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Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the GlideScope Go videolaryngoscope (VL) in tracheal intubation in an Australian physician‐staffed critical care prehospital and retrieval medicine service. Methods: Our service has used VLs for several years, including the McGrath Mac, and from February 2019 the GlideScope Go. Clinicians may alternatively use direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh laryngoscope. We conducted a non‐inferiority trial comparing first‐pass intubation success using the GlideScope Go VL with that using the McGrath Mac VL. We collected data on video intubation of all adult patients between February 2017 and December 2019, by our service. Comparison was also made with patients intubated using direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh direct laryngoscope. Results: One hundred and seventy‐two patients were intubated with the aid of a VL. First‐pass success rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 0.98 (0.92–0.99) and 0.92 (0.84–0.96), respectively, for the GlideScope Go and McGrath Mac, giving a difference (95% CI) in first‐pass success rates of 0.06 (−0.01 to 0.13). First‐pass success rate for the Macintosh laryngoscope was 0.88 (0.84–0.91). Conclusions: We demonstrated that first‐pass success rates with the GlideScope Go are at least as good as our service had achieved with both the McGrath Mac and with direct laryngoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aims of the present study were to describe current airway management practices after a failed intubation attempt in Australian and New Zealand EDs and to explore factors associated with second attempt success. Methods: Data were collected from a multicentre airway registry (The Australian and New Zealand Emergency Department Airway Registry). All intubation episodes that required a second attempt between March 2010 and November 2015 were analysed. Analysis for association with success at the second attempt was undertaken for patient factors including predicted difficulty of laryngoscopy, as well as for changes in laryngoscope type, adjunct devices, intubator and intubating manoeuvres. Results: Of the 762 patients with a failed first intubation attempt, 603 (79.1%) were intubated successfully at the second attempt. The majority of second attempts were undertaken by emergency consultants (36.8%) and emergency registrars (34.2%). A change in intubator occurred in 56.5% of intubation episodes and was associated with higher second attempt success (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–2.65). In 69.7% of second attempts at intubation, there was no change in laryngoscope type. Changes in laryngoscope type, adjunct devices and intubation manoeuvres were not significantly associated with success at the second attempt. In adjusted analyses, second attempt success was higher for a change from a non‐consultant intubator to a consultant intubator from any specialty (adjusted OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.35–3.95) and where laryngoscopy was not predicted to be difficult (adjusted OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.58–4.21). Conclusions: The majority of second intubation attempts were undertaken by emergency consultants and registrars. A change from a non‐consultant intubator to a consultant intubator of any specialty for the second attempt and intubation episodes where laryngoscopy was predicted to be non‐difficult were associated with a higher success rate at intubation. Participation in routine collection and monitoring of airway management practices via a Registry may enable the introduction of appropriate improvements in airway procedures and reduce complication rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orotracheal intubation of infants using direct laryngoscopy can be challenging. We aimed to investigate whether video laryngoscopy with a standard blade done by anaesthesia clinicians improves the first-attempt success rate of orotracheal intubation and reduces the risk of complications when compared with direct laryngoscopy. We hypothesised that the first-attempt success rate would be higher with video laryngoscopy than with direct laryngoscopy.Methods: In this multicentre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial, we recruited infants without difficult airways abnormalities requiring orotracheal intubation in operating theatres at four quaternary children's hospitals in the USA and one in Australia. We randomly assigned patients (1:1) to video laryngoscopy or direct laryngoscopy using random permuted blocks of size 2, 4, and 6, and stratified by site and clinician role. Guardians were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was the proportion of infants with a successful first attempt at orotracheal intubation. Analysis (modified intention-to-treat [mITT] and per-protocol) used a generalised estimating equation model to account for clustering of patients treated by the same clinician and institution, and adjusted for gestational age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, weight, clinician role, and institution. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03396432.Findings: Between June 4, 2018, and Aug 19, 2019, 564 infants were randomly assigned: 282 (50%) to video laryngoscopy and 282 (50%) to direct laryngoscopy. The mean age of infants was 5·5 months (SD 3·3). 274 infants in the video laryngoscopy group and 278 infants in the direct laryngoscopy group were included in the mITT analysis. In the video laryngoscopy group, 254 (93%) infants were successfully intubated on the first attempt compared with 244 (88%) in the direct laryngoscopy group (adjusted absolute risk difference 5·5% [95% CI 0·7 to 10·3]; p=0·024). Severe complications occurred in four (2%) infants in the video laryngoscopy group compared with 15 (5%) in the direct laryngoscopy group (-3·7% [-6·5 to -0·9]; p=0·0087). Fewer oesophageal intubations occurred in the video laryngoscopy group (n=1 [<1%]) compared with in the direct laryngoscopy group (n=7 [3%]; -2·3 [-4·3 to -0·3]; p=0·028).Interpretation: Among anaesthetised infants, using video laryngoscopy with a standard blade improves the first-attempt success rate and reduces complications.Funding: Anaesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, Society for Airway Management, and Karl Storz Endoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Intubation of children in the emergency setting is a high‐risk, low incidence event. Standardisation of clinical practice has been hampered by a lack of high‐quality evidence to support one technique over another. The aim of the present study is to determine clinician preference in intubation practice of children in EDs and ICUs in Australia and New Zealand to provide baseline information to allow future targeted research focused on improving the safety and efficacy of paediatric emergency airway management. Methods: The present study was a voluntary questionnaire undertaken by medical staff at registrar level or above in EDs and ICUs associated with the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) and Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Paediatric Study Group (ANZICS PSG) research networks. Respondents reported on their individual intubation practices, with a focus on pre‐oxygenation and apnoeic oxygenation techniques, and the use of video laryngoscopy. Results: A total of 502 clinicians were invited to complete the survey between May and October 2018 with 336 (66.9%) responded. There was marked variation in practice between ED clinicians and ICU clinicians in the techniques used for pre‐oxygenation, the frequency of use of apnoeic oxygenation and the reported use of video laryngoscopy. Conclusions: Within Australia and New Zealand there is considerable variation in paediatric emergency airway clinical practice, in particular with respect to pre‐oxygenation, apnoeic oxygenation and use of video laryngoscopy. Definitive clinical trials are required to best inform clinical practice in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aim to investigate whether a bundle of changes made to the practice of endotracheal intubation in our ED was associated with an improvement in first pass success rate and a reduction in the incidence of complications. Methods We used a prospective observational study. Results The data on 360 patients who were intubated during an 18-month period following the introduction of these changes were compared with our previously published observational data. Success on first attempt at intubation improved 83.4% to 93.9% ( P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients with one or more complication fell from 29.0% to 19.4% ( P < 0.042). Oesophageal intubation fell from 4.0% to 0.3% ( P < 0.001), and there was a non-significant reduction in the rate of desaturation, from 15.6% to 10.9% ( P < 0.07). Conclusion We have shown that, through the introduction of a bundle of changes that spans the domains of staff training, equipment and practice standardisation, we have made significant improvements in the safety of patients undergoing endotracheal intubation in our ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Neonatal endotracheal intubation is a necessary skill. However, success rates among junior doctors have fallen to <50%, largely owing to declining opportunities to intubate. Videolaryngoscopy allows instructor and trainee to share the view of the pharynx. We compared intubations guided by an instructor watching a videolaryngoscope screen with the traditional method where the instructor does not have this view. METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial at a tertiary neonatal center recruited newborns from February 2013 to May 2014. Eligible intubations were performed orally on infants without facial or airway anomalies, in the delivery room or neonatal intensive care, by doctors with <6 months' tertiary neonatal experience. Intubations were randomized to having the videolaryngoscope screen visible to the instructor or covered (control). The primary outcome was first-attempt intubation success rate confirmed by colorimetric detection of expired carbon dioxide. RESULTS: Two hundred six first-attempt intubations were analyzed. Median (interquartile range) infant gestation was 29 (27 to 32) weeks, and weight was 1142 (816 to 1750) g. The success rate when the instructor was able to view the videolaryngoscope screen was 66% (69/104) compared with 41% (42/102) when the screen was covered (P < .001, OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.54 to 5.17). When premedication was used, the success rate in the intervention group was 72% (56/78) compared with 44% (35/79) in the control group (P < .001, OR 3.2, 95% Cl 1.6 to 6.6). CONCLUSIONS: Intubation success rates of inexperienced neonatal trainees significantly improved when the instructor was able to share their view on a videolaryngoscope screen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify current trends in clinical assessment and management of stress velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in wind musicians. This was an online two-round Delphi survey of health practitioners familiar with assessing and treating musicians with stress VPI. Fourteen specialists (seven otolaryngologists and seven speech-language pathologists) from four countries participated in the Delphi survey. From the first round questionnaire, 32 items were identified as being causes, assessment tools, diagnostic indicators, and treatment methods for stress VPI. The second round questionnaire revealed that prolonged exposure to high intra-oral pressures was important in determining the cause of stress VPI. The most important assessment tools for stress VPI were case history and nasendoscopy. The most important indicator for stress VPI was self-reported symptoms. There was no clear agreement identified on the management methods for stress VPI for musicians. However, the trend followed by most of the survey participants was a combination of conservative management approaches (including rest or watch and wait, speech-language pathology intervention, velopharyngeal muscle training, and changes to the instrument or reed), and then, if symptoms persist, to use injection pharyngoplasty or pharyngeal flap. This survey demonstrates that no standard management protocol currently exists for musicians diagnosed with stress VPI, but provides current trends in the assessment and management which can be used in future guidelines for health professionals who treat wind musicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The present study aims to study whether using a videolaryngoscope ( A.P. Advance™) facilitates or hinders intubation by non-anaesthetists inexperienced in its use. Methods Thirty doctors from Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine backgrounds performed laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation using the Macintosh laryngoscope ( MAC), A.P. Advance™ Normal Blade ( AP N) and A.P. Advance™ Difficult Airway Blade ( AP DAB) in simulated normal and difficult airway manikins. The primary outcomes measured were time to successful tracheal intubation and failure to intubate within 3 min or three attempts. Secondary outcomes were number of intubation attempts, adjuncts used, glottic view and ease of intubation. Results There was a higher rate of failed intubation in the simulated difficult airway in participants using the AP N blade than either the MAC or AP DAB (23% vs 3% and 7%, P = 0.031). This was associated with a longer median time to intubate with the AP N and the AP DAB versus MAC (56.6, 50.2 vs 39.9 s, P = 0.007 and P = 0.041). In the normal airway median time to intubate was longest with the AP N (27.8 s), and this was significantly slower than the MAC (18.1 s, P = 0.003) and the AP DAB (17.3 s, P < 0.001). No one failed to intubate the normal manikin. Conclusions The use of the A.P. Advance™ videolaryngoscope should not be considered, without adequate prior training and experience, in the management of a difficult airway. The level of adequate training has yet to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the hyperangulated McGrath X-blade with the Macintosh-type CMAC videolaryngoscope through the use of manual in-line stabilization on patients. The primary hypothesis was that the McGrath X-blade has a similar first-attempt success rate as the CMAC videolaryngoscope. 210 patients of ASA physical status I to III, aged 21 to 80 years old, undergoing general anesthesia requiring tracheal intubation were prospectively recruited into this two-centre randomized controlled trial, from June 2016 to April 2019. Patients with history of or predicted difficult airway, pre-existing dental risks, BMI > 35 kg/m 2 , cervical spondylosis or myelopathy, aspiration risks, patients who declined to participate or lacked the mental capacity to give consent were excluded. Participants were intubated using either hyperangulated McGrath X-blade (MGX) or Macintosh-type CMAC (CM) videolaryngoscopy, with manual in-line stabilization. Primary outcome measured was first-attempt tracheal intubation success. Secondary outcomes included overall successful intubation within 2 attempts or 120 s, time to intubation, glottic view obtained and intubation-related complications. First-attempt success rates were 71.4% in the MGX group vs. 79.0% in the CM group (p = 0.26), with an absolute difference of -7.6% (95%CI -20%, 5.0%, p value = 0.26), but this trial was underpowered to detect a difference. Overall success was 91.4% (MGX) vs. 92.4% (CM) (p > 0.99). The Cormack & Lehane laryngeal grade was superior in the MGX group compared to CM group (Grade I: MGX 44%, CM 23%; Grade II: MGX 53%, CM 45%; Grade III: MGX 3%, CM 32%; p < 0.001). The median time to intubation using the MGX was longer than the CM [MGX 55.5 s (42.1-78.3), CM 43.8 s (38-55.3); p < 0.001]. Our study did not demonstrate a significant difference in efficacy between the McGrath X-blade and the CMAC videolaryngoscope. In patients with manual in-line stabilization, no anticipated airway difficulty and in the hands of experienced operators, the McGrath X-blade provided superior glottic views but conferred no advantage over the C-MAC, with a longer median time to intubation compared to the CMAC videolaryngoscope.Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12616000668404)., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Objective To describe the practice of endotracheal intubation in the ED of a tertiary hospital in Australia, with particular emphasis on the indication, staff seniority, technique, number of attempts required and the rate of complications. Methods A prospective observational study. Results Two hundred and ninety-five intubations occurred in 18 months. Trauma was the indication for intubation in 30.5% (95% CI 25.3-36.0) and medical conditions in 69.5% (95% CI 64.0-74.5). Emergency physicians were team leaders in 69.5% (95% CI 64.0-74.5), whereas ED registrars or senior Resident Medical Officers made the first attempt at intubation in 88.1% (95% CI 83.9-91.3). Difficult laryngoscopy occurred in 24.0% (95% CI 19.5-29.3) of first attempts, whereas first pass success occurred in 83.4% (95% CI 78.7-87.2). A difficult intubation occurred in 3.4% (95% CI 1.9-6.1) and all patients were intubated orally in five or less attempts. A bougie was used in 30.9% (95% CI 25.8-36.5) of first attempts, whereas a stylet in 37.5% (95% CI 32.1-43.3). Complications occurred in 29.0% (95% CI 23.5-34.1) of the patients, with desaturation the commonest in 15.7% (95% CI 11.9-20.5). Cardiac arrest occurred in 2.2% (95% CI 0.9-4.4) after intubation. No surgical airways were undertaken. Conclusion Although the majority of results are comparable with overseas data, the rates of difficult laryngoscopy and desaturation are higher than previously reported. We feel that this data has highlighted the need for practice improvement within our department and we would encourage all those who undertake emergent airway management to audit their own practice of this high-risk procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the airway management provided by pre hospital personnel and military medics in Australia. Theatre and pre-hospital airway support are operated through video aided laryngoscopy. Far flung deployed medical personnel can afford a lifesaving tool for integration into battlefield care doctrine and algorithms through continued development in ruggedisation and miniaturisation.

Background:Acquired airway stenosis can be challenging to manage endoscopically because of difficult field visualisation, instrument limitations and the risk of laser fire. At our institution, radiofrequency coblation has been successfully used for the resection of subglottic and tracheal stenosis in adults. This paper presents our experience with this technique.Method:A retrospective case note analysis of all cases of airway stenosis in adults from 2007 to 2012 was performed.Results:Ten adult patients underwent coblation resection for airway stenosis. All lesions were classified as McCaffrey stage I (i.e. less than 1 cm long). Causes of stenosis included: idiopathic stenosis (40 per cent), previous tracheostomy (30 per cent) and endotracheal intubation (20 per cent). Six patients (60 per cent) required a single procedure and 4 (40 per cent) required multiple interventions. All patients reported significant improvement in their symptoms following treatment. All patients were alive at the time of writing and none have required open resection.Conclusion:Radiofrequency coblation is an attractive alternative technique for the treatment of idiopathic or acquired airway stenosis in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study is to describe the population of patients receiving emergency airway management outside operating theatres at our institution, a tertiary referral centre in Melbourne. A registry of all patients receiving emergency airway management in the emergency department, ICU and on the wards as part of Medical Emergency Response teams' care, was prospectively collected. There were 128 adults and one paediatric patient requiring emergency airway management recruited to the study. Data for analysis included patient demographics, pre-oxygenation and apnoeic oxygenation, staff, drugs, details of laryngoscopic attempts, adjuncts, airway manoeuvres, complications sustained and method of confirmation of endotracheal tube placement. Over a 12-month period, there were 139 intubations of 129 patients, requiring a total of 169 attempts. Respiratory failure was the most common indication for intubation. Intubation was successful on the first episode of laryngoscopy in 116 (83.5%) patients. Complications occurred in 48 patients. In the cohort of patients without respiratory failure, nasal cannulae apnoeic oxygenation significantly reduced the incidence of hypoxaemia (0 out of 31 [0.0%] versus 10 out of 60 [16.7%], P=0.016; absolute risk reduction 16.7%; number needed to treat: 6). Waveform capnography was used to confirm endotracheal tube placement in 133 patients and there were four episodes of oesophageal intubation, all of which were recognised immediately. In the critical care environment of our institution, emergency airway management is achieved with a first-attempt success rate that is comparable to overseas data. Nasal cannulae apnoeic oxygenation appears to significantly reduce the risk of hypoxaemia in patients without respiratory failure and the use of waveform capnography eliminates episodes of unrecognised oesophageal intubation.