Cardiopulmonary prognosis of prophylactic endotracheal intubation in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding undergoing endoscopy

BACKGROUND:It is controversial whether prophylactic endotracheal intubation(PEI)protects the airway before endoscopy in critically ill patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB).The study aimed to explore the predictive value of PEI for cardiopulmonary outcomes and identify high-risk patients with UGIB undergoing endoscopy.METHODS:Patients undergoing endoscopy for UGIB were retrospectively enrolled in the eICU Collaborative Research Database(eICU-CRD).The composite cardiopulmonary outcomes included aspiration,pneumonia,pulmonary edema,shock or hypotension,cardiac arrest,myocardial infarction,and arrhythmia.The incidence of cardiopulmonary outcomes within 48 h after endoscopy was compared between the PEI and non-PEI groups.Logistic regression analyses and propensity score matching analyses were performed to estimate effects of PEI on cardiopulmonary outcomes.Moreover,restricted cubic spline plots were used to assess for any threshold effects in the association between baseline variables and risk of cardiopulmonary outcomes(yes/no)in the PEI group.RESULTS:A total of 946 patients were divided into the PEI group(108/946,11.4%)and the non-PEI group(838/946,88.6%).After propensity score matching,the PEI group(n=50)had a higher incidence of cardiopulmonary outcomes(58.0%vs.30.3%,P=0.001).PEI was a risk factor for cardiopulmonary outcomes after adjusting for confounders(odds ratio[OR]3.176,95%confidence interval[95%CI]1.567-6.438,P=0.001).The subgroup analysis indicated the similar results.A shock index>0.77 was a predictor for cardiopulmonary outcomes in patients undergoing PEI(P=0.015).The probability of cardiopulmonary outcomes in the PEI group depended on the Charlson Comorbidity Index(OR 1.465,95%CI 1.079-1.989,P=0.014)and shock index>0.77(compared with shock index≤0.77[OR 2.981,95%CI 1.186-7.492,P=0.020,AUC=0.764]).CONCLUSION:PEI may be associated with cardiopulmonary outcomes in elderly and critically ill patients with UGIB undergoing endoscopy.Furthermore,a shock index greater than 0.77 could be used as a predictor of a worse prognosis in patients undergoing PEI.

General anesthesia with endotracheal intubation ensures the quick removal of magnetic foreign bodies:A case report

BACKGROUND The incidence of ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract has been increasing year by year.Due to their strong magnetic attraction,if multiple gastrointestinal foreign bodies enter the small intestine,it can lead to serious complications such as intestinal perforation,necrosis,torsion,and bleeding.Severe cases require surgical intervention.CASE SUMMARY We report a 6-year-old child who accidentally swallowed multiple magnetic balls.Under timely and safe anesthesia,the magnetic balls were quickly removed through gastroscopy before entering the small intestine.CONCLUSION General anesthesia with endotracheal intubation can ensure full anesthesia under the condition of fasting for less than 6 h.In order to prevent magnetic foreign bodies from entering the small intestine,timely and effective measures must be taken to remove the foreign bodies.

Endotracheal intubation in patients with COVID-19 using an ultrathin flexible gastrointestinal endoscope

Pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 occasionally becomes severe and requires endotracheal intubation.Endotracheal intubation is usually performed using a laryngoscope;however,the operator needs to be in close proximity to the patient’s face during the procedure,which increases the risk of droplet exposure.Therefore,we simulated fiberoptic endotracheal intubation on a mannequin representing the patient,using an ultrathin flexible gastrointestinal endoscope as an alternative to the bronchoscope,in order to maintain distance from the patient during the procedure.We performed this procedure 10 times and measured the time required;the median procedure time was 6.4 s(interquartile range,5.7-8.1 s).The advantage of this method is the short procedure time and distance maintained from the patients.The flexible tip-steerable control and length of the gastrointestinal endoscope contributed to shortening the procedure time and maintaining distance from the patients.In addition,this method can handle difficult airways without risk of misplacement of the endotracheal tube.However,it is necessary to consider the risk of aerosol generation associated with this procedure.In the pandemic setting of coronavirus disease 2019,this approach may be useful when a gastrointestinal endoscopist is in charge of endotracheal intubation of patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Endotracheal intubation sedation in the intensive care unit

Endotracheal intubation is one of the most common,yet most dangerous procedure performed in the intensive care unit(ICU).Complications of ICU intubations include severe hypotension,hypoxemia,and cardiac arrest.Multiple observational studies have evaluated risk factors associated with these complications.Among the risk factors identified,the choice of sedative agents administered,a modifiable risk factor,has been reported to affect these complications(hypotension).Propofol,etomidate,and ketamine or in combination with benzodiazepines and opioids are commonly used sedative agents administered for endotracheal intubation.Propofol demonstrates rapid onset and offset,however,has drawbacks of profound vasodilation and associated cardiac depression.Etomidate is commonly used in the critically ill population.However,it is known to cause reversible inhibition of 11β-hydroxylase which suppresses the adrenal production of cortisol for at least 24 h.This added organ impairment with the use of etomidate has been a potential contributing factor for the associated increased morbidity and mortality observed with its use.Ketamine is known to provide analgesia with sedation and has minimal respiratory and cardiovascular effects.However,its use can lead to tachycardia and hypertension which may be deleterious in a patient with heart disease or cause unpleasant hallucinations.Moreover,unlike propofol or etomidate,ketamine requires organ dependent elimination by the liver and kidney which may be problematic in the critically ill.Lately,a combination of ketamine and propofol,“Ketofol”,has been increasingly used as it provides a balancing effect on hemodynamics without any of the side effects known to be associated with the parent drugs.Furthermore,the doses of both drugs are reduced.In situations where a difficult airway is anticipated,awake intubation with the help of a fiberoptic scope or video laryngoscope is considered.Dexmedetomidine is a commonly used sedative agent for these procedures.

Difficult Endotracheal Intubation -Scales and Causes

The aim of the study is to assess the possibility of intubation in each patient, the lyche to be difficult intubation, to fred all the causes of the difficult intubation, to fred and apply appropriate scales for difficult intubation, to estimate the frequency of difficult intubation. Endotmcheal intubation is the basic reanimation procedure performed both in hospital and out-of-hospital settings. It is carded out whenever chest movements and spontaneous respiration are compromised. Respiratory arrest may occur for a variety of reasons （such as cardac arrest, coma of any origin, poisining） or direct damage to the airways, e.g. in various traumas （damages to the face, oropharynx, larynx, trachea, chest）. The basic endotracheal intubation kit contains： laryngoscope, endotracheal tubes, connectors （tube and Ambu bag connectors）, complete Ambu kit （face mask and bag）, 20 mL syringe for cuff inflating, suction apparatus, stylete, and Magill forceps. In order to assess the successfulness of endotracheal intubation, it is necessary first to identify patients who need to be intubated. With the aim of identifying such patients, numerous screening tests and scales have been created to predict difficult intubation. The best known and most commonly used are the Mallampati and Wilson classifications as well as the LEMON airway assessment method. Nevertheless, difficult intubation accounts for 1% of cases. It usually occurs when manipulation of the laryngoscope blade is not possible in obese patients and patients with short neck, in congenital restricted mouth opening, limited neck movement as well as limited temporomandibular joint mobility; in cases of edema, fibrosis and lesions of the tongue, pharynx and larynx; when there are anatomical variations and congenital malformations of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, head, neck and chest.

Study on Effect of Laryngeal Mask Anesthesia and Endotracheal Intubation Anesthesia on Elderly Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

Objective:To analyze the effect of laryngeal mask anesthesia and endotracheal intubation anesthesia in elderly laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.Methods:100 subjects of the experiment came from elderly patients with gallbladder stones admitted from September 2016 to September 2019 in our hospital.There were group A and group B of 50 cases each,and were used tube anesthesia and laryngeal mask anesthesia,then comparing the anesthesia effect.Results:Statistical significance(P<0.05):Air pressure and end-respiratory carbon dioxide partial pressure index changes when immediately after insertion,immediately after removal,3 minutes after removal;heart rate,mean arterial pressure,airway pressure,and end-expiratory carbon dioxide index changes when 3 minutes after insertion and immediately before removal;blood glucose and cortisol changes when after insertion,immediately before removal and min after removal.No statistical significance(P>0.05):Changes in heart rate,mean arterial pressure,airway pressure,and endexpiratory carbon dioxide indexes before insertion;changes in blood glucose and cortisol indexes before insertion.Conclusion:It is more ideal for elderly patients with abdominal cavity and gallbladder surgery to have laryngeal mask anesthesia,which can effectively keep blood circulation stable and have promotion value.

Simulation and Acquisition of Endotracheal Intubation Skills by Medical Students—A Pilot Study

Introduction: Endotracheal intubation is a vital life-saving skill required by physicians in life-threatening situations in and out of the hospital. Medical students are exposed to these procedures mainly as they rotate through the department of Anaesthesia, in their subspecialty posting in Surgery. In this study, we sought to assess the ease of learning endotracheal intubation by medical students in the skills laboratory using an adult-sized (Laerdal Medical) manikin. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study assessing the ability of medical students at endotracheal intubation during their 12-week rotation in the Anaesthesia Department during their subspecialty posting from August to October 2019 in the Skills Laboratory. An adult-sized manikin (Laerdal Medical) intubating head was used for the study. This was preceded by a detailed lecture and demonstration in the skills laboratory after successful passage of the endotracheal tube and connected to a self-inflating ventilation (Ambou) bag. Adequate chest movement meant proper placement, while the fullness of the stomach meant oesophageal intubation. Results: All the 500 level (45) students in the class were recruited for this prospective study. 30 (66%) had successful endotracheal intubation at the first attempt, 7 (14.4%) at the second attempt, 5 (11.1%) at the third attempt, 2 (4.4%) students at the fourth attempt and 1 (2.2%) had successful endotracheal intubation at the fifth attempt. Attempts were made to reinforce information on the practical procedure by a repeat performance by the instructor after each set of successful attempts was separated from the pack of unsuccessful candidates. In the end, however, we had 100% successful endotracheal intubation, but after 5 attempts by the last medical student. Conclusion: Endotracheal intubation skills can be learned with some level of ease when done after detailed information and training of medical students. More so when not under undue stress and life-threatening situations in the skills laboratory. By extension, this increases the confidence of medical students in the live patients in the Operating Theatre, after repeated attempts in the skills laboratory. This has the benefit of improving the chances of acquisition of endotracheal intubation in real-life situations.

Evaluation of Google Glass^(■) with Camera Adaptor and GoPro^(■) as Teaching Tools for Endotracheal Intubation in the Austere Medical Environment

Objective: Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is a life-saving emergency procedure, but it is a complex skill that is difficult to teach. Recent studies have shown that video laryngoscopy is effective in teaching ETI to learners at various levels of medical expertise;however, it has proven to be costly and provides images of inconsistent quality. In this educational proof of concept feasibility convenience sample pilot study, we aim to explore and compare the effectiveness of using modified Google Glass? (GG) and GoPro? (GP) technologies to visualize and teach ETI to critical care physicians in the austere medical environment of a low-income country. We propose, based on our findings, that this inexpensive technology could teach lifesaving ETI to pre-hospital providers in the austere medical environment, medical students, rural emergency physicians, critical care physicians in low-income countries, far forward military medical providers, and other learners. Methods: A case series of twenty-five patients, five in the United States (US) at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN and twenty at Saint Luc’s Hospital in Port Au Prince, Haiti, is presented. These patients were collected from November 1st 2015 through February 1st of 2016. The anesthesiologist and the emergency physicians in the United States utilized GG to intubate five patients in the US prior to the twenty patients intubated during two separate trips to Haiti. On the two separate trips to Haiti, the GG was trialed and modified to obtain better exposure. These adaptations resulted in the final collection of twenty patients studied with the adapted GG system and GP. Physicians graded airway visualization based on LEMON and Cormack-Lehane scores. Previously published parameters for the assessment of failed intubation risk and passage of the cords were used as data points for analysis using a Likert-Scale analysis for each parameter. The data were analyzed by averages of Likert-Scale scoring with their respective standard deviations. Results: The results show that the GP is superior to GG for assessing the LEMON scoring system until visualization of the oropharynx, while the GG is markedly superior for calculation of Cormack-Lehane score (cord visualization) and passing of the endotracheal tube. Conclusion: A review of the twenty-five cases demonstrates that while GP allows for better visualization for the parameters that require a wider view of the patient, the modified GG allows for superior visualization in the parameters that require a more focused view of the cords. GG can serve as an effective educational tool in the ICU for physicians and other providers in the austere medical environment who require effective ETI training. In addition, we propose that these techniques can serve as an inexpensive yet effective means of teaching hands on endotracheal intubation skills to learners of varying levels of clinical experience.

The ED_(50)of Remazolam Toluenesulfonate Combined with a Subthreshold Dose of Esketamine for Inhibiting Cardiovascular Response to Tracheal Intubation in Elderly Patients

Objective:To explore the half-effective dose(ED_(50))of remazolam toluenesulfonate combined with subthreshold amounts of esketamine for inhibiting cardiovascular response to tracheal intubation in elderly patients.Method:We included 42 patients,aged 65-75,who required general anesthesia and single-lumen endotracheal intubation for elective surgery.The first patient was administered remazolam toluenesulfonate at a dose of 0.20 mg/kg.Once the patient lost consciousness,their alertness/sedation score(OAA/S score)was≤1,and their BIS score was≤60,and a subthreshold dose(0.3 mg/kg)of esketamine was given.The subsequent doses were adjusted using a sequential approach based on the cardiovascular response to tracheal intubation observed in the previous patient.The dose was modified in increments or decrements of 0.01 mg/kg.The ED_(50)and 95%CI of remazolam toluenesulfonate were calculated using the Dixon and Massey sequential distribution test method.Result:The inhibition of endotracheal intubation response was positively correlated with the dose of remazolam toluenesulfonate,and the depth of sedation could not be achieved when the amount was≤0.22 mg/kg.The ED_(50)of remazolam toluenesulfonate combined with a subthreshold dose of esketamine in inhibiting cardiovascular response to tracheal intubation in elderly patients was 0.30(0.28,0.33)mg/kg.There was no statistically significant difference in blood pressure between the induction of anesthesia and before the operation.Conclusion:When compounded with 0.3 mg/kg esketamine,the ED_(50)of Remazolam toluenesulfonate in inhibiting cardiovascular response to endotracheal intubation in elderly patients was 0.30 mg/kg(95%CI0.28-0.33 mg/kg).

Application of multidisciplinary in situ simulation training in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke: a quality improvement project

BACKGROUND:Ischemic stroke refers to a disorder in the blood supply to a local area of brain tissue for various reasons and is characterized by high morbidity,mortality,and disability.Early reperfusion of brain tissue at risk of injury is crucial for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.The purpose of this study was to evaluate comfort levels in managing acute stroke patients with hypoxemia who required endotracheal intubation after multidisciplinary in situ simulation training and to shorten the door-to-image time.METHODS:This quality improvement project utilized a comprehensive multidisciplinary in situ simulation exercise.A total of 53 participants completed the two-day in situ simulation training.The main outcome was the self-reported comfort levels of participants in managing acute stroke patients with hypoxemia requiring endotracheal intubation before and after simulation training.A 5-point Likert scale was used to measure participant comfort.A paired-sample t-test was used to compare the mean self-reported comfort scores of participants,as well as the endotracheal intubation time and door-to-image time on the fi rst and second days of in situ simulation training.The door-to-image time before and after the training was also recorded.RESULTS:The findings indicated that in situ simulation training could enhance participant comfort when managing acute stroke patients with hypoxemia who required endotracheal intubation and shorten door-to-image time.For the emergency management of hypoxemia or tracheal intubation,the mean post-training self-reported comfort score was signifi cantly higher than the mean pre-training comfort score(hypoxemia:4.53±0.64 vs.3.62±0.69,t=-11.046,P<0.001;tracheal intubation:3.98±0.72 vs.3.43±0.72,t=-6.940,P<0.001).We also observed a decrease in the tracheal intubation and door-to-image time and a decreasing trend in the door-to-image time,which continued after the training.CONCLUSION:Our study demonstrates that the implementation of in situ simulation training in a clinical environment with a multidisciplinary approach may improve the ability and confi dence of stroke team members,optimize the fi rst-aid process,and eff ectively shorten the door-to-image time of stroke patients with emergency complications.

Outpatient insulin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute respiratory distress syndrome outcomes:A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND The impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)on acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is debatable.T2DM was suspected to reduce the risk and complications of ARDS.However,during coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),T2DM predisposed patients to ARDS,especially those who were on insulin at home.AIMTo evaluate the impact of outpatient insulin use in T2DM patients on non-COVID-19 ARDS outcomes.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.Adult patients diagnosed with ARDS were stratified into insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(DM)(IDDM)and non-insulindependent DM(NIDDM)groups.After applying exclusion criteria and matching over 20 variables,we compared cohorts for mortality,duration of mechanical ventilation,incidence of acute kidney injury(AKI),length of stay(LOS),hospitalization costs,and other clinical outcomes.RESULTS Following 1:1 propensity score matching,the analysis included 274 patients in each group.Notably,no statistically significant differences emerged between the IDDM and NIDDM groups in terms of mortality rates(32.8%vs 31.0%,P=0.520),median hospital LOS(10 d,P=0.537),requirement for mechanical ventilation,incidence rates of sepsis,pneumonia or AKI,median total hospitalization costs,or patient disposition upon discharge.CONCLUSION Compared to alternative anti-diabetic medications,outpatient insulin treatment does not appear to exert an independent influence on in-hospital morbidity or mortality in diabetic patients with non-COVID-19 ARDS.

Expert Recommendations for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Patients with Noval Coronavirus Disease 2019

Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19),caused by a novel coronavirus(SARS-Co V-2),is a highly contagious disease.It firstly appeared in Wuhan,Hubei province of China in December 2019.During the next two months,it moved rapidly throughout China.Most of the infected patients have mild symptoms including fever,fatigue and cough,but in severe cases,patients can progress rapidly and develop into acute respiratory distress syndrome,septic shock,metabolic acidosis and coagulopathy.The new coronavirus was reported to spread via droplets,contact and natural aerosols from human to human.Therefore,aerosol-producing procedures such as endotracheal intubation may put the anesthesiologists at high risk of nosocomial infections.In fact,SARSCo V-2 infection of anesthesiologists after endotracheal intubation for confirmed COVID-19 patients have been reported in hospitals in Wuhan.The expert panel of airway management in Chinese Society of Anaesthesiology has deliberated and drafted this recommendation,by which we hope to guide the performance of endotracheal intubation by frontline anesthesiologists and critical care physicians.During the airway management,enhanced droplet/airborne personal protective equitment(PPE)should be applied to the health care providers.A good airway assessment before airway intervention is of vital importance.For patients with normal airway,awake intubation should be avoided,and modified rapid sequence induction is strongly recommended.Sufficient muscle relaxant should be assured before intubation.For patients with difficult airway,good preparation of airway devices and detailed intubation plans should be made.

Shikani Optical Stylet–guided Intubation via the Intubating Laryngeal Airway in Patients With Scar Contracture of the Face and Neck

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of the Shikani Optical Stylet （SOS）-guided inmbation through a new Intubafing Laryngeal Airway （ILA） in anticipated difficult airways caused by scar contracture of the face and neck. Methods Thirty-three adult patients with anticipated difficult airways undergoing selective faciocervical scar plastic surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled in this study. After anesthesia induction, a size 2.5, 3.5 or 4.5 ILA was inserted. Following good lung ventilation being verified, the SOS preloaded with an endotracheal tube was inserted via the ILA. Once the clear vocal cords came into view under the SOS, the endotracheal tube was advanced through glottis into the trachea. Results The ILA provided an effective airway in all patients, lntubation was successful at the first attempt on 22/33 （66.7%） occasions and at the second attempt on 6/33 （18.2%）. Intubation failed in 5 （15.1%） patients who suffered from severe limitation of head extension due to scar contracture of the neck. These patients＇ tracheas were finally intubated using a fibreoptic bronchoscope via the ILA. Conclusions The SOS-guided intubating method via the ILA is a feasible technique in patients with scar contracture of the face and neck. However, in patients with severe limitation of head extension, the use of SOS cannot be recommended. The SOS can be used as an alternative apparatus when the fibreoptic bronchoscope is not available.

A comparison of lightwand and laryngoscopic intubation techniques in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective：To assess the effects of lightwand and laryngoscopic intubation techniques in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy （LC）. Methods： 300 ASA physical status Ⅰ and Ⅱ patients, undergoing LC, were randomly assigned to two groups, with 150 cases in each group. Patients in the LS group underwent endotracheal intubation using a standard direct-suspension laryngoscopic technique. Patients in the LW group were intubated by using transilhimination with a lightwand. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded before induction, and at 1, 3 and 5 rain after intubation. The incidence and of sore throat, hoarseness, and dysphagia was assessed twenty-four hours after surgery. Results： This study demonstrated no clinically significant difference in cardiovascular variables between the two techniques. Patients had a significantly lower incidence of sore throat, hoarseness, and dysphagia when the lightwand was used for intubation. Conclusion： This study suggests that lightwand intubation may decrease the incidence of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness, and dysphagia, thereby potentially increasing satisfaction in surgical patients. Therefore, more frequent use of the lightwand is recommended for endotracheal intubation.

Prophylactic tracheal intubation for upper GI bleeding: A meta-analysis

AIM： To evaluate usefulness of prophylactically intu-bating upper gastrointestinal bleeding （UGIB） patients. METHODS： UGIB results in a significant number of hospital admissions annually with endoscopy being the key intervention. In these patients, risks are associated with the bleeding and the procedure, including pulmonary aspiration. However, very little literature is available assessing the use of prophylactic endotracheal intubation on aspiration in these patients. A comprehensive search was performed in May 2014 in Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane databases, PubMed/Medline, Embase, and published abstracts from national gastroenterology meetings in the United States （2004-2014）. Included studies examined UGIB patients and compared prophylactic intubation to no intubation before endoscopy. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.2 by Mantel-Haenszel and DerSimonian and Laird models with results presented as odds ratio for aspiration, pneumonia （within 48 h）, and mortality. Funnel plots were utilized for publication bias and I2 measure of inconsistency for heterogeneity assessments. RESULTS： Initial search identi？ed 571 articles. Of these articles, 10 relevant peer-reviewed articles in English and two relevant abstracts were selected to review by two independent authors （Almashhrawi AA and Bechtold ML）. Of these studies, eight were excluded： Five did not have a control arm, one was a letter the editor, one was a survey study, and one was focused on prevention of UGIB. Therefore, four studies （N = 367） were included. Of the UGIB patients prophylactically intubated before endoscopy, pneumonia （within 48 h） was identified in 20 of 134 （14.9%） patients as compared to 5 of 95 （5.3%） patients that were not intubated prophylactically （P = 0.02）. Despite observed trends, no significant differences were found for mortality （P = 0.18） or aspiration （ P = 0.11）.CONCLUSION： Pneumonia within 48 h is more likely in UGIB patients who received prophylactic endotracheal intubation prior to endoscopy.

Comparison of endotracheal intubation with the Shikani Optical Stylet using the left molar approach and direct laryngoscopy

The Shikani Optical StyletTM or SOS （Clarus Medical, USA） was developed as an aid to intubation for difficult airways.^1 The-SOS is composed of a J-shaped malleable body and a lens and light source at the tip and an eyepiece at the proximal end. It combines the features of a fiberoptic bronchoscope and a lightwand. It can be used alone or combined with a camera or monitor and both adult and pediatric versions are available.^2.3

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.

An Audit of the Emergency Airway Service in a Regional Hospital in Singapore

Background: Emergency endotracheal intubations (EEI) performed outside of operating theatre (OT) tend to be more challenging and associated with higher risk of complications. In 2011, with the objective of improving patient outcomes, we set up an Emergency Airway Service (EAS) at our 1000-bed regional hospital, with the aim of providing specialized assistance for outside of OT difficult airway management. Method: A retrospective audit of EAS activation from 12/9/2016 and 27/10/2020 was conducted. EAS forms and electronic medical records were reviewed. We collected information on patient characteristics, EAS activation characteristics and its outcomes. Descriptive analysis method was used to present the collected data. Results: There were a total of 275 activations, of which 268 were analysed. Reasons for activation were anticipated difficult intubation (42.2% n = 113), failed intubation attempt (52.6%, n = 141) and advanced intubation equipment required (5.2% n = 14). Intubation was attempted in 261/268 (97.4%) cases by the EAS team. Of these, 255 (97.7%) cases were successful while 6 (2.3%) cases failed intubation. Of the successful intubations by the EAS team, 208/255 (81.5%) were successful on the first attempt. Out of the 6 unsuccessful intubation cases, 1 case required a rescue cricothyroidotomy and 4 cases required an open tracheostomy. Intubation was deemed easy by the EAS team in 170/261 (65.1%) cases. 64/170 (37.6%) cases were intubated with a video laryngoscope (VL). There were 85 cases (32.3%) classified as difficult intubation by the EAS specialist, 13/85 (15.3%) were intubated using only VL, 54/85 (63.5%) cases were intubated using VL with style/bougie. Conclusion: Audit results showed that providing an experienced and well-equipped team of airway specialists round-the-clock to assist in difficult and potentially difficult endotracheal intubations is justifiable and may reduce complications associated with EEI.

Respiratory evaluation of patients requiring ventilator support due to acute respiratory failure

This review, based on relevant published evidence and the authors` clinical experience, presents how to evaluate a patient with acute respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support. This patient must be carefully evaluated by nurses, physiotherapists, respiratory care practitioners and physicians regarding the elucidation of the cause of the acute episode of respiratory failure by means of physical examination with the measurement of respiratory parameters and assessment of arterial blood gases analysis to make a correct respiratory diagnosis. After the initial evaluation, the patient must quickly receive adequate oxygen and ventilatory support that has to be carefully monitored until its discontinuation. When available, a noninvasive ventilation trial must be done in patients presenting desaturation during oxygen mask and or PaCO2 retention, especially in cases of cardiogenic pulmonary edema and severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In cases of noninvasive ventilation trial-failure, endotracheal intubation and invasive protective mechanical ventilation must be promptly initiated. In severe ARDS patients, low tidal ventilation, higher PEEP levels, prone positioning and recruitment maneuvers with adequate PEEP titration should be used. Recently, new modes of ventilation should allow a better patient-ventilator interaction or synchrony permitting a sufficient unloading of respiratory muscles and increase patient comfort. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be considered for a trial for early extubation to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in centers with extensive experience in noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

Evaluation of a Novel Multimodal Guidance Device for Difficult Airway Endotracheal Intubation in Spontaneously Breathing Pigs

End-expiratory carbon dioxide concentrations can be used to assist endotracheal intubation.The novel multimodal endotracheal intubation guidance device combined visualization with an end-expiratory carbon dioxide concentration vectorization algorithm to achieve more accurate placement in difficult airways.The feasibility of a novel multimodal guidance device for the endotracheal intubation of difficult airways was verified in spontaneously breathing Bama miniature pigs.The glottic exposure time,insertion time,and total intubation time were not significantly different between the fiberoptic bronchoscope group and the multimodal guidance device group in regard to the endotracheal intubation of difficult airways.There were also no significant differences in intubation attempts,first success rate,and total success rate.Animals in both groups experienced hypoxemia,hypotension,and esophageal intubation during endotracheal intubation,but there were also no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events between the two devices.The effect on changes in hemodynamics,heart rate,and oxygen saturation during intubation showed no significant difference between the two devices.The results of the present study demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the initial prototype of a multimodal guidance device for the endotracheal intubation of difficult airways in pigs,which is expected to further assist in adequately positioning the airway during difficult endotracheal intubations with spontaneous breathing.