Ultrasound-guided sphenopalatine ganglion block for effective analgesia during awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation: A case report

BACKGROUND Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation(AFNI)is the preferred airway ma-nagement strategy for patients with difficult airways.However,this procedure can cause significant physical and psychological distress.This case report explores the application of a sphenopalatine ganglion(SPG)block as an alternative anal-gesic modality to mitigate the discomfort associated with AFNI.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old female with a history of right maxillary osteosarcoma underwent craniotomy for a suspected malignant brain lesion.The patient’s medical history included prior surgery,chemotherapy,and radiation therapy,resulting in signi-ficant jaw impairment and limited neck mobility.Considering the anticipated air-way challenges,AFNI was planned.A SPG block was performed under real-time ultrasound guidance,providing effective analgesia during nasotracheal intuba-tion.CONCLUSION The SPG block represents a promising analgesic approach in AFNI,offering po-tential benefits in alleviating pain involving the nasal and nasopharyngeal regions as well as improving patient cooperation.

Awake fiberoptic intubation and use of bronchial blockers in ankylosing spondylitis patients

BACKGROUND Patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS)combined with severe cervical fusion deformity have difficult airways.Awake fiberoptic intubation is the standard treatment for such patients.Alleviating anxiety and discomfort during intubation while maintaining airway patency and adequate ventilation is a major challenge for anesthesiologists.Bronchial blockers(BBs)have significant advantages over double-lumen tubes in these patients requiring one-lung ventilation.AIM To evaluate effective drugs and their optimal dosage for awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation in patients with AS and to assess the pulmonary isolation effect of one-lung ventilation with a BB.METHODS We studied 12 AS patients(11 men and one woman)with lung or esophageal cancer who underwent thoracotomy with a BB.Preoperative airway evaluation found that all patients had a difficult airway.All patients received an intramuscular injection of penehyclidine hydrochloride(0.01 mg/kg)before anesthesia.In the operating room,dexmedetomidine(0.5μg/kg)was infused intravenously for 10 min,with 2%lidocaine for airway surface anesthesia,and a 3%ephedrine cotton swab was used to contract the nasal mucosa vessels.Before tracheal intubation,fentanyl(1μg/kg)and midazolam(0.02 mg/kg)were administered intravenously.Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation was performed in the semi-reclining position.Intravenous anesthesia was administered immediately after successful intubation,and a BB was inserted laterally.The pre-intubation preparation time,intubation time,facial grimace score,airway responsiveness score during the fiberoptic introduction,time of end tracheal catheter entry into the nostril,and lung collapse and surgical field score were measured.Systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),and heart rate(HR)were recorded while entering the operation room(T1),before intubation(T2),immediately after intubation(T3),2 min after intubation(T4),and 10 min after intubation(T5).After surgery,all patients were followed for adverse reactions such as epistaxis,sore throat,hoarseness,and dysphagia.RESULTS All patients had a history of AS(20.4±9.6 years).They had a Willson's score of 5 or above,grade III or IV Mallampati tests,an inter-incisor distance of 2.9±0.3 cm,and a thyromental(T-M)distance of 4.8±0.7 cm.The average pre-intubation preparation time was 20.4±3.4 min,intubation time was 2.6±0.4 min,facial grimace score was 1.7±0.7,airway responsiveness score was 1.1±0.7,and pulmonary collapse and surgical exposure score was 1.2±0.4.The SBP,DBP,and HR at T5 were significantly lower than those at T1-T4(P<0.05).While the values at T1 were not significantly different from those at T2-T4(P>0.05),they were significantly different from those at T5(P<0.05).Seven patients had minor epistaxis during endotracheal intubation,two were followed 24 h after surgery with a mild sore throat,and two had hoarseness without dysphagia.CONCLUSION Patients with AS combined with severe cervical and thoracic kyphosis should be intubated using fiberoptic bronchoscopy under conscious sedation and topical anesthesia.Proper doses of penehyclidine hydrochloride,dexmedetomidine,fentanyl,and midazolam,combined with 2%lidocaine,administered prior to intubation,can provide satisfactory conditions for tracheal intubation while maintaining the comfort and safety of patients.BBs are safe and effective for onelung ventilation in such patients during thoracotomy.

Successful fiberoptic orotracheal intubation by lifting large thyroid mass and tongue protrusion in left lateral position:a case report

Introduction:Awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy has long been considered the criterion standard for the management of difficult airways because of large thyroid malignancies.After an unsuccessful attempt to intubate with a fiberoptic bronchoscope in the supine position,the decision to switch to the left lateral position was made.We present this case to propose the utilization of the lateral position for awake intubation.Case presentation:We report a rare case of a patient with a large papillary carcinoma of the thyroid planned for surgical excision.The patient presented to our hospital with complaints of difficulty breathing while lying down in the supine position and oozing blood from the necrotic tissue.The breathing difficulties subsided in the lateral position.Conclusion:We demonstrated how the left lateral position with an adjunct maneuver facilitates intubation in large thyroid malignancies.

Anesthesia management in a pediatric patient with complicatedly difficult airway:A case report

BACKGROUND Reports on perioperative anesthesia management in pediatric patients with difficult airways are scarce.In addition to relatively more difficulties in the technique of endotracheal intubation,the time for manipulation is restricted compared to adults.Securing the airways safely and avoiding the occurrence of hypoxemia in these patients are of significance.CASE SUMMARY A 9-year-old boy with spastic cerebral palsy,severe malnutrition,thoracic scoliosis,thoracic and airway malformation,laryngomalacia,pneumonia,and epilepsy faced the risk of anesthesia during palliative surgery.After a thorough preoperative evaluation,a detailed scheme for anesthesia and a series of intu-bation tools were prepared by a team of anesthesiologists.Awake fiberoptic intubation is the widely accepted strategy for patients with anticipated difficult airways.Given the age and medical condition of the patient,we kept him sedated with spontaneous breathing during endotracheal intubation.The endotracheal intubation was completed on the second attempt after the failure of the first effort.Fortunately,the surgery was successful without postoperative complications.CONCLUSION Dealing with difficult airways in the pediatric population,proper sedation allows time to intubate without interrupting spontaneous breathing.The appropriate endotracheal intubation method based on the patient’s unique characteristics is the key factor in successful management of these rare cases.

Median effective dose of remifentanil for awake laryngoscopy and intubation

Background Awake intubation requires an anesthetic management that provides sufficient patient safety and comfort, adequate intubating conditions, and stable hemodynamics. In this prospective clinical study, our aim was to determine the median effective dose （ED50） of remifentanil in combination with midazolam and airway topical anesthesia for awake laryngoscopy and intubation. Methods Thirty-six female adult patients, scheduled for elective plastic surgery under general anesthesia requiring orotracheal intubation were included in this study. Ten minutes after intravenous administration of midazolam 0.1 mg/kg, patients were assigned to receive remifentanil in bolus, followed by a continuous infusion. The bolus dose and infusion rate of remifentanil were adjusted by a modified Dixon＇s up-and-down method. Patient＇s reaction score at laryngoscopy and an Observer＇s Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale （OAA/S） were used to determine whether the remifentanil dosage regimen was accepted. During laryngoscopy, 2% lidocaine was sprayed into the airway to provide the topical anesthesia. ED50 of remifentanil was calculated by the modified Dixon up-and-down method, and the probit analysis was then used to confirm the results obtained from the modified Dixon＇s up-and-down method. In the patients who were scored as ＂accept＂, patient＇s OAA/S and reactJon scores at dJfferent observed points, JntubatJng conditJon score and patient＇s tolerance to the endotracheal tube after intubation were evaluated and recorded. Blood pressure and heart rate at different measuring points were also noted. Results ED50 of remifentanil for awake laryngoscopy and intubation obtained by the modified Dixon＇s up-and-down method was （0.62±0.02） μg/kg. Using probit analysis, ED50 and ED95 of remifentanil were 0.63 μg/kg （95% CI, 0.54-0.70） and 0.83 μg/kg （95% CI, 0.73-2.59）, respectively. Nineteen patients who were scored as ＂accept＂ had an OAA/S of 〉15 and tolerated well laryngoscopy without significant discomfort or gagging. The mean intubating condition score was 1.8±0.8. The endotracheal tube was well tolerated. During awake laryngoscopy and intubation, blood pressure and heart rate were also kept stable. The postoperative follow up showed that no patient recalled discomfort and pain for airway manipulation. Conclusions When combined with midazolam 0.1 mg/kg and airway topical anesthesia, ED50 of remifentanil for successful awake laryngoscopy and Jntubation is 0.62 μg/kg in bolus followed by continuous infusJon of 0.062 μg·kg·min^-1. This sedation and analgesia regimen can provide patient safety and comfort, ensure adequate intubating conditions, maintain hemodynamic stability, and prevent negative recall of the airway procedure.

Clinical assessment of awake endotracheal intubation using the lightwand technique alone in patients with difficult airways

Background There is few study to determine whether the use of the lightwand technique alone could achieve effective, safe and successful awake endotracheal intubation （ETI）, therefore we designed a prospective clinical study to systematically evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of awake ETI using the lightwand alone in patients with difficult airways. Methods Seventy adult patients with difficult airways were enrolled in this study. After the desired sedation with fentanyl and midazolam, airway topical anesthesia was performed with 9 ml of 2% lidocaine, which were in order sprayed in three aliquots at 5 minutes intervals into the supraglottic （two doses） and laryngotracheal areas （one dose） using a combined unit of the lightwand and MADgic atomizer. After airway topical anesthesia, awake ETI was performed using a Lightwand. Subjective assessments by patients and operators using the visual analogue scores （VAS）, and objective assessments by an independent investigator using patients＇ tolerance and reaction scores, coughing severity, intubating conditions and cardiovascular variables were taken as the observed parameters. Results Of 210 airway sprays, 197 （93.8%） were successfully completed on the first attempt. The total time for airway spray was （14.6±1.5） minutes. During airway topical anesthesia, the average patients＇ tolerance scores were 1.7-2.3. After airway topical anesthesia, the mean VAS for discomfort levels that the patients reported was 6.5. Also airway topical anesthesia procedure was rated as acceptable and no discomfort by 94.3% of patients. The lightwand-guided awake ETI was successfully completed on first attempt within 29 seconds in all patients. During awake ETI, patients＇ reaction and coughing scores were 1.9 and 1.6, respectively. All patients exhibited excellent or acceptable intubating conditions. Cardiovascular monitoring revealed that changes of systolic blood pressure and heart rate at each stage of airway manipulations were less than 20% of baseline values. The postoperative follow-up showed that 95.7% of patients had no recall or slight memories of all airway instrumentation. The incidence of postoperative mild airway complications was 38.6%. Conclusion Alone use of the lightwand technique can achieve effective, safe and successful awake ETI in patients with difficult airways.

Effectiveness and Safety of a Novel Approach for Management of Patients with Potential Difficult Mask Ventilation and Tracheal Intubation： A Multi-center Randomized Trial

Background： Patients with potential difficult mask ventilation （DV） and difficult intubation （Dl） are often managed with awake intubation, which can be stressful for patients and anesthesiologists. This prospective randomized study evaluated a new approach, fast difficult airway evaluation （FDAE）. We hypothesized that the FDAE approach would reduce the need for awake intubation. Methods： After obtaining informed consent, 302 patients with potential DV/DI undergoing elective surgeries were randomly assigned to the FDAE group （Group E） and the control group （Group C）. In Group E, patients were gradually sedated, and adequacy of manual mask ventilation during spontaneous breathing was assessed at various sedation levels. Awake intubation was applied in those with inadequate mask ventilation. In Group C, DI was evaluated under local anesthesia. However, the care team could intubate under general anesthesia if the vocal cords were visible. The primary outcome was the rate of awake intubations in both groups and the induction efficiency assessed by the induction time. The secondary outcome was the incidence of serious complications. Results： The rate of awake intubation was significantly lower in Group E than that in Group C （5.81% vs. 36.05%,χ2 = 42.3, P 〈 0.001 ）. The induction time was much shorter in Group E than in Group C （11.85 ± 4.82 min vs. 18.71± 7.85 min, t = 5.39, P 〈 0.001）. There was no significant difl＇erence in the incidence of intubation related complications between the two groups. Patients in Group E had a much lower incidence of recall （9.68% vs. 44.90%, χ2 = 47.68, P 〈 0.001） of the induction process and higher satisfaction levels than patients in Group C （t=15.36, P〈 0.001）. Conclusions： The FDAE significantly reduces the need for awake intubation and improves the efficiency of the intubation process without comprising safety in patients with potential difficult mask ventilation and DI.

Airway management of angioedema patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Importance:The COVID-19 pandemic is characterized by high transmissibility from patients with prolonged minimally-or asymptomatic periods,with a particularly increased risk of spread during aerosol-generating procedures,including endotracheal intubation.Observations:All patients presenting with upper airway obstruction due to angioedema during this time should be carefully managed in a way that is safest for both patient and provider.Conclusions:For patients requiring emergent airway management during the COVID-19 pandemic,minimization of aerosols while taking the necessary precautions to protect health-care workers should are critical principles for their management.