesia 2016 May 4

The development of new guidelines
Current anaesthetic guidelines for management of airway difficulty are not universally applicable to the critical care setting. There have been appropriate calls for guidance specific to critical care and currently no such national guidelines exist.10 27 As part of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and The Difficult Airway Society’s (DAS) response to NAP4, a multidisciplinary working party with representation from the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, The Intensive Care Society, DAS, the National Tracheostomy Safety Project, the British Association of Critical Care Nursing and the College is currently drafting such guidance. Further de- tails of the project can be found at www.das.uk.com. We antici- pate the guidance will be available in 2017.

Abstract

Yuqi Gu, Joshua Robert, George Kovacs, Andrew D Milne, Ian Morris, Orlando Hung, Kirk MacQuarrie, Sean Mackinnon, J Adam Law
Canadian Journal of Anaesthesia, Journal Canadien D'anesthésie 2016 April 18
6
INTRODUCTION: During video laryngoscopy (VL) with angulated or hyper-curved blades, it is sometimes difficult to complete tracheal intubation despite a full view of the larynx. When using indirect VL, it has been suggested that it may be preferable to obtain a deliberately restricted view of the larynx to facilitate passage of the endotracheal tube. We used the GlideScope® GVL video laryngoscope (GVL) to test whether deliberately obtaining a restricted view would result in faster and easier tracheal intubation than with a full view of the larynx.
METHODS: We recruited 163 elective surgical patients and randomly allocated the participants to one of two groups: Group F, where a full view of the larynx was obtained and held during GVL-facilitated tracheal intubation, and Group R, with a restricted view of the larynx (< 50% of glottic opening visible). Study investigators experienced in indirect VL performed the intubations. The intubations were recorded and the video recordings were subsequently assessed for total time to intubation, ease of intubation using a visual analogue scale (VAS; where 0 = easy and 100 = difficult), first-attempt success rate, and oxygen saturation after intubation. Complications were also assessed.
RESULTS: The median [interquartile range (IQR)] time to intubation was faster in Group R than in Group F (27 [22-36] sec vs 36 [27-48] sec, respectively; median difference, 9 sec; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5 to 13; P < 0.001). The median [IQR] VAS rating for ease of intubation was also better in Group R than in Group F (14 [6-42) mm vs 50 mm [17-65], respectively; median difference, 20 mm; 95% CI, 10 to 31; P < 0.001). There was no difference between groups regarding the first-attempt success rate, oxygen saturation immediately after intubation, or complications.
CONCLUSIONS: Using the GVL with a deliberately restricted view of the larynx resulted in faster and easier tracheal intubation than with a full view and with no additional complications. Our study suggests that obtaining a full or Cormack-Lehane grade 1 view may not be desirable when using the GVL. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02144207.

Abstract

Christopher Groombridge, Cheau Wern Chin, Bernard Hanrahan, Anna Holdgate
Academic Emergency Medicine: Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine 2016 January 4

OBJECTIVES: Preoxygenation prior to intubation aims to increase the duration of safe apnea by causing denitrogenation of the functional residual capacity, replacing this volume with a reservoir of oxygen. In the operating room (OR) the criterion-standard for preoxygenation is an anesthetic circuit and well-fitting face mask, which provide a high fractional inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2 ). Outside of the OR, various strategies exist to provide preoxygenation. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of commonly used preoxygenation strategies outside of the OR environment.
METHODS: This was a prospective randomized unblinded study of 30 healthy staff volunteers from a major trauma center emergency department (ED) in Sydney, Australia. The main outcome measure is fractional expired oxygen concentration (FeO2 ) measured after a 3 minute period of tidal volume breathing with seven different preoxygenation strategies.
RESULTS: The mean FeO2 achieved with the anesthetic circuit was 81.0% (95% CI = 78.3% to 83.6%), bag-valve-mask (BVM) 80.1% (95% CI = 76.5% to 83.6%), BVM with nasal cannulae (NC) 74.8% (95% CI = 72.0% to 77.6%), BVM with positive end expiratory pressure valve (PEEP) 78.9% (95% CI = 75.4% to 82.3%), BVM + NC + PEEP 75.5% (95% CI = 72.2% to 78.9%), non-rebreather mask (NRM) 51.6% (95% CI = 48.8% to 54.4%), and NRM + NC 57.1% (95% CI = 52.9% to 61.2%). Preoxygenation efficacy with BVM strategies was significantly greater than NRM strategies (p < 0.01), and non-inferior to the anesthetic circuit.
CONCLUSIONS: In healthy volunteers, the effectiveness of BVM preoxygenation was comparable to the anesthetic circuit (criterion standard), and superior to preoxygenation with NRM. The addition of nasal cannulae oxygen, PEEP, or both, did not improve the efficacy of the BVM device. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Comments

Very similar to Annals EM study. Be careful about generalizing this beyond healthy adults. Im not sure if this tells us anything we didn't already know. Non rebreathers rebreathe so adding HFNO helps but is not as good as a closed system for denitrogenation. Denitrogenation depends on time and FiO2 and FiO2 depends on flow being enough to meet minute ventilation needs. Adding NP to a closed system BVM delivering an FiO2 of 100% will add nothing. Adding to an open system ie one with a leak does add some value. Remember adding more gin to my almost overflowing gin and tonic will not get me more intoxicated... my glass is already full! HFNO plus BVM with PEEP is helpful in shunt physiology for preox and ap ox. Video soon.

Abstract

Clare Hayes-Bradley, Anthony Lewis, Brian Burns, Matt Miller
Annals of Emergency Medicine 2015 December 31

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Although preoxygenation for emergency airway management is usually performed with nonrebreather face masks or bag-valve-mask devices, some clinicians also deliver supplemental high-flow oxygen by nasal cannula. We aim to measure the efficacy of supplemental nasal cannula oxygen delivery to conventional bag-valve-mask and nonrebreather face mask preoxygenation both with and without a simulated face mask leak.
METHODS: We conducted a randomized crossover trial using healthy volunteers. We randomized subjects to preoxygenation with bag-valve-mask or nonrebreather face mask. In random sequence, subjects underwent 3-minute trials of preoxygenation with oxygen through mask alone at 15 L/min, oxygen through mask at 15 L/min with standardized leak, oxygen through mask at 15 L/min+oxygen through nasal cannula at 10 L/min, and oxygen through mask at 15 L/min+oxygen through nasal cannula at 10 L/min with standardized leak. The primary outcome was single-breath exhalation end-tidal oxygen (eto2). We compared eto2 between preoxygenation modalities, using nonparametric techniques.
RESULTS: We enrolled 60 subjects (30 nonrebreather face mask and 30 bag-valve-mask). In scenarios without a mask leak, eto2 was similar between bag-valve-mask and bag-valve-mask+nasal cannula (mean 79% versus 75%; difference -3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] -8% to 1%). In bag-valve-mask scenarios with a mask leak, eto2 was higher for bag-valve-mask+nasal cannula than bag-valve-mask alone (mean 66% versus 41%; difference 25%; 95% CI 21% to 29%). eto2 was higher for nonrebreather face mask+nasal cannula than nonrebreather face mask (mean 67% versus 52%; difference 15%; 95% CI 12% to 18%). In nonrebreather face mask scenarios with a mask leak, eto2 was higher for nonrebreather face mask+nasal cannula than nonrebreather face mask (mean 65% versus 48%; difference 17%; 95% CI 13% to 20%).
CONCLUSION: Although not aiding bag-valve-mask preoxygenation with a good mask seal, supplemental nasal cannula oxygen improved preoxygenation efficacy in the presence of a bag-valve-mask mask leak. Supplemental nasal cannula oxygen improved nonrebreather face mask preoxygenation both with and without a mask leak. Supplemental nasal cannula oxygen may be helpful for preoxygenation before emergency airway management.

Comments

Very similar to Academic EM study. Be careful about generalizing this beyond healthy adults. Im not sure if this tells us anything we didn't already know. Non rebreathers rebreathe so adding HFNO helps but is not as good as a closed system for denitrogenation. Denitrogenation depends on time and FiO2 and FiO2 depends on flow being enough to meet minute ventilation needs. Adding NP to a closed system BVM delivering an FiO2 of 100% will add nothing. Adding to an open system ie one with a leak does add some value. Remember adding more gin to my almost overflowing gin and tonic will not get me more intoxicated... my glass is already full! HFNO plus BVM with PEEP is helpful in shunt physiology for preox and ap ox. Video soon.

Abstract

Steven Grant, Faisal Khan, Gerben Keijzers, Mark Shirran, Leo Marneros
Emergency Medicine Australasia: EMA 2016 January 14

OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple protocol for ventilator-assisted preoxygenation (VAPOX) prior to rapid sequence intubation in the ED using a Hamilton T1 ventilator in an effort to further reduce the incidence of transient and critical hypoxaemia.
METHODS: Ventilator-assisted preoxygenation includes the following steps; preparation for rapid sequence intubation as per institutional protocols, including departmental checklists. Hamilton T1 ventilator is setup in non-invasive spontaneous/timed mode with settings as described. The patient is optimally positioned and nasal cannula applied with an oxygen flow rate of 15 L/min. A face mask is applied with the jaw pulled forward using a two-handed thenar eminence grip and the ventilator is started. Preoxygenation occurs for 3 min. Drugs including neuromuscular blockers are administered, while the operator ensures the airway remains patent. The ventilator transitions into Pressure Controlled Ventilation once apnoea ensues. Nasal oxygen continues until endotracheal tube is successfully secured.
RESULTS: We describe a case series of the first eight consecutive adult patients on who VAPOX was applied. All eight patients were clinically deemed at high risk of oxygen desaturation. No clinically significant hypoxia occurred, and the lowest oxyhaemoglobin desaturation was 92%.
CONCLUSION: Preoxygenation using a ventilator with an open valve system may allow safe combination of non-invasive ventilation, pressure controlled ventilation and apnoeic oxygenation using nasal cannula. VAPOX may be the technique of choice to preoxygenate and apnoeic oxygenate many patients who undergo rapid sequence intubation in the ED equipped with these ventilators.

Comments

Nice practical approach of transitioning from preoxygenation to apneic oxygenation using non-invasive ventilation.

Abstract

Bernhard M, Becker TK, Gries A, Knapp J, Wenzel V. Anesth Analg. 2015 Nov;121(5):1389-93.

Our take-home message is more complex than “every effort should be made to secure the airway on the first, well-prepared intubation attempt”, although the mnemonic “the first shot is often the best shot” is very appealing. First, anticipating severe adverse events if the first intubation attempt fails is an important aspect of a “first-shot best shot” approach. Second, anesthesiology training improves first-pass success rates, although whether such training requires 150 successful intubations as in a German study or 3 years of clinical training as in a UK recommendation is unclear. Third, sufficient optimization of first-pass success rates is difficult to obtain and/or to maintain for many airway managers because of a lack of experience with the procedure. Fourth, there are insufficient data for determining whether more simulation will improve first-pass intubation rates. Finally, when managing an airway, each individual should assess the odds of initial success versus possible problems or complications and build in an appropriate margin for safety.

Abstract

Jarrod M. Mosier, Raj Joshi, Cameron Hypes, Garrett Pacheco, Terence Valenzuela, John C. Sakles.
Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, December 2015.

Airway management in critically ill patients involves the identification and management of the potentially difficult airway in order to avoid untoward complications. This focus on difficult airway management has traditionally referred to identifying anatomic characteristics of the patient that make either visualizing the glottic opening or placement of the tracheal tube through the vocal cords difficult. This paper will describe the physiologically difficult airway, in which physiologic derangements of the patient increase the risk of cardiovascular collapse from airway management. The four physiologically difficult airways described include hypoxemia, hypotension, severe metabolic acidosis, and right ventricular failure. The emergency physician should account for these physiologic derangements with airway management in critically ill patients regardless of the predicted anatomic difficulty of the intubation.

Comments

Very nice article describing the physiologic difficult airway. I would be cautious about some of the specific recommendation as they were not always backed up by evidence in the corresponding body of the paper. The RV failure section may be somewhat impractical regarding the advanced ultrasound assessment described in the paper.

Abstract

C Frerk, V S Mitchell, A F McNarry, C Mendonca, R Bhagrath, A Patel, E P O'Sullivan, N M Woodall, I Ahmad
British Journal of Anaesthesia 2015, 115 (6): 827-848

These guidelines provide a strategy to manage unanticipated difficulty with tracheal intubation. They are founded on published evidence. Where evidence is lacking, they have been directed by feedback from members of the Difficult Airway Society and based on expert opinion. These guidelines have been informed by advances in the understanding of crisis management; they emphasize the recognition and declaration of difficulty during airway management. A simplified, single algorithm now covers unanticipated difficulties in both routine intubation and rapid sequence induction. Planning for failed intubation should form part of the pre-induction briefing, particularly for urgent surgery. Emphasis is placed on assessment, preparation, positioning, preoxygenation, maintenance of oxygenation, and minimizing trauma from airway interventions. It is recommended that the number of airway interventions are limited, and blind techniques using a bougie or through supraglottic airway devices have been superseded by video- or fibre-optically guided intubation. If tracheal intubation fails, supraglottic airway devices are recommended to provide a route for oxygenation while reviewing how to proceed. Second-generation devices have advantages and are recommended. When both tracheal intubation and supraglottic airway device insertion have failed, waking the patient is the default option. If at this stage, face-mask oxygenation is impossible in the presence of muscle relaxation, cricothyroidotomy should follow immediately. Scalpel cricothyroidotomy is recommended as the preferred rescue technique and should be practised by all anaesthetists. The plans outlined are designed to be simple and easy to follow. They should be regularly rehearsed and made familiar to the whole theatre team.

Comments

I happened to be at the World Airway Management Meeting (WAMM) in November for the 'live' release of the guidelines. We have a great deal of respect for the authors of these guidelines and the thoughtful, evidence and expertise that went into putting these together. The highlights include:
1. A focus on the unanticipated difficult intubation as opposed to an approach to the difficult airway.
2. Human factors are presented as an important contributor to difficulty and need to be addressed recognizing that airway management is a team effort.
3. For RSI, rocuronium is recognized as an equivalent if not preferred agent with acceptable speed of onset at 1.2 mg/kg and reduced O2 consumption compared to sux's energy consuming fasciculations.
4. Sugammadex is introduced as an option for the non-emergency/critical care cases with caution as it does not guarantee a return pf airway patency or adequate spontaneous ventilation.
5. Cricoid pressure still recommended during mask vent.
6. Plan A: Mask ventilation with laryngoscopy limited to 3 attempts optimized by head up positioning, with preOx and apOx, use of NMB, ELM by laryngoscopist, let up cricoid if difficult, bougie for grade 2 & 3As.
7. The choice of Laryngoscopy should be based on clinician experience but all clinicians should have access to and be experienced in alternative methods, most specifically video laryngoscopy.
8. Plan B: With declared failed plan A place a 2nd gen SGA (igel, sLMA, pLMA best evidence for) with total of 3 attempts (2 with primary chosen, 3rd with alternative).
9. If successful stop and think: awaken, continue with SGA, intubate via Flex Scope, surgical
10. Plan C: with declared failed SGA move to face-mask ventilation (FMV) and if successful awaken patient. If fail ensure adequate NMB and give FMV one more try. If unsuccessful declare CICO and go to...
11. Plan D: declare CICO ensure adequate NMB and move to front of the neck to perform scalpel bougie cric.
12. Stabilize larynx with digit 1&3 palpate CTM with digit 2 then scalpel in horizontal-rotate to vertical-bougie-tube. Use vertical landmark incision to start if CTM not easily identified.
13. Needle cric approach discouraged. All clinicians need be comfortable with a scalpel which requires regular training.
All great stuff but there a few potential problems with interpretation into practice as they are missing context triggers to act. More on this in my walkabout talkabout.

Abstract

Suneel Upadhye, Olga Cyganik
Annals of Emergency Medicine 2015 November 5

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Single-use etomidate in intubation for critically ill patients may result in transient adrenal and other organ dysfunction, but with no effect on mortality.

Comments

Nice snapshot defence response for anyone who gets criticized by upstream caregivers when you use Etomidate in a septic patient. However if the answer was still in question it is not as if we don't have alternatives. Etomidate is a great drug but it is not the sole ideal induction agents for all cases as some espouse.

Abstract

Diem Tt Tran, Ethan K Newton, Victoria Ah Mount, Jacques S Lee, George A Wells, Jeffrey J Perry
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015 October 29, 10: CD002788

BACKGROUND:Patients requiring emergency endotracheal intubation often require a rapid sequence induction (RSI) intubation technique to protect against aspiration or increased intracranial pressure, or to facilitate intubation. Succinylcholine is the most commonly used muscle relaxant because of its fast onset and short duration; unfortunately, it can have serious side effects. Rocuronium has been suggested as an alternative to succinylcholine for intubation. This meta-analysis is an update since our initial Cochrane systematic review in 2003.\n\nOBJECTIVES:To determine if rocuronium creates comparable intubating conditions to succinylcholine during RSI intubation. Comparisons were made based on dose of rocuronium, narcotic use, emergency versus elective intubation, age and induction agent. The primary outcome was excellent intubation conditions. The secondary outcome was acceptable conditions.\n\nSEARCH STRATEGY:In our initial systematic review we searched all databases until March 2000. We have updated that search and searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, 2007 issue 3), MEDLINE (1966 to June Week 3 2007), EMBASE (1988 to 2007 Week 26) for randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials relating to the use of rocuronium and succinylcholine. We included foreign language journals and handsearched the references of identified studies for additional citations.\n\nSELECTION CRITERIA:We included all trials meeting the inclusion criteria (comparison of rocuronium and succinylcholine, main outcomes of intubation conditions).\n\nDATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:Two authors (JP, JL or VS) independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality for allocation concealment. We combined the outcomes in RevMan using relative risk (RR) with a random-effects model.\n\nMAIN RESULTS:In our initial systematic review we identified 40 studies and included 26. In this update we identified a further 18 studies and included 11. In total, we identified 58 potential studies; 37 were combined for meta-analysis. Overall, succinylcholine was superior to rocuronium, RR 0.86 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.80 to 0.92) (n = 2690). In the group that used propofol for induction, the intubation conditions were superior with succinylcholine (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.97) (n = 1183). This is contrary to our previous meta-analysis results where we reported that intubation conditions were superior in the rocuronium group when propofol was used. We found no statistical difference in intubation conditions when succinylcholine was compared to 1.2mg/kg rocuronium; however, succinylcholine was clinically superior as it has a shorter duration of action.\n\nAUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:Succinylcholine created superior intubation conditions to rocuronium when comparing both excellent and clinically acceptable intubating conditions.

Comments

Summary: (1.) Sux is better than inadequate doses of Roc (2.) Induction drugs make a difference in intubating conditions as part of an RSI ONLY if you try to intubate before paralytic works (3.) If you intend to cancel the case and don't have sugammedex use sux otherwise evereything you do will be easier with a paralyzed patient: BVM, DL, SGA and ESA use Roc

Abstract

Matthew W Semler, David R Janz, Robert J Lentz, Daniel T. Matthews, Brett C Norman, Tufik R Assad, Raj D Keriwala, Benjamin A Ferrell, Michael J Noto, Andrew C McKown, Emily G Kocurek, Melissa A Warren, Luis E Huerta, Todd W Rice. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. First published online October 01, 2015

Read More: http://www.atsjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1164/rccm.201507-1294OC?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&#.ViWeCxCrS5Q
RATIONALE: Hypoxemia is common during endotracheal intubation of critically ill patients and may predispose to cardiac arrest and death. Administration of supplemental oxygen during laryngoscopy (apneic oxygenation) may prevent hypoxemia. OBJECTIVES: To determine if apneic oxygenation increases the lowest arterial oxygen saturation experienced by patients undergoing endotracheal intubation in the intensive care unit. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, pragmatic trial in which 150 adults undergoing endotracheal intubation in a medical intensive care unit were randomized to receive 15 L/min of 100% oxygen via high-flow nasal cannula during laryngoscopy (apneic oxygenation) or no supplemental oxygen during laryngoscopy (usual care). The primary outcome was lowest arterial oxygen saturation between induction and two minutes after completion of endotracheal intubation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Median lowest arterial oxygen saturation was 92% with apneic oxygenation versus 90% with usual care (95% confidence interval for the difference -1.6% to 7.4%; P = .16). There was no difference between apneic oxygenation and usual care in incidence of oxygen saturation < 90% (44.7% versus 47.2%; P = .87), oxygen saturation < 80% (15.8% versus 25.0%; P = .22), or decrease in oxygen saturation > 3% (53.9% versus 55.6%; P = .87). Duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit length of stay, and in-hospital mortality were similar between study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Apneic oxygenation does not appear to increase lowest arterial oxygen saturation during endotracheal intubation of critically ill patients compared to usual care. These findings do not support routine use of apneic oxygenation during endotracheal intubation of critically ill adults.

Comments

Summary: (1.) Sux is better than inadequate doses of Roc (2.) Induction drugs make a difference in intubating conditions as part of an RSI ONLY if you try to intubate before paralytic works (3.) If you intend to cancel the case and don't have sugammedex use sux otherwise evereything you do will be easier with a paralyzed patient: BVM, DL, SGA and ESA use Roc

Abstract

OBJECTIVES Successful cricothyrotomy is predicated on accurate identification of the cricothyroid membrane (CTM) by palpation of superficial anatomy. However, recent research has indicated that accuracy of the identification of the CTM can be as low as 30%, even in the hands of skilled providers. To date, there are very little data to suggest how to best identify this critical landmark. The objective was to compare three different methods of identifying the CTM. METHODS A convenience sample of patients and physician volunteers who met inclusion criteria was consented. The patients were assessed by physician volunteers who were randomized to one of three methods for identifying the CTM (general palpation of landmarks vs. an approximation based on four finger widths vs. an estimation based on overlying skin creases of the neck). Volunteers would then mark the skin with an invisible but florescent pen. A single expert evaluator used ultrasound to identify the superior and inferior borders of the CTM. The variably colored florescent marks were then visualized with ultraviolet light and the accuracy of the various methods was recorded as the primary outcome. Additionally, the time it took to perform each technique was measured. Descriptive statistics and report 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. RESULTS Fifty adult patients were enrolled, 52% were female, and mean body mass index was 28 kg/m(2) (95% CI = 26 to 29 kg/m(2) ). The general palpation method was successful 62% of the time (95% CI = 48% to 76%) and took an average of 14 seconds to perform (range = 5 to 45 seconds). In contrast, the four-finger technique was successful 46% of the time (95% CI = 32% to 60%) and took an average of 12 seconds to perform (range = 6 to 40 seconds). Finally, the neck crease method was successful 50% of the time (95% CI = 36% to 64%) and took an average of 11 seconds to perform (range = 5 to 15 seconds). CONCLUSIONS All three methods performed poorly overall. All three techniques might potentially be even less accurate in instances where the superficial anatomy is not palpable due to body habitus. These findings should alert clinicians to the significant risk of a misplaced cricothyrotomy and highlight the critical need for future research.

Abstract

David P Thomson, Darren Braude, Kevin High, Rachel Miller-Tester
Air Medical Journal 2015, 34 (2): 113-6

Aviation terminology and thought processes are commonly applied to medicine. We further propose the adaptation of instrument flight terminology to emergency airway management including the aviation approach plate visual aid and replacement of the term "failed airway" with "missed airway,"

Abstract

Kathleen S Romanowski, Tina L Palmieri, Soman Sen, David G Greenhalgh
Journal of Burn Care & Research: Official Publication of the American Burn Association 2015 August 17

Advanced Burn Life Support emphasizes endotracheal intubation for patients with facial burns before transfer to a burn center to prevent airway obstruction. Many patients are intubated before transport and are often extubated shortly after burn center arrival. We hypothesize that many intubations performed before burn center transport are unnecessary. We conducted a retrospective review of all adults who were intubated before burn transfer and survived to discharge from August 2003 to June 2013. Intubations that had 2 or fewer ventilator days (i.e., potentially unnecessary intubations) were compared with those lasting longer than 2 days. Data collected included age, ventilator days, length of stay, % TBSA burn, % second degree, % third degree, % second degree face burn, % third degree face burn, and origin of burns. A total of 416 patient met inclusion criteria. Of these, 129 patients (31.0%) were intubated less than or equal to 1 day, and a total of 171 (40.1%) patients remained intubated for less than or equal to 2 days. Patients who were intubated less than or equal to 2 days differed from those intubated more than 2 days with respect to % TBSA burn (10.2 ± 8.1 vs 30.8 ± 19.7, P < .001), % third degree burn (2.84 ± 5.6 vs 22.5 ± 19.6, P < .001), % third degree face burn (0.14 ± 0.7 vs 0.94 ± 1.9, P < .001), and hospital days (11.7 ± 10.6 vs 50.7 ± 43.7, P < .001). Additionally, patients who were intubated less than or equal to 2 days were more likely to have been intubated in the pre-burn center setting (74.9% vs 51.8%, P < .001) and to have been burned outdoors (42.1% vs 24.9%; P < .001) than those who were intubated more than 2 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that intubation longer than 2 days was independently associated with older age and larger % TBSA burn. There were no reintubations in patients who were intubated 2 days or less. As a burn community, we have emphasized early intubation before transfer for those who have sustained significant burns, inhalational injury, or facial burns. Unfortunately, this has led to many potentially unnecessary intubations that expose patients to unnecessary complications. Although early intubation is a lifesaving intervention for many burn patients, criteria should be developed to determine when intubation is not needed.

Comments

Overtriage vs undertriage which is worse? Often overtriage (ie intubated but did not need it) will happen by less experienced who may also not have the best skill set to intubate. However remember that this is about looking backwards in time through the retrospectascope, a much easier task than than taking care of the anticipated difficult airway with minimal resources. Complications from intubating patients unnecessarily are usually much less than complications from not intubating the burn that needed it... Overtriage is a necessary evil.

Abstract

Hans-Joachim Priebe
Journal of Anesthesia 2015 September 3

There is ongoing controversy as to whether effective facemask ventilation (FMV) should be established following induction of anesthesia before a muscle relaxant is administered. The rationale for such practice is the belief that, should FMV be ineffective, non-paralyzed patients can be woken up, and subsequently an alternative airway management can be considered. However, the chances of successfully restoring adequate spontaneous respiration before severe hypoxemia develops in an anesthetized, apneic patient who is prone to anesthetic-induced respiratory depression and airway collapse are very small. On the other hand, the overall evidence shows that muscle relaxation is likely to improve or leave unchanged, but not to worsen, the quality of FMV. Furthermore, muscle relaxation will facilitate placement of a supraglottic airway device and endotracheal intubation, interventions which may become essential should the patient become hypoxemic during failed FMV. Thus, the earliest administration of a muscle relaxant following induction of anesthesia may well be the most effective and safest practice. Insistence on demonstration of adequate FMV before administration of a muscle relaxant is more of a ritual than an evidence-based practice. It should therefore be abandoned.

Comments

Seems obvious but this has been practice. Important message is that NMBA's are helpful to control the airway whether it be DL, BVM, SGA or ESA!

Abstract

Itai Shavit, Barak Levit, Nofar Ben Basat, Dekel Lait, Mostafa Somri, Luis Gaitini
Injury 2015 August 31

BACKGROUND: Establishing a definitive airway, defined as a tube placed in the trachea with cuff inflated below the vocal cords, is standard of care in pre-hospital airway management of the trauma patient. However, in this setting, and using manual in-line stabilisation of the neck, success rate of intubation by inexperience providers is suboptimal. The use of supraglottic airway devices that allow blind tracheal intubation has been suggested as an alternative method by the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) programme of the American College of Surgeons. We aimed to compare intubation with the standard intubation technique (direct laryngoscopy [DL]) with blind intubation through an intubating-laryngeal mask airway (I-LMA) during manual in-line stabilisation of the neck.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomised, crossover manikin study was performed with 29 emergency medical technicians undergoing training for paramedic status. Outcome measures were success rate in one intubation attempt, duration of intubation, and assessment of ease-of-use.
RESULTS: Study subjects had a higher success rate of tracheal intubation with I-LMA than with DL (27/29 vs. 18/29, p<0.025), and I-LMA was assessed as easier to use (4 vs. 3, p<0.0001). Longer duration of intubation was found with I-LMA compared to DL (54.2 vs. 42.8s, p<0.002). Success rate of correct placement of I-LMA within the airway was 28/29 (96.5%). Time to achieve correct placement of I-LMA within the airway was shorter than duration of tracheal intubation with DL (26.9 vs. 42.8s, p<0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: Novice intubators had a higher success rate of intubation with I-LMA than with DL, but duration of intubation was longer with I-LMA. Time to achieve correct placement of I-LMA within the airway was shorter than duration of tracheal intubation with DL. Findings of this simulation study suggest that in the presence of manual in-line stabilisation of the neck, I-LMA-guided intubation is the preferred technique for novice intubators.

Comments

Skill transfer issue: ILMAs were designed to work on manikins, generalizing to real patients is quite different.

Abstract

Kristen A Smith, M David Gothard, Hamilton P Schwartz, John S Giuliano, Michael Forbes, Michael T Bigham
Prehospital Emergency Care 2015, 19 (1): 17-22

Abstract Objective. Nearly 200,000 pediatric and neonatal transports occur in the United States each year with some patients requiring tracheal intubation. First-pass intubation rates in both pediatric and adult transport literature are variable as are the factors that influence intubation success. This study sought to determine risk factors for failed tracheal intubation in neonatal and pediatric transport. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed over a 2.5-year period. Data were collected from a hospital-based neonatal/pediatric critical care transport team that transports 2,500 patients annually, serving 12,000 square miles. Patients were eligible if they were transported and tracheally intubated by the critical care transport team. Patients were categorized into two groups for data analysis: (1) no failed intubation attempts and (2) at least one failed intubation attempt. Data were tabulated using Epi Info Version 3.5.1 and analyzed using SPSSv17.0. Results. A total of 167 patients were eligible for enrollment and were cohorted by age (48% pediatric versus 52% neonatal). Neonates were more likely to require multiple attempts at intubation when compared to the pediatric population (69.6% versus 30.4%, p = 0.001). Use of benzodiazepines and neuromuscular blockade was associated with increased successful first attempt intubation rates (p = 0.001 and 0.008, respectively). Use of opiate premedication was not associated with first-attempt intubation success. The presence of comorbid condition(s) was associated with at least one failed intubation attempt (p = 0.006). Factors identified with increasing odds of at least one intubation failure included, neonatal patients (OR 3.01), tracheal tube size ≤ 2.5 mm (OR 3.78), use of an uncuffed tracheal tube (OR 6.85), and the presence of a comorbid conditions (OR 2.64). Conclusions. There were higher rates of tracheal intubation failure in transported neonates when compared to pediatric patients. This risk may be related to the lack of benzodiazepine and neuromuscular blocking agents used to facilitate intubation. The presence of a comorbid condition is associated with a higher risk of tracheal intubation failure.

Abstract

Jerry B Bodily, Heather R Webb, Steve J Weiss, Darren A Braude
Annals of Emergency Medicine 2015 July 9
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STUDY OBJECTIVE: Desaturation during intubation has been associated with serious complications, including dysrhythmias, hemodynamic decompensation, hypoxic brain injury, and cardiac arrest. We seek to determine the incidence and duration of oxygen desaturation during emergency department (ED) rapid sequence intubation.
METHODS: This study included adult rapid sequence intubation cases conducted between September 2011 and July 2012 in an urban, academic, Level I trauma center ED. We obtained continuous vital signs with BedMasterEX data acquisition software. Start and completion times of rapid sequence intubation originated from nursing records. We defined oxygen desaturation as (1) cases exhibiting SpO2 reduction to less than 90% if the starting SpO2 was greater than or equal to 90%, or (2) a further reduction in SpO2 in cases in which starting SpO2 was less than 90%. We used multivariable logistic regression to predict oxygen desaturation during rapid sequence intubation.
RESULTS: During the study period, there were 265 rapid sequence intubation cases. The study excluded 99 cases for failure of electronic data acquisition, inadequate documentation, or poor SpO2 waveform during rapid sequence intubation, and excluded cases managed by anesthesia providers, leaving 166 patients in the analysis. After preoxygenation, starting SpO2 was greater than 93% in 124 of 166 cases (75%) and SpO2 was less than 93% in the remaining 46 cases. Oxygen desaturation occurred in 59 patients (35.5%). The median duration of desaturation was 80 seconds (interquartile range 40, 155). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that oxygen desaturation was associated with preintubation SpO2 less than 93% (odds ratio [OR] 5.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3 to 11.0), multiple intubation attempts (>1 attempt) (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.4 to 6.1), and rapid sequence intubation duration greater than 3 minutes (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.2 to 6.1).
CONCLUSION: In this series, 1 in 3 patients undergoing ED rapid sequence intubation experienced oxygen desaturation for a median duration of 80 seconds. Preintubation saturation less than 93%, multiple intubation attempts, and prolonged intubation time are independently associated with oxygen desaturation. Clinicians should use strategies to prevent oxygen desaturation during ED rapid sequence intubation.

Abstract

Kurt A Smith, Kevin High, Sean P Collins, Wesley H Self
Academic Emergency Medicine: Official Journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine 2015 July 20

OBJECTIVES: Endotracheal intubation of trauma patients is a vital and high-risk procedure in the emergency department (ED). The hypothesis was that implementation of a standardized, preprocedural checklist would improve the safety of this procedure.
METHODS: A preprocedural intubation checklist was developed and then implemented in a prospective pre-/postinterventional study in an academic trauma center ED. The proportions of trauma patients older than 16 years who experienced intubation-related complications during the 6 months before checklist implementation and 6 months after implementation were compared. Intubation-related complications included oxygen desaturation, emesis, esophageal intubation, hypotension, and cardiac arrest. Additional outcomes included time from paralysis to intubation and adherence to safety process measures.
RESULTS: During the study, 141 trauma patients were intubated, including 76 in the prechecklist period and 65 in the postchecklist period. A lower proportion of patients experienced intubation-related complications in the postchecklist period (1.5%) than the prechecklist period (9.2%), representing a 7.7% (95% confidence interval = 0.5% to 14.8%) absolute risk reduction. Paralysis-to-intubation time was also lower in the postchecklist period (median = 82 seconds, interquartile range [IQR] = 68 to 101 seconds) compared to the prechecklist period (median = 94 seconds, IQR = 78 to 115 seconds; p = 0.02). Adherence to safety process measures also improved, with all safety measures performed in 69.2% in the postchecklist period compared to 17.1% before the checklist (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a preintubation checklist for ED intubation of trauma patients was associated with a reduction in intubation-related complications, decreased paralysis-to-intubation time, and improved adherence to recognized safety measures.

Abstract

Sebastien Perbet, Audrey De Jong, Julie Delmas, Emmanuel Futier, Bruno Pereira, Samir Jaber, Jean-Michel Constantin
Critical Care: the Official Journal of the Critical Care Forum 2015, 19: 257

INTRODUCTION: Severe cardiovascular collapse (CVC) is a life-threatening complication after emergency endotracheal intubation (ETI) in the ICU. Many factors may interact with hemodynamic conditions during ETI, but no study to date has focused on factors associated with severe CVC occurrence. This study assessed the incidence of severe CVC after ETI in the ICU and analyzed the factors predictive of severe CVC.
METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter study of 1,400 consecutive intubations at 42 ICUs. The incidence of severe CVC was assessed in patients who were hemodynamically stable (mean arterial blood pressure >65 mmHg without vasoactive drugs) before intubation, and the factors predictive of severe CVC were determined by multivariate analysis based on patient and procedure characteristics.
RESULTS: Severe CVC occurred following 264 of 885 (29.8 %) intubation procedures. A two-step multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors for CVC included simple acute physiologic score II regardless of age (odds ratio (OR) 1.02, p < 0.001), age 60-75 years (OR 1.96, p < 0.002 versus <60 years) and >75 years (OR 2.81, p < 0.001 versus <60 years), acute respiratory failure as a reason for intubation (OR 1.51, p = 0.04), first intubation in the ICU (OR 1.61, p = 0.02), noninvasive ventilation as a preoxygenation method (OR 1.54, p = 0.03) and inspired oxygen concentration >70 % after intubation (OR 1.91, p = 0.001). Comatose patients who required ETI were less likely to develop CVC during intubation (OR 0.48, p = 0.004).
CONCLUSIONS: CVC is a frequent complication, especially in old and severely ill patients intubated for acute respiratory failure in the ICU. Specific bundles to prevent CVC may reduce morbidity and mortality related to intubation of these high-risk, critically ill patients.

Abstract

Masaji Nishimura
Journal of Intensive Care 2015, 3 (1): 15

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy comprises an air/oxygen blender, an active humidifier, a single heated circuit, and a nasal cannula. It delivers adequately heated and humidified medical gas at up to 60 L/min of flow and is considered to have a number of physiological effects: reduction of anatomical dead space, PEEP effect, constant fraction of inspired oxygen, and good humidification. While there have been no big randomized clinical trials, it has been gaining attention as an innovative respiratory support for critically ill patients. Most of the available data has been published in the neonatal field. Evidence with critically ill adults are poor; however, physicians apply it to a variety of patients with diverse underlying diseases: hypoxemic respiratory failure, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, post-extubation, pre-intubation oxygenation, sleep apnea, acute heart failure, patients with do-not-intubate order, and so on. Many published reports suggest that HFNC decreases breathing frequency and work of breathing and reduces needs of escalation of respiratory support in patients with diverse underlying diseases. Some important issues remain to be resolved, such as its indication, timing of starting and stopping HFNC, and escalating treatment. Despite these issues, HFNC oxygen therapy is an innovative and effective modality for the early treatment of adults with respiratory failure with diverse underlying diseases.

Abstract

D John Doyle
Anesthesiology Clinics 2015, 33 (2): 291-304

Topical anesthesia of the airway is a necessary for awake intubation and is usually achieved using lidocaine delivered by various means. Although some experts favor the use of airway blocks, a more common approach is to use pure topical methods in combination with "spray as you go" techniques. Once the topicalization is complete, the patient should be able to easily tolerate the use of an oral airway used to facilitate awake oral intubation. Nasal intubation requires additional topicalization of the nasal passages in conjunction with a vasoconstrictor. Finally, judicious sedation is frequently used when awake intubation is carried out.

Abstract

Hyuk Joong Choi, Young-Min Kim, Young Min Oh, Hyung Goo Kang, Hyun Woo Yim, Seung Hee Jeong
BMJ Open 2015, 5 (5): e007884

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the use of a GlideScope video laryngoscope (GVL) improves first-attempt intubation success compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope (MAC) in the emergency department (ED).
DESIGN: A propensity score-matched analysis of data from a prospective multicentre ED airway registry-the Korean Emergency Airway Management Registry (KEAMR).
SETTING: 4 academic EDs located in a metropolitan city and a province in South Korea.
PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4041 adult patients without cardiac arrest who underwent emergency intubation from January 2007 to December 2010.
OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary and secondary outcomes were successful first intubation attempt and intubation failure, respectively. To reduce the selection bias and potential confounding effects, we rigorously adjusted for the baseline differences between two groups using a propensity score matching.
RESULTS: Of the 4041 eligible patients, a GVL was initially used in 540 patients (13.4%). Using 1:2 propensity score matching, 363 and 726 patients were assigned to the GVL and MAC groups, respectively. The adjusted relative risks (95% CIs) for the first-attempt success rates with a GVL compared with a MAC were 0.76 (0.56 to 1.04; p=0.084) and the respective intubation failure rates 1.03(0.99 to 1.07; p=0.157). Regarding the subgroups, the first-attempt success of the senior residents and attending physicians was lower with the GVL (0.47 (0.23 to 0.98), p=0.043). In the patients with slight intubation difficulty, the first-attempt success was lower (0.60 (0.41 to 0.88), p=0.008) and the intubation failure was higher with the GVL (1.07 (1.02 to 1.13), p=0.008).
CONCLUSIONS: In this propensity score-matched analysis of data from a prospective multicentre ED airway registry, the overall first-attempt intubation success and failure rates did not differ significantly between GVL and MAC in the ED setting. Further randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Abstract

Justin L Benoit, David K Prince, Henry E Wang
Resuscitation 2015, 93: 124-7

Advanced airway management - such as endotracheal intubation (ETI) or supraglottic airway (SGA) insertion - is one of the most prominent interventions in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) resuscitation. While randomized controlled trials are currently in progress to identify the best advanced airway technique in OHCA, the mechanisms by which airway management may influence OHCA outcomes remain unknown. We provide a conceptual model describing potential mechanisms linking advanced airway management with OHCA outcomes.

Abstract

Christina H Fang, Remy Friedman, Priscilla E White, Leila J Mady, Evelyne Kalyoussef
Laryngoscope 2015 June 24

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: There are few studies that discuss the issues surrounding emergent awake tracheostomy. We aim to review the indications, anesthesia used, complications, and outcomes of patients undergoing urgent awake tracheostomy.
STUDY DESIGN: Chart review.
METHODS: Medical charts of patients who underwent an emergent awake tracheostomy at our institution-affiliated tertiary care center over a 5-year period from 2009 to 2014 were reviewed. Data were collected from inpatient, outpatient, and operative records.
RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients underwent emergent awake tracheostomy. Over half presented with hoarseness (n = 37, 54.4%) and/or stridor (n = 37, 54.4%). Acute upper airway obstruction secondary to malignancy was the most common indication and accounted for 58 cases (85.3%). Thirty-nine (70.1%) of the 55 patients with squamous cell carcinoma presented with advanced disease (stage III or IV). Other indications included glottic or subglottic stenosis (4.4%), failure to intubate (2.9%), and other (7.4%). Local anesthesia was used alone in 35.3% of cases and in combination with conscious sedation in 64.7% of cases. Mild bleeding occurred postoperatively in five patients (7.4%). There were no other postoperative complications. Nineteen patients were lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up of 49 patients was 7.2 weeks, ranging from 2 to 261 weeks. Long-term complications occurred in three patients and included tracheitis 7.4% and suprastomal granuloma 2.9%. Eleven patients (22%) were decannulated at a mean of 11.8 months following tracheostomy.
CONCLUSIONS: Emergent awake tracheostomy should be considered in patients with impeding airway obstruction and is a safe and effective method to secure an airway in these patients.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2015.

Abstract

Robert S Green, Alexis F Turgeon, Lauralyn A McIntyre, Alison E Fox-Robichaud, Dean A Fergusson, Steve Doucette, Michael B Butler, Mete Erdogan. Journal of Critical Care 2015 June 16

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of postintubation hypotension (PIH) and associated outcomes in critically ill patients requiring endotracheal intubation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for 479 consecutive critically ill adult patients who required intubation by an intensive care unit (ICU) service at 1 of 4 academic tertiary care hospitals. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of PIH. Secondary outcome measures included mortality, ICU length of stay, requirement for renal replacement therapy, and a composite end point consisting of overall mortality, ICU length of stay greater than 14 days, duration of mechanical ventilation longer than 7 days, and renal replacement therapy requirement.
RESULTS: Overall, the incidence of PIH among ICU patients requiring intubation was 46% (218/479 patients). On univariate analysis, patients who developed PIH had increased ICU mortality (37% PIH vs 28% no PIH, P = .049) and overall mortality (39% PIH vs 30% no PIH, P = .045). After adjusting for important risk factors, development of PIH was associated with the composite end point of major morbidity and mortality (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.07; P = .0017).
CONCLUSIONS: The development of PIH is common in ICU patients requiring emergency airway control and is associated with poor patient outcomes.

Abstract

Jarrod M Mosier, Cameron Hypes, Raj Joshi, Sage Whitmore, Sairam Parthasarathy, Charles B Cairns
Annals of Emergency Medicine 2015 May 23

Acute respiratory failure is commonly encountered in the emergency department (ED), and early treatment can have effects on long-term outcome. Noninvasive ventilation is commonly used for patients with respiratory failure and has been demonstrated to improve outcomes in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive lung disease and congestive heart failure, but should be used carefully, if at all, in the management of asthma, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Lung-protective tidal volumes should be used for all patients receiving mechanical ventilation, and FiO2 should be reduced after intubation to achieve a goal of less than 60%. For refractory hypoxemia, new rescue therapies have emerged to help improve the oxygenation, and in some cases mortality, and should be considered in ED patients when necessary, as deferring until ICU admission may be deleterious. This review article summarizes the pathophysiology of acute respiratory failure, management options, and rescue therapies including airway pressure release ventilation, continuous neuromuscular blockade, inhaled nitric oxide, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract

Emily R Bacon, Michael P Phelan, D John Doyle
American Journal of Emergency Medicine 2015 May 13

Video laryngoscopy (VL) is still a relatively novel advancement in airway management that offers many potential benefits over direct laryngoscopy. These advantages include decreased time to intubation in difficulty airways, unique opportunities in teaching as the video screen allows for real time teaching points, increased first pass success, particularly with novice operators, and decreased cervical spine motion during intubation. Despite the advantages, the intubation procedure itself has some subtle but significant differences from direct laryngoscopy that change the expected motion as well as troubleshooting techniques, which might discourage the use of the GlideScope by practitioners less familiar with the product. With the hope of generating confidence in the video laryngoscopy procedure, we have compiled some basic tips that we have found helpful when intubating with the GlideScope. These tips include inserting the blade to the left of midline to improve space allowed for the endotracheal tube itself, backing the scope up a small amount to improve the view, holding the tube close to the connector to improve maneuverability, and withdrawing the tube with your thumb to improve advancement through the cords. We hope that, with these tips, in conjunction with ample practice, clinicians can gain comfort and experience with all the tools at our disposal in an effort to provide the best possible care for our patients.

Abstract

Richard Schalk, Kathrin Eichler, Martin N Bergold, Christian F Weber, Kai Zacharowski, Dirk Meininger, Christian Byhahn, Haitham Mutlak
Resuscitation 2015 May 11

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective, single-center, observational study was to investigate the accuracy of modeling and reproduction of human anatomical dimensions in manikins by comparing radiographic upper airway measurements of 13 different models with humans.
METHODS: 13 commonly used airway manikins (male or female anatomy based) and 47 controls (adult humans, 37 male, 10 female) were investigated using a mediosagittal and axial cervical spine CT scan. For anatomical comparison six human upper airway target structures, the following were measured: Oblique diameter of the tongue through the center, horizontal distance between the center point of the tongue and the posterior pharyngeal wall, horizontal distance between the vallecula and the posterior pharyngeal wall, distance of the upper oesophageal orifice length of epiglottis distance at the narrowest part of the trachea. Furthermore, the cross-section of the trachea in axial view and the cross-section of the upper oesophageal orifice in the same section was calculated. All measurements were compared gender specific, if the gender was non-specified with the whole sample.
RESULTS: None of the included 13 different airway manikins matched anatomy in human controls (n=47) in all of the six measurements. The Laerdal Airway Management Trainer, however, replicated human airway anatomy at least satisfactorily.
CONCLUSION: This investigation showed that all of the examined manikins did not replicate human anatomy. Manikins should therefore be selected cautiously, depending on the type of airway securing procedure. Their widespread use as a replacement for in vivo trials in the field of airway management needs to be reconsidered.

Abstract

Jean-Pierre Frat, Arnaud W Thille, Alain Mercat et al. New England Journal of Medicine 2015 May 17

Background Whether noninvasive ventilation should be administered in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is debated. Therapy with high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula may offer an alternative in patients with hypoxemia. Methods We performed a multicenter, open-label trial in which we randomly assigned patients without hypercapnia who had acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and a ratio of the partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen of 300 mm Hg or less to high-flow oxygen therapy, standard oxygen therapy delivered through a face mask, or noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients intubated at day 28; secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality in the intensive care unit and at 90 days and the number of ventilator-free days at day 28. Results A total of 310 patients were included in the analyses. The intubation rate (primary outcome) was 38% (40 of 106 patients) in the high-flow-oxygen group, 47% (44 of 94) in the standard group, and 50% (55 of 110) in the noninvasive-ventilation group (P=0.18 for all comparisons). The number of ventilator-free days at day 28 was significantly higher in the high-flow-oxygen group (24±8 days, vs. 22±10 in the standard-oxygen group and 19±12 in the noninvasive-ventilation group; P=0.02 for all comparisons). The hazard ratio for death at 90 days was 2.01 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 3.99) with standard oxygen versus high-flow oxygen (P=0.046) and 2.50 (95% CI, 1.31 to 4.78) with noninvasive ventilation versus high-flow oxygen (P=0.006). Conclusions In patients with nonhypercapnic acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, treatment with high-flow oxygen, standard oxygen, or noninvasive ventilation did not result in significantly different intubation rates. There was a significant difference in favor of high-flow oxygen in 90-day mortality.

Abstract

Shiroh Isono, Matthias Eikermann, Takeo Odaka
Anesthesiology 2014, 120 (2): 263-5

DURING anesthesia induction, even skilled anesthesiologists may sometimes have the impression that they just have insufflated gas in the patient’s stomach during manual facemask ventilation. To avoid the consequences of such a gastric inflation in patients at risk of aspiration, most of us were taught not to conduct facemask ventilation before intubation—even though this strategy may need to be revisited when severe hypoxemia develops or is expected. “Gentle” facemask ventilation hasbeen recommended—but what does that mean?

Abstract

Mickaël Vourc'h, Pierre Asfar, Christelle Volteau, Konstantinos Bachoumas, Noëmie Clavieras, Pierre-Yves Egreteau, Karim Asehnoune, Alain Mercat, Jean Reignier, Samir Jaber, Gwenaël Prat, Antoine Roquilly, Noëlle Brule, Daniel Villers, Cédric Bretonniere, Christophe Guitton
Intensive Care Medicine 2015 April 14

PURPOSE: Intubation of hypoxemic patients is associated with life-threatening adverse events. High-flow therapy by nasal cannula (HFNC) for preoxygenation before intubation has never been assessed by randomized study. Our objective was to evaluate the efficiency of HFNC for preoxygenation, compared to high fraction-inspired oxygen facial mask (HFFM).
METHODS: Multicenter, randomized, open-labelled, controlled PREOXYFLOW trial (NCT 01747109) in six French intensive care units. Acute hypoxemic adults requiring intubation were randomly allocated to HFNC or HFFM. Patients were eligible if PaO2/FiO2 ratio was below 300 mmHg, respiratory rate at least 30/min and if they required FiO2 50 % or more to obtain at least 90 % oxygen saturation. HFNC was maintained throughout the procedure, whereas HFFM was removed at the end of general anaesthesia induction. Primary outcome was the lowest saturation throughout intubation procedure. Secondary outcomes included adverse events related to intubation, duration of mechanical ventilation and death.
RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were randomized. In the intent-to-treat analysis, including 119 patients (HFNC n = 62; HFFM n = 57), the median (interquartile range) lowest saturation was 91.5 % (80-96) for HFNC and 89.5 % (81-95) for the HFFM group (p = 0.44). There was no difference for difficult intubation (p = 0.18), intubation difficulty scale, ventilation-free days (p = 0.09), intubation-related adverse events including desaturation <80 % or mortality (p = 0.46).
CONCLUSIONS: Compared to HFFM, HFNC as a preoxygenation device did not reduce the lowest level of desaturation.

Comments

This surprised many on initial read. However there were several methodological flaws that explain the results. The key points to remember are that in a tachypneic mouth breathing patient, HFNC alone without at least a 'nonrebreather' FM (NRBFM) will entrain room air. In this study the FM used was a closed system BVM (not a NRBFM) which will effectively deliver 100% oxygen. Second HFNC for apneic oxygenation requires a patent airway with a jaw thrust to have any benefit. For a more detailed excellent discussion check out EMCrit podcast 152.

Abstract

Paul E Pepe, Lynn P Roppolo, Raymond L Fowler
Critical Care: the Official Journal of the Critical Care Forum 2015, 19 (1): 121
"...Despite intuitive biases and impressive inferential studies indicating the positive effects of prehospital ETI in certain settings, another evolving body of studies and experiences has unveiled a detrimental effect of prehospital ETI or, at least, no significant advantage to providing the procedure [17,20,22-29]."

Comments

Check out Dr Mark Vu's take on our home page

Abstract

Calvin A Brown, Daniel J Pallin, Ron M Walls
Critical Care Medicine 2015, 43 (3): 717-8

Initially, video laryngoscopes were thought of as “difficult airway” devices. Although this certainly is true, limiting their use only to intubations predicted to be difficult or proven difficult following failed DL attempts, misses the point. Nothing can ever guarantee intubation success; however, it is important to take all necessary steps to maximize first-attempt success. One key such step is selecting the best tool for the job. The study by Silverberg et al (4) adds to the growing body of literature supporting the notion that video laryngoscopes are first-line devices for emergent or urgent airways, regardless of anticipated difficulty. Institutions developing response teams for inpatient airway emergencies should employ a strategy of robust training, which must include difficult airway assessment, the appropriate use of neuromuscular blockade as part of a RSI algorithm,and use of a video laryngoscope as the principal intubation device.
Is it time to retire the DL as a first-line device? In a word, yes.

Abstract

Ann E Black, Paul E R Flynn, Helen L Smith, Mark L Thomas, Kathy A Wilkinson
Paediatric Anaesthesia 2015 February 16

BACKGROUND: Most airway problems in children are identified in advance; however, unanticipated difficulties can arise and may result in serious complications. Training for these sporadic events can be difficult. We identified the need for a structured guideline to improve clinical decision making in the acute situation and also to provide a guide for teaching.
OBJECTIVE: Guidelines for airway management in adults are widely used; however, none have been previously devised for national use in children. We aimed to develop guidelines for the management of the unanticipated difficult pediatric airway for use by anesthetists working in the nonspecialist pediatric setting.
METHOD: We reviewed available guidelines used in individual hospitals. We also reviewed research into airway management in children and graded papers for the level of evidence according to agreed criteria. A Delphi panel comprising 27 independent consultant anesthetists considered the steps of the acute airway management guidelines to reach consensus on the best interventions to use and the order in which to use them. If following the literature review and Delphi feedback, there was insufficient evidence or lack of consensus, regarding inclusion of a particular point; this was reviewed by a Second Specialist Group comprising 10 pediatric anesthetists.
RESULTS: Using the Delphi group's deliberations and feedback from the Second Specialist Group, we developed three guidelines for the acute airway management of children aged 1-8 years.
CONCLUSIONS: This paper provides the background, available evidence base, and justification for each step in the resultant guidelines and gives a rationale for their use.

Abstract

Byung Ju Kang, Younsuck Koh, Chae-Man Lim, Jin Won Huh, Seunghee Baek, Myongja Han, Hyun-Suk Seo, Hee Jung Suh, Ga Jin Seo, Eun Young Kim, Sang-Bum Hong
Intensive Care Medicine 2015 February 18

PURPOSE: Intubation in patients with respiratory failure can be avoided by high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use. However, it is unclear whether waiting until HFNC fails, which would delay intubation, has adverse effects. The present retrospective observational study assessed overall ICU mortality and other hospital outcomes of patients who received HFNC therapy that failed.
METHODS: All consecutive patients in one tertiary hospital who received HFNC therapy that failed and who then required intubation between January 2013 and March 2014 were enrolled and classified according to whether intubation started early (within 48 h) or late (at least 48 h) after commencing HFNC.
RESULTS: Of the 175 enrolled patients, 130 (74.3 %) and 45 (25.7 %) were intubated before and after 48 h of HFNC, respectively. The groups were similar in terms of most baseline characteristics. The early intubated patients had better overall ICU mortality (39.2 vs. 66.7 %; P = 0.001) than late intubated patients. A similar pattern was seen with extubation success (37.7 vs. 15.6 %; P = 0.006), ventilator weaning (55.4 vs. 28.9 %; P = 0.002), and ventilator-free days (8.6 ± 10.1 vs. 3.6 ± 7.5; P = 0.011). In propensity-adjusted and -matched analysis, early intubation was also associated with better overall ICU mortality [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.317, P = 0.005; matched OR = 0.369, P = 0.046].
CONCLUSIONS: Failure of HFNC might cause delayed intubation and worse clinical outcomes in patients with respiratory failure. Large prospective and randomized controlled studies on HFNC failure are needed to draw a definitive conclusion.

Abstract

Neurological deterioration during intubation in cervical spine disorders
Padmaja Durga, Barada Prasad Sahu
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia 2014, 58 (6): 684-92

Anaesthesiologists are often involved in the management of patients with cervical spine disorders. Airway management is often implicated in the deterioration of spinal cord function. Most evidence on neurological deterioration resulting from intubation is from case reports which suggest only association, but not causation. Most anaesthesiologists and surgeons probably believe that the risk of spinal cord injury (SCI) during intubation is largely due to mechanical compression produced by movement of the cervical spine. But it is questionable that the small and brief deformations produced during intubation can produce SCI. Difficult intubation, more frequently encountered in patients with cervical spine disorders, is likely to produce greater movement of spine. Several alternative intubation techniques are shown to improve ease and success, and reduce cervical spine movement but their role in limiting SCI is not studied. The current opinion is that most neurological injuries during anaesthesia are the result of prolonged deformation, impaired perfusion of the cord, or both. To prevent further neurological injury to the spinal cord and preserve spinal cord function, minimizing movement during intubation and positioning for surgery are essential. The features that diagnose laryngoscopy induced SCI are myelopathy present on recovery, short period of unconsciousness, autonomic disturbances following laryngoscopy, cranio-cervical junction disease or gross instability below C3. It is difficult to accept or refute the claim that neurological deterioration was induced by intubation. Hence, a record of adequate care at laryngoscopy and also perioperative period are important in the event of later medico-legal proceedings.

Abstract

Dean Kerslake, Angela J Oglesby, Nicola Di Rollo, Ed James, Dermot W McKeown, David C Ray
Resuscitation 2015 January 19

Aim: The emergency department (ED) is an area where major airway difficulties can occur, often as complications of rapid sequence induction (RSI). We undertook a prospective, observational study of tracheal intubation performed in a large, urban UK ED to study this further.
Methods: We reviewed data on every intubation attempt made in our ED between January 1999 and December 2011. We recorded techniques and drugs used, intubator details, success rate, and asso- ciated complications. Tracheal intubation in our ED is managed jointly by emergency physicians and anaesthetists; an anaesthetist is contacted to attend to support ED staff when RSI is being performed. Results: We included 3738 intubations in analysis. 2749 (74%) were RSIs, 361 (10%) were other drug combinations, and 628 (17%) received no drugs. Emergency physicians performed 78% and anaesthetists 22% of intubations. Tracheal intubation was successful in 3724 patients (99.6%). First time success rate was 85%; 98% of patients were successfully intubated with two or fewer attempts, and three patients (0.1%) had more than three attempts. Intubation failed in 14 patients; five (0.13%) had a surgical airway performed. Associated complications occurred in 286 (8%) patients. The incidence of complications was associated with the number of attempts made; 7% in one attempt, 15% in two attempts, and 32% in three attempts (p< 0.001).

Conclusion: A collaborative approach between emergency physicians and anaesthetists contributed to a high rate of successful intubation and a low rate of complications. Close collaboration in training and delivery of service models is essential to maintain these high standards and achieve further improvement where possible.

Comments

Congratulations to the authors (and clinicians) on an important paper. Many of us have been struggling with where the quality benchmark should be for airway management in emergencies. While studies often report success being defined by the ultimate placement of an endotracheal tube we know that plastic does not save lives. It's about what happens along the way. Bottom line findings were:
1. A collaborative approach in airway management (when available) is helpful when implementing a practice changing approach to airway management.
2. Emergency Physicians are performing successful advanced airway management with high first attempt success rates (>85%) and low complication rates.
A few interesting additional observations include:
1. Low incidence of an awake approach in ED with only 4 patients receiving topical lidocaine
2. They did not report the primary technique used although it seems that they were all DL
3. Relatively high number of unstyleted ETI attempts
4. The attending success rates of over 90% compared to the lower success for learners demonstrated in this data set have not been consistently observed in other similar registries. These results are impressive given the predicted hands-on exposure of consultant staff to be 2-5 RSIs/year
It is time to to look at defining quality benchmark expectations for emergency department intubations... check out our thoughts on the subject on our home page.

Abstract

Eric A Bruder, Ian M Ball, Stacy Ridi, William Pickett, Corinne Hohl
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015 January 8, 1: CD010225

BACKGROUND: The use of etomidate for emergency airway interventions in critically ill patients is very common. In one large registry trial, etomidate was the most commonly used agent for this indication. Etomidate is known to suppress adrenal gland function, but it remains unclear whether or not this adrenal gland dysfunction affects mortality.
OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to assess, in populations of critically ill patients, whether a single induction dose of etomidate for emergency airway intervention affects mortality.The secondary objectives were to address, in populations of critically ill patients, whether a single induction dose of etomidate for emergency airway intervention affects adrenal gland function, organ dysfunction, or health services utilization (as measured by intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation, or vasopressor requirements).We repeated analyses within subgroups defined by the aetiologies of critical illness, timing of adrenal gland function measurement, and the type of comparator drug used.
SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); MEDLINE; CINAHL; EMBASE; LILACS; International Pharmaceutical Abstracts; Web of Science; the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE); and ISI BIOSIS Citation index(SM) on 8 February 2013. We reran the searches in August 2014. We will deal with any studies of interest when we update the review.We also searched the Scopus database of dissertations and conference proceedings and the US Food and Drug Administration Database. We handsearched major emergency medicine, critical care, and anaesthesiology journals.We handsearched the conference proceedings of major emergency medicine, anaesthesia, and critical care conferences from 1990 to current, and performed a grey literature search of the following: Current Controlled Trials; National Health Service - The National Research Register; ClinicalTrials.gov; NEAR website.
SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials in patients undergoing emergency endotracheal intubation for critical illness, including but not limited to trauma, stroke, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, septic shock, hypovolaemic or haemorrhagic shock, and undifferentiated shock states. We included single (bolus) dose etomidate for emergency airway intervention compared to any other rapid-acting intravenous bolus single-dose induction agent.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Refinement of our initial search results by title review, and then by abstract review was carried out by three review authors. Full-text review of potential studies was based on their adherence to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. This was decided by three independent review authors. We reported the decisions regarding inclusion and exclusion in accordance with the PRISMA statement.Electronic database searching yielded 1635 potential titles, and our grey literature search yielded an additional 31 potential titles. Duplicate titles were filtered leaving 1395 titles which underwent review of their titles and abstracts by three review authors. Sixty seven titles were judged to be relevant to our review, however only eight met our inclusion criteria and seven were included in our analysis.
MAIN RESULTS: We included eight studies in the review and seven in the meta-analysis. Of those seven studies, only two were judged to be at low risk of bias. Overall, no strong evidence exists that etomidate increases mortality in critically ill patients when compared to other bolus dose induction agents (odds ratio (OR) 1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86 to 1.60, 6 studies, 772 participants, moderate quality evidence). Due to a large number of participants lost to follow-up, we performed a post hoc sensitivity analysis. This gave a similar result (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.53). There was evidence that the use of etomidate in critically ill patients was associated with a positive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, and this difference was more pronounced at between 4 to 6 hours (OR 19.98; 95% CI 3.95 to 101.11) than after 12 hours (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.61 to 3.47) post-dosing. Etomidate's use in critically ill patients was associated with a small increase in SOFA score, indicating a higher risk of multisystem organ failure (mean difference (MD) 0.70; 95% CI 0.01 to 1.39, 2 studies, 591 participants, high quality evidence), but this difference was not clinically meaningful. Etomidate use did not have an effect on ICU LOS (MD 1.70 days; 95% CI -2.00 to 5.40, 4 studies, 621 participants, moderate quality evidence), hospital LOS (MD 2.41 days; 95% CI -7.08 to 11.91, 3 studies, 152 participants, moderate quality evidence), duration of mechanical ventilation (MD 2.14 days; 95% CI -1.67 to 5.95, 3 studies, 621 participants, moderate quality evidence), or duration of vasopressor use (MD 1.00 day; 95% CI -0.53 to 2.53, 1 study, 469 participants).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Although we have not found conclusive evidence that etomidate increases mortality or healthcare resource utilization in critically ill patients, it does seem to increase the risk of adrenal gland dysfunction and multi-organ system dysfunction by a small amount. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown. This evidence is judged to be of moderate quality, owing mainly to significant attrition bias in some of the smaller studies, and new research may influence the outcomes of our review. The applicability of these data may be limited by the fact that 42% of the patients in our review were intubated for "being comatose", a population less likely to benefit from the haemodynamic stability inherent in etomidate use, and less at risk from its potential negative downstream effects of adrenal suppression.

Comments

The teeter totter debate continues. While some may feel validated by the conclusions that there is no definitive proof of harm others will spin this as there is no proof to refute concerns of potential harm. Again we do not feel strongly that etomidate is either beneficial or harmful. It remains an option but it should not be considered what others seem to claim as an easy way out one size fits all induction drug. If you are in this game of acute airway management and want RSI as an option then you need to know your stuff; how to perform DL/VL, SGA placement, ESAs and choose the right drug at the right dosage for the right patient.

Abstract

Calvin A Brown, Aaron E Bair, Daniel J Pallin, Ron M Walls
Annals of Emergency Medicine 2014 December 19

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We describe the operators, techniques, success, and adverse event rates of adult emergency department (ED) intubation through multicenter prospective surveillance.
METHODS: Eighteen EDs in the United States, Canada, and Australia recorded intubation data onto a Web-based data collection tool, with a greater than or equal to 90% reporting compliance requirement. We report proportions with binomial 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and regression, with year as the dependent variable, to model change over time.
RESULTS: Of 18 participating centers, 5 were excluded for failing to meet compliance standards. From the remaining 13 centers, we report data on 17,583 emergency intubations of patients aged 15 years or older from 2002 to 2012. Indications were medical in 65% of patients and trauma in 31%. Rapid sequence intubation was the first method attempted in 85% of encounters. Emergency physicians managed 95% of intubations and most (79%) were physician trainees. Direct laryngoscopy was used in 84% of first attempts. Video laryngoscopy use increased from less than 1% in the first 3 years to 27% in the last 3 years (risk difference 27%; 95% CI 25% to 28%; mean odds ratio increase per year [ie, slope] 1.7; 95% CI 1.6 to 1.8). Etomidate was used in 91% and succinylcholine in 75% of rapid sequence intubations. Among rapid sequence intubations, rocuronium use increased from 8.2% in the first 3 years to 42% in the last 3 years (mean odds ratio increase per year 1.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 1.3). The first-attempt intubation success rate was 83% (95% CI 83% to 84%) and was higher in the last 3 years than in the first 3 (86% versus 80%; risk difference 6.2%; 95% CI 4.2% to 7.8%). The airway was successfully secured in 99.4% of encounters (95% CI 99.3% to 99.6%).
CONCLUSION: In the EDs we studied, emergency intubation has a high and increasing success rate. Both drug and device selection evolved significantly during the study period.

Comments

Interesting data set from the NEAR Registry. Nice to see the focus of first attempt success as opposed to overall success. Many would argue that we should be looking at a triple end point measurement of airway success: first attempt success (FAS) combined with the incidence of hypotension and hypoxia. What are acceptable quality measures for successful airway management? Ideally it would be 100% FAS, 0%/0% for hypotension and hypoxia but based on real life data such as represented in the NEAR registry perhaps 85% for ETI FAS,

Abstract

John C Sakles, Jarrod M Mosier, Asad E Patanwala, John M Dicken, Leah Kalin, Parisa P Javedani
Journal of Emergency Medicine 2014 December 11

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of the C-MAC® video laryngoscope (CMAC) to the direct laryngoscope (DL) when used to rescue a failed first attempt intubation in the emergency department (ED).
METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on all patients intubated in an academic ED center over a five-year period from February 1, 2009 to January 31, 2014 when both the CMAC and the DL were available. Following each intubation the operator completed a continuous quality improvement (CQI) form documenting patient, operator and intubation characteristics. All orotracheal intubations attempted by emergency physicians (EPs) on adult patients with a failed first intubation attempt, and in which the CMAC or the DL was used for the second attempt, were included. The primary outcome was successful intubation on the second attempt using either the CMAC or the DL. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounders.
RESULTS: During the five-year study period, there were 460 adult orotracheal intubation attempts by EPs which were not successful on the first attempt. In 398 (86.5%) of these cases the same operator performed the second attempt. The CMAC was utilized for the second attempt in 141 cases and was successful in 116 (82.3%; 95% CI 75.0%-88.2%) and the DL was utilized in 94 cases and was successful in 58 (61.7%; 95% CI 51.1%-71.5%). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis the CMAC was associated with an increased odds (adjusted OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.9-6.7) of a second attempt success compared to the DL.
CONCLUSIONS: After a failed first intubation attempt in the ED, regardless of the initial device used, the CMAC was more successful than the DL when used for the second attempt. This suggests that the CMAC is the preferred rescue device after an initial intubation attempt in the ED fails.

Abstract

John C Sakles, Jarrod Mosier, Asad E Patanwala, John Dicken
Western Journal of Emergency Medicine 2014, 15 (7): 930-7.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective is to evaluate the resident learning curves for direct laryngoscopy (DL) and GlideScope® video laryngoscopy (GVL) over the course of an emergency medicine (EM) residency training program.
METHODS: This was an analysis of intubations performed in the emergency department (ED) by EM residents over a seven-year period from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2014 at an academic ED with 70,000 annual visits. After EM residents perform an intubation in the ED they complete a continuous quality improvement (CQI) form. Data collected includes patient demographics, operator post- graduate year (PGY), difficult airway characteristics (DACs), method of intubation, device used for intubation and outcome of each attempt. We included in this analysis only adult intubations performed by EM residents using a DL or a standard reusable GVL. The primary outcome was first pass success, defined as a successful intubation with a single laryngoscope insertion. First pass success was evaluated for each PGY of training for DL and GVL. Logistic mixed-effects models were constructed for each device to determine the effect of PGY level on first pass success, after adjusting for important confounders.
RESULTS: Over the seven-year period, the DL was used as the initial device on 1,035 patients and the GVL was used as the initial device on 578 patients by EM residents. When using the DL the first past success of PGY-1 residents was 69.9% (160/229; 95% CI 63.5%-75.7%), of PGY-2 residents was 71.7% (274/382; 95% CI 66.9%-76.2%), and of PGY-3 residents was 72.9% (309/424; 95% CI 68.4%-77.1%). When using the GVL the first pass success of PGY-1 residents was 74.4% (87/117; 95% CI 65.5%-82.0%), of PGY-2 residents was 83.6% (194/232; 95% CI 76.7%-87.7%), and of PGY-3 residents was 90.0% (206/229; 95% CI 85.3%-93.5%). In the mixed-effects model for DL, first pass success for PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents did not improve compared to PGY-1 residents (PGY-2 aOR 1.3, 95% CI 0.9-1.9; p-value 0.236) (PGY-3 aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2, p-value 0.067). However, in the model for GVL, first pass success for PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents improved compared to PGY-1 residents (PGY-2 aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.8, p-value 0.021) (PGY-3 aOR 4.1, 95% CI 2.1-8.0, p

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Open Access PDF not avialble
Over this period of time VL was emphasized and DL de-emphasized with more time being spent problem solving with VL. Again not a fair comparison unless comparing VL with best look DL+bougie.

Abstract

Michael J Silverberg, Nan Li, Samuel O Acquah, Pierre D Kory
Critical Care Medicine 2014 December 4

OBJECTIVES: In the critically ill undergoing urgent endotracheal intubation by direct laryngoscopy, multiple attempts are often required with a higher complication rate due to the urgency, uncontrolled setting, comorbidities, and variability in expertise of operators. We hypothesized that Glidescope video laryngoscopy would be superior to direct laryngoscopy during urgent endotracheal intubation.
DESIGN: Single-center prospective randomized controlled trial.
SETTING: Beth Israel Medical Center, an 856-bed urban teaching hospital with a 16-bed closed medical ICU.
PATIENTS: Of 153 consecutive patients undergoing urgent endotracheal intubation by pulmonary and critical care medicine fellows, 117 met inclusion criteria.
INTERVENTIONS: Patients undergoing urgent endotracheal intubation were randomized to Glidescope video laryngoscopy or direct laryngoscopy as the primary intubation device.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome measure was the rate of first-attempt success. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores were similar between groups (20.9 ± 8.2 vs 19.9 ± 7.9). First-attempt success was achieved in 74% of the Glidescope video laryngoscopy group compared with 40% in the direct laryngoscopy group (p

Comments

Critical Care fellows doing deep sedation ETI. Get out of the dark ages! Why is this happening! Learning on plastic promotes seeing around corner-indirect devices and makes DL seem comparatively difficult. No bougies used, no bimanual DL aka best look laryngoscopy. Forty percent FPS with DL, the device that will rescue intubate most failed VL. VL is always superior to bad DL.

Abstract

Ling Tiah, Kentaro Kajino, Omer Alsakaf, Dianne Carrol Tan Bautista, Marcus Eng Hock Ong, Desiree Lie, Ghulam Yasin Naroo, Nausheen Edwin Doctor, Michael Yc Chia, Han Nee Gan.

INTRODUCTION: Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is currently considered superior to supraglottic airway devices (SGA) for survival and other outcomes among adults with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We aimed to determine if the research supports this conclusion by conducting a systematic review.
METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus and CINAHL databases for studies published between January 1, 1980, and 30 April 30, 2013, which compared pre-hospital use of ETI with SGA for outcomes of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); survival to hospital admission; survival to hospital discharge; and favorable neurological or functional status. We selected studies using pre-specified criteria. Included studies were independently screened for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We did not pool results because of study variability. Study outcomes were extracted and results presented as summed odds ratios with 95% CI.
RESULTS: We identified five eligible studies: one quasi-randomized controlled trial and four cohort studies, involving 303,348 patients in total. Only three of the five studies reported a higher proportion of ROSC with ETI versus SGA with no difference reported in the remaining two. None found significant differences between ETI and SGA for survival to hospital admission or discharge. One study reported better functional status at discharge for ETI versus SGA. Two studies reported no significant difference for favorable neurological status between ETI and SGA.
CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not conclusively support the superiority of ETI over SGA for multiple outcomes among adults with OHCA.

Comments

Its circulating oxygen that makes a difference not placement of polyvinyl.

Abstract

Romain Miguel-Montanes, David Hajage, Jonathan Messika, Fabrice Bertrand, Stéphane Gaudry, Cédric Rafat, Vincent Labbé, Nicolas Dufour, Sylvain Jean-Baptiste, Alexandre Bedet, Didier Dreyfuss, Jean-Damien Ricard.
Critical Care Medicine 2014 December 4

OBJECTIVES: Tracheal intubation of ICU patients is frequently associated with severe hypoxemia. Although noninvasive ventilation reduces desaturation during intubation of severely hypoxemic patients, it does not allow for per-procedure oxygenation and has not been evaluated in mild-to-moderate hypoxemic patients for whom high-flow nasal cannula oxygen may be an alternative. We sought to compare pre- and per-procedure oxygenation with either a nonrebreathing bag reservoir facemask or a high-flow nasal cannula oxygen during tracheal intubation of ICU patients.
DESIGN: Prospective quasi-experimental before-after study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01699880).
SETTING: University hospital medico-surgical ICU.
PATIENTS: All adult patients requiring tracheal intubation in the ICU were eligible.
INTERVENTIONS: In the control (before) period, preoxygenation was performed with a nonrebreathing bag reservoir facemask and in the change of practice (after) period, with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Primary outcome was median lowest SpO2 during intubation, and secondary outcomes were SpO2 after preoxygenation and number of patients with saturation less than 80%. One hundred one patients were included. Median lowest SpO2 during intubation were 94% (83-98.5) with the nonrebreathing bag reservoir facemask versus 100% (95-100) with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (p

Comments

The nose is in. As Levitan would say blow some O down the nose! Bypass your enemy of airway management, the tongue.

Abstract

Scott D Weingart, N Seth Trueger, Nelson Wong, Joseph Scofi, Neil Singh, Soren S Rudolph.
Annals of Emergency Medicine 2014 October 23

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We investigate a new technique for the emergency airway management of patients with altered mental status preventing adequate preoxygenation.
METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, multicenter study of patients whose medical condition led them to impede optimal preintubation preparation because of delirium. A convenience sample of emergency department and ICU patients was enrolled. Patients received a dissociative dose of ketamine, allowing preoxygenation with high-flow nonrebreather mask or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). After preoxygenation, patients were paralyzed and intubated. The primary outcome of this study was the difference in oxygen saturations after maximal attempts at preoxygenation before delayed sequence intubation compared with saturations just before intubation. Predetermined secondary outcomes and complications were also assessed.
RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were enrolled: 19 patients required delayed sequence intubation to allow nonrebreather mask, 39 patients required it to allow NIPPV, and 4 patients required it for nasogastric tube placement. Saturations increased from a mean of 89.9% before delayed sequence intubation to 98.8% afterward, with an increase of 8.9% (95% confidence interval 6.4% to 10.9%). Thirty-two patients were in a predetermined group with high potential for critical desaturation (pre-delayed sequence intubation saturations ≤93%). All of these patients increased their saturations post-delayed sequence intubation; 29 (91%) of these patients increased their post-delayed sequence intubation saturations to greater than 93%. No complications were observed in the patients receiving delayed sequence intubation.
CONCLUSION: Delayed sequence intubation could offer an alternative to rapid sequence intubation in patients requiring emergency airway management who will not tolerate preoxygenation or peri-intubation procedures. It is essentially procedural sedation, with the procedure being preoxygenation. Delayed sequence intubation seems safe and effective for use in emergency airway management.

Comments

Impressive publication. Essentially PSA where the procedure is oxygenation! Effectiveness in part relates to making the ill patient cooperative... AKA ketamine facilitated cooperation. Also may be of value for awake approach particularly using nasal flexible intubating scope (ie. Ambu A3). A few years ago the 'awake look' was popular pre RSI in predicted difficult airway. We noticed a slippery slope where this was being done routinely preceding all RSIs, a practice we would discourage. Congratulations to Dr Weingart et al. for a great study!