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Objective: Unknown etiology Background: The tip-flexible suctioning ureteral access sheath (TFS-UAS) can be bent under flexible ureteroscopes, which facilitates removal of renal stone segments by irrigation and suctioning effects. Small-scale comparative studies found it safer and more efficacious than traditional UAS. However, complications such as renal abscess were not documented after TFS-UAS combined with digital FURS. Case Report: A 57-year-old woman had right lumbar pain that persisted for 1 year. A plain computed tomography (CT) scan revealed multiple renal pelvicalyceal stones (maximum diameter 20×9 mm). She was admitted to undergo elective surgery with a TFS-UAS combined with digital flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy. The operation was deemed successful and she was given postoperative antibiotics for 2 days before discharge. Eight postoperative days later, she was admitted to the emergency department due to high fever (39.6°C). Plain CT revealed intact double-J stents and no abnormalities. She was readmitted to the urological department to receive antibiotic therapy, which progressed to septic shock (blood pressure 80/50 mmHg) and required immediate transfer to the intensive care unit. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a right renal abscess. She was promptly resuscitated and given stronger antibiotics. She recovered well and was discharged with 2-week oral levofloxacin treatment. Follow-up ultrasound found no renal abscess. Conclusions: While TFS-UAS with digital FURs is an effective approach for multiple renal stones, there is a risk of postoperative renal abscess, possibly due to altered intrarenal pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The retention of gastric contents at surgery presentation is a risk factor for perioperative aspiration. A preoperative fasting (nilper os; NPO) interval is widely used to reduce this risk, but this approach is based on assumptions about the prevalence of typical gastric emptying rates. We assessed NPO guidelines' reliability with ultrasound (US) imaging and suction in pediatric patients presenting for single long‐bone fracture repair after appropriate NPO intervals, when nearly all should have had empty stomachs. Aims and Methods: This prospective cross‐sectional observational study comprised 200 pediatric surgical patients. As their NPO times varied by food/drink type, we defined "weighted NPO units" as the lowest multiple of elapsed recommended NPO times between consumption and surgery for each type of food or drink. We used US to image the stomach and its contents before anesthesia induction, followed by gastric suction. We evaluated the relationships between weighted NPO units, US gastric contents grade, opioid analgesic dosage and timing, and suctioned volume. Results: Despite meeting typical NPO standards (median 14 h fasting), many patients retained nontrivial quantities of gastric contents at surgery. Weighted NPO units did not exhibit statistically‐significant relationships with either suctioned volume or US grade. However, suctioned volume did correspond well to US grade. Conclusion: NPO status may be a less reliable predictor of gastric contents at anesthesia induction in this patient population than has been assumed. Bedside US screening appears to provide more useful information for the planning of airway management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate the existing clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements regarding tracheostomy care for non‐mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: A systematic search of databases, and professional organisations was conducted from inception to 19 March 2023. Two appraisers evaluated each guideline using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (AGREE II) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Text and Opinion Papers. Results: No specific clinical guidelines exist on airway management in non‐mechanically ventilated patients. Of 6318 articles identified, we included 12 clinical practice guidelines, and 9 consensus statements, which were from China, the US, the UK, South Korea, Australia, France and Belgium. The AGREE II scores in six domains are (1) the scope and purpose, 70.30%; (2) stakeholder involvement, 37.61%; (3) rigor of development, 33.97%; (4) clarity of presentation, 68.16%; (5) applicability, 44.23% and (6) editorial independence, 40.06%. The overall quality of evidence was level B. The summarised recommendations for clinical practice encompass the following six areas: airway humidification, management of the trach cuff, management of inner cannula, tracheostoma care, tracheostomy suctioning and management and prevention of common post‐operative complications. Conclusions: The overall quality of the clinical guidelines on non‐ventilated tracheostomy care was moderate, and further improvements are needed in domains of stakeholder involvement, applicability, clarity of presentation and editorial independence. Recommendations on non‐ventilated tracheostomy care are often embedded in the guidelines on ventilated tracheostomy. Specific clinical guidelines are needed to provide a standardised approach to tracheostomy care for non‐ventilated patients. Relevance to clinical practice: Patients with non‐ventilated tracheostomy need specialised airway management. Improving patient outcomes requires standardised protocols, patient involvement, quality evaluation, and interdisciplinary approaches. No patient or public contribution: The study reviewed clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements, therefore patient or public input was not needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To design, develop and validate a new tool, called NEUMOBACT, to evaluate critical care nurses' knowledge and skills in ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter‐related bacteraemia (CRB) prevention through simulation scenarios involving central venous catheter (CVC), endotracheal suctioning (ETS) and mechanically ventilated patient care (PC) stations. Background: Simulation‐based training is an excellent way for nurses to learn prevention measures in VAP and CRB. Design: Descriptive metric study to develop NEUMOBACT and analyse its content and face validity that followed the COSMIN Study Design checklist for patient‐reported outcome measurement instruments. Methods: The first version was developed with the content of training modules in use at the time (NEUMOBACT‐1). Delphi rounds were used to assess item relevance with experts in VAP and CRB prevention measures, resulting in NEUMOBACT‐2. Experts in simulation methods then assessed feasibility, resulting in NEUMOBACT‐3. Finally, a pilot test was conducted among 30 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to assess the applicability of the evaluation tool in clinical practice. Results: Seven national experts in VAP and CRB prevention and seven national simulation experts participated in the analysis to assess the relevance and feasibility of each item, respectively. After two Delphi rounds with infection experts, four Delphi rounds with simulation experts, and pilot testing with 30 ICU nurses, the NEUMOBACT‐FINAL tool consisted of 17, 26 and 21 items, respectively, for CVC, ETS and PC. Conclusion: NEUMOBACT‐FINAL is useful and valid for assessing ICU nurses' knowledge and skills in VAP and CRB prevention, acquired through simulation. Relevance for Clinical Practice: Our validated and clinically tested tool could facilitate the transfer of ICU nurses' knowledge and skills learning in VAP and CRB prevention to critically ill patients, decreasing infection rates and, therefore, improving patient safety. Patient or Public Contribution: Experts participated in the Delphi rounds and nurses in the pilot test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal suctioning causes discomfort, is associated with adverse effects, and is resource-demanding. An artificial secretion removal method, known as an automated cough, has been developed, which applies rapid, automated deflation, and inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff during the inspiratory phase of mechanical ventilation. This method has been evaluated in the hands of researchers but not when used by attending nurses. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of the method over the course of patient management as part of routine care. METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal, interventional study recruited 28 subjects who were intubated and mechanically ventilated. For a maximum of 7 d and on clinical need for endotracheal suctioning, the automatic cough procedure was applied. The subjects were placed in a pressure-regulated ventilation mode with elevated inspiratory pressure, and automated cuff deflation and inflation were performed 3 times, with this repeated if deemed necessary. Success was determined by resolution of the clinical need for suctioning as determined by the attending nurse. Adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 84 procedures were performed. In 54% of the subjects, the artificial cough procedure was successful on > 70% of occasions, with 56% of all procedures considered successful. Ninety percent of all the procedures were performed in subjects who were spontaneously breathing and on pressure-support ventilation with peak inspiratory pressures of 20 cm H2O. Rates of adverse events were similar to those seen in the application of endotracheal suctioning. CONCLUSIONS: This study solely evaluated the efficacy of an automated artificial cough procedure, which illustrated the potential for reducing the need for endotracheal suctioning when applied by attending nurses in routine care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Design Method Results Conclusion Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care Reporting Method Patient or Public Contribution Impact This study evaluates the effects of endotracheal suctioning duration on cerebral oxygenation and physiological parameters in preterm infants in intensive care.Prospective and observational s tudy.In this study, 51 preterm infants born at 28–34 weeks of gestation in NICU were evaluated. Cerebral oxygenation was measured before, during, and after endotracheal suctioning with near‐infrared spectroscopy. Pain levels of the infants were with N‐PASS scale.A negative correlation was found between the lowest cerebral oxygenation value during endotracheal suctioning and the duration of endotracheal suctioning. Cerebral oxygenation levels during endotracheal suctioning were lower than pre‐ and post‐endotracheal suctioning levels. Higher cerebral oxygenation was observed in infants whose endotracheal aspiration time was less than 13 s. The duration of endotracheal suctioning was positively correlated with pain and cerebral oxygenation stabilization time.Prolonged endotracheal suctioning duration negatively affects cerebral oxygenation in preterm infants. The study suggests an optimal endotracheal suctioning duration under 13 s.Properly executed endotracheal suctioning, with the correct technique and knowledge, can alleviate the adverse physiological effects observed in preterm infants and contribute to routine nursing care in intensive care units.This study has been reported in line with STROBE checklists.No patient or public contribution was required to design or undertake this research. Patients contributed only to the data collection.This study contributes to defining the ideal endotracheal aspiration duration, as there is not enough data so far. It showed the effect of prolonged endotracheal aspiration time on cerebral oxygenation, pain and physiological parameters in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the 2015 Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommendations of no routine endotracheal suctioning for nonvigorous neonates on the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and death. We hypothesized that the revised guidelines have not changed the outcome of MAS/death. Study Design This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. We recorded data on nonvigorous neonates born at gestational age > 37 weeks, who were divided into period 1, n = 95 (before the new guidelines, January 1, 2013–December 31, 2015) and prospective period 2, n = 91 (after the implementation of new guidelines, January 1, 2017–December 31, 2020). Primary outcomes included MAS and death. Secondary outcomes included respiratory neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, length of NICU stay, and feeding difficulties. Results No significant differences in the occurrence of MAS (11 vs. 17%) (odds ratio [OR] of 1.46 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–3.55]) or death (1 vs. 3%) (OR of 2.00 [95% CI: 0.18–21.57]) among the two periods were observed. In period 2, there was an increased NICU respiratory admission (37 vs. 61%), with an OR of 2.31 (95% CI: 1.10–4.84). More neonates in period 2 required subsequent intubation for respiratory failure in the delivery room (12 vs. 28%) with an OR of 2.03 (95% CI: 1.02–4.51); p -value of 0.05. Conclusion Our study did not observe a significant difference in the incidence of MAS or death between the two periods since the 2015 guidelines. However, the incidence of NICU respiratory admission increased. Key Points Nonvigorous neonates born through MSAF who did not undergo ET suctioning soon after birth did not have increased incidence of MAS or death, but had increased NICU respiratory admissions. A large Multi-center RCT may give more clear verdict on the outcomes of these newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artificial airways are essential in various clinical settings to maintain a patient's airway and provide necessary support for ventilation and oxygenation. These devices are commonly temporary and come in several types, each serving specific purposes. Understanding the indications, types, and proper care of artificial airways is crucial for health care professionals to ensure patients receive optimal care and prevent complications. Objective: This article aims to review the indications for using artificial airways and discuss the most commonly used types, including supraglottic airway devices, endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes, and laryngectomy tubes. It also provides insights into the procedures involved in intubation and percutaneous tracheostomy and offers guidance on patient management, emphasizing assessment, oral care, suctioning, and humidification for patients with these airway devices. Conclusion: This article underscores the significance of understanding artificial airways, not just as a set of skills but as a commitment to patient welfare. Health care professionals who master the knowledge and care of these devices can significantly contribute to their patients' well-being and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) 2015 gave a weak recommendation based on low certainty of evidence against routine endotracheal (ET) suctioning in non-vigorous (NV) neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and suggested for immediate resuscitation without direct laryngoscopy. A need for ongoing surveillance post policy change has been stressed upon. This study compared the outcomes of NV MSAF neonates before and after implementation of the ILCOR 2015 recommendation. Study Design This was a prospective cohort study of term NV MSAF neonates who underwent immediate resuscitation without ET suctioning (no ET group, July 2018 to June 2019, n = 276) compared with historical control who underwent routine ET suction (ET group, July 2015 to June 2016, n = 271). Results Baseline characteristics revealed statistically significant higher proportion of male gender and small for gestational age neonates in the prospective cohort. There was no significant difference in the incidence of primary outcome of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) between the groups (no ET group: 27.2% vs ET group: 25.1%; p = 0.57). NV MSAF neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) was significantly lesser in the prospective cohort (no ET group: 19.2% vs ET group: 27.3%; p = 0.03). Incidence of air leaks and need for any respiratory support significantly increased after policy change. In NV MSAF neonates with MAS, need for mechanical ventilation (MV) (no ET group: 24% vs ET group: 39.7%; p = 0.04) and mortality (no ET group: 18.7% vs ET group: 33.8%; p = 0.04) were significantly lesser. Conclusion Current study from a developing country indicates that immediate resuscitation and no routine ET suctioning of NV MSAF may not be associated with increased risk of MAS and may be associated with decreased risk of HIE. Increased requirement of any respiratory support and air leak post policy change needs further deliberation. Decreased risk of MV and mortality among those with MAS was observed. Key Points Not performing ET suction in NV MSAF infants is not associated with increase in the incidence of MAS. Initiating immediate resuscitation without ET suctioning was associated with decreased risk of HIE but increased receipt of any respiratory support and air leak. Large multicentric trial is required to generate robust evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) has become the standard of care in pediatric practice. The rationale for the use of a cuffed ETT is to minimize pressure around the cricoid while providing an effective airway seal. However, safe care requires that the cuff lie distal to the cricoid ring following endotracheal intubation. The current study demonstrates the capability of computed tomography (CT) imaging in identifying the position of the cuff of the ETT in intubated patients. Methods: The study included patients ranging in age from 1 month to 10 years who underwent neck and chest CT imaging that required general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. The location of the ETT and of the cuff within the airway was determined from axial CT images at three levels (proximal, middle, and distal). Anatomical orientations were tabulated, and percent chances of each orientation were determined for the ETT and the cuff. Results: The study cohort included 42 patients ranging in age from 1 to 114 months. An ETT with a polyvinylchloride cuff was used in 24 patients, and an ETT with a polyurethane cuff was used in 18 patients. The ETT was located near the posterior wall of the trachea in approximately 24-38% of patients, being most likely to be centrally located at the proximal end and at its mid-portion. The middle part of the cuff was most likely to be positioned in the mid-portion of the trachea but tended to skew anteriorly at both the proximal and distal ends. Conclusion: This is the first study using CT imaging to identify the uniformity of cuff inflation within the trachea in children. With commonly used cuffed ETTs, cuff inflation and the final position of ETT cuff within the tracheal lumen were not uniform. Future investigations are needed to determine the reasons for this asymmetry and its clinical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Music therapy has been used as a complementary intervention to provide synergistic analgesia for various procedures. Objective: To evaluate the effects of natural sound therapy on pain intensity and agitation scores in intubated adult Chinese patients who received endotracheal suctioning in a critical care unit. Methods: A prospective, real-world, randomized, double-blind, controlled study was conducted from July 2021 through February 2022 among intubated surgical intensive care unit patients in a Chinese hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group receiving conventional treatment or an intervention group receiving natural sound therapy plus conventional treatment (50 patients in each group). Patients' pain intensity and agitation levels were analyzed before, during, immediately after, 5 minutes after, and 15 minutes after completion of endotracheal suctioning. Pain intensity was assessed with the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT); agitation was assessed with the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS). Results: According to CPOT scores, patients in the intervention group had significant relief of pain intensity during, immediately after, and 5 minutes after endotracheal suctioning compared with patients in the control group (all P <.001). The RASS scores showed that agitation levels were significant lower in the intervention group than in the control group during (P =.002) and immediately after (P <.001) endotracheal suctioning. Conclusions: In this real-world study, natural sound therapy was part of a holistic bundle of interventions used to reduce pain and agitation in surgical intensive care unit patients during endotracheal suctioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clear amniotic fluid aspiration syndrome (CAF-AS) is a very rare event occurring in 0.25% of our term clear amniotic fluids deliveries. The study's aims were: 1. to characterize the risk factors and outcomes associated with Clear Amniotic Fluid Aspiration Syndrome and 2. to compare the outcomes of Clear Amniotic Fluid Aspiration to Meconium Aspiration. Methods: This was an observational study over a 22-year period in a single level-3 medical center. Compared were parturient/labor characteristics and neonatal outcomes in cases with suspected Clear Amniotic Fluid Aspiration to cases suspected for Meconium Aspiration. Results: Out of 79,620 term deliveries there were 66,705 (83.8%) clear amniotic fluids and 12,915 (16.2%) meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Of neonates born with clear amniotic fluid, 166 (0.25%) were diagnosed with Clear Amniotic Fluid Aspiration Syndrome (CAF-AS), while 202 (15.7%) of those born with MSAF, were diagnosed with aspiration syndrome (MSAF-AS). Both conditions had comparable rates of mild manifestation (67.5% vs 69.2%, p = 0.63). Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) occurred 5 times less in CAF-AS than MSAF-AS (4% vs 20%, OR 0.17, P< 0.0001) Both conditions presented similar rates of surfactant without PPH (11.1% vs 13.4%, p = 0.87). There was 1 postnatal death in CAF-AS vs 10 in MSAF. Conclusion: CAF-AS were quantitatively quite similar in terms of need of actual active intervention of the neonatologists in the delivery room (166 vs 202, i.e. in terms of numbers of cases and not prevalence) to MSAF-AS.We identified in these cases two major specific causes: hyperkinetic explosive deliveries in multiparas and long-lasting episodes of maternal hypotension due to epidural/spinal anaesthesia during labor. Out of 140 million births per year in the world, it should be of concern that 3 million cases are neglected nowadays. Future studies should evaluate if this CAF-AS should benefit from a more active intervention such as immediate endotracheal suction at birth, this clear fluid being very easy to suction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This scoping review was conducted to summarise and map studies on pain resulting from endotracheal suctioning in paediatric intensive care patients. Method: This scoping review conducted in June 2022 was performed by screening articles published in English. Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, MedLine and Ovid databases were used for screening. The keywords 'endotracheal suctioning', 'pain', 'paediatric intensive care' and their synonyms were used in the search. Results: During the review, 280 articles were accessed, and the full texts of 14 articles were evaluated for suitability. After some of the articles were excluded from the study, abstracts of nine articles were given below. Conclusion: It is recommended that a greater number of randomised controlled studies should be conducted, because the number of studies with a high level of evidence on the effect of endotracheal suctioning on the pain levels of patients in the paediatric intensive care unit is very few. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endotracheal aspirates (ETAs) are widely used for microbiologic studies of the respiratory tract in intubated patients. However, they involve sampling through an established endotracheal tube using suction catheters, both of which can acquire biofilms that may confound results. Does standard clinical ETA in intubated patients accurately reflect the authentic lower airway bacterial microbiome? Comprehensive quantitative bacterial profiling using 16S rRNA V1-V2 gene sequencing was applied to compare bacterial populations captured by standard clinical ETA vs contemporaneous gold standard samples acquired directly from the lower airways through a freshly placed sterile tracheostomy tube. The study included 13 patients undergoing percutaneous tracheostomy following prolonged (median, 15 days) intubation. Metrics of bacterial composition, diversity, and relative quantification were applied to samples. Pre-tracheostomy ETAs closely resembled the gold standard immediate post-tracheostomy airway microbiomes in bacterial composition and community features of diversity and quantification. Endotracheal tube and suction catheter biofilms also resembled cognate ETA and fresh tracheostomy communities. Unbiased molecular profiling shows that standard clinical ETA sampling has good concordance with the authentic lower airway microbiome in intubated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endotracheal suctioning is an essential but labor-intensive procedure, with the risk of serious complications. A brand new automatic closed-suction device was developed to alleviate the workload of healthcare providers and minimize those complications. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of the automatic suction system in mechanically ventilated patients with pneumonia. In this multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority, investigator-initiated trial, mechanically ventilated patients with pneumonia were randomized to the automatic device (intervention) or conventional manual suctioning (control). The primary efficacy outcome was the change in the modified clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) in 3 days. Secondary outcomes were the frequency of additional suctioning and the amount of secretion. Safety outcomes included adverse events or complications. A total of 54 participants, less than the pre-determined number of 102, were enrolled. There was no significant difference in the change in the CPIS over 72 h (−0.13 ± 1.58 in the intervention group, −0.58 ± 1.18 in the control group, p = 0.866), but the non-inferiority margin was not satisfied. There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes and safety outcomes, with a tendency for more patients with improved tracheal mucosal injury in the intervention group. The novel automatic closed-suction system showed comparable efficacy and safety compared with conventional manual suctioning in mechanically ventilated patients with pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of anti-infectives such as linezolid is routinely performed in blood of intensive care unit (ICU) patients to optimize target attainment. However, the concentration at the site of infection is considered more important for a successful therapy. Until now, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is the gold standard to measure intrapulmonary concentrations of anti-infective agents. However, it is an invasive method and unsuitable for regular TDM. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to investigate whether it is possible to reliably determine the intrapulmonary concentration of linezolid from endotracheal aspiration (ENTA). Methods: Intubated ICU patients receiving 600 mg intravenous linezolid twice daily were examined in steady state. First, preliminary experiments were performed in six patients to investigate which patients are suitable for linezolid measurement in ENTA. In a second step, trough and peak linezolid concentrations of plasma and ENTA were determined in nine suitable patients. Results: Linezolid can validly be detected in ENTA with viscous texture and > 0.5 mL volume. The mean (SD) linezolid trough concentration was 2.02 (1.27) mg/L in plasma and 1.60 (1.36) mg/L in ENTA, resulting in a median lung penetration rate of 104%. The mean (SD) peak concentration in plasma and ENTA was 10.77 (5.93) and 4.74 (2.66) mg/L. Conclusions: Linezolid can validly be determined in ENTA with an adequate texture and volume. The penetration rate is comparable to already published BAL concentrations. This method might offer a simple and non-invasive method for TDM at the site of infection "lung". Due to promising results of the feasibility study, comparison of ENTA and BAL in the same patient should be investigated in a further trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New suction endoscopes, ureteral access sheaths (UAS) and catheters aim to improve the efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy and optimize its safety. Suction UAS with non-flexible tips have shown promising results, especially in maintaining low intrarenal pressure, but also in removing small debris and reducing the "snow globe" effect. In addition, suctioning UAS with a flexible tip offers the advantage of being able to be navigated through the pyelocaliceal system to where the laser lithotripsy is performed. It can also remove small stone fragments when the flexible ureteroscope is retracted, using the Venturi effect. Direct in-scope suction (DISS) involves aspirating dust and small stone debris through the working channel of a flexible ureteroscope, thus regulating intrarenal pressure and improving visibility. Steerable aspiration catheters are other devices designed to increase stone clearance of the pyelocaliceal system. They are inserted under fluoroscopic guidance into every calyx after retraction of the flexible ureteroscope, alternating irrigation and aspiration to remove dust and small gravels. Combining flexible-tip suction UAS and the DISS technique may offer some advantages worth evaluating. The advantage of using these instruments to achieve a low intrarenal pressure was demonstrated. The true practical impact on the long-term stone-free status is a matter requiring further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endotracheal suctioning in intubated or tracheotomized critically ill patients is a daily task of various professional groups in intensive and emergency medicine; however, a German language summary of current evidence is lacking. Objective: The aim is to develop a narrative overview of current evidence on endotracheal suctioning of intubated or tracheotomized patients in the clinical setting. Material and methods: A literature search was conducted in the databases Cinahl, Cochrane Library, Livivo, and Medline via PubMed by nurses with an academic degree. In addition, a hand search and applying the snowball principle were performed. Following a successful critical appraisal, all English and German language publications addressing endotracheal suctioning in the context of hospital care were included. Results: A total of 23 full texts were included. After developing 6 main topics on endotracheal suction 19 articles were considered in the reporting. The results showed, among others, that routine deep suctioning once per shift is contraindicated and that the catheter should be advanced no more than 0.5–1 cm beyond the distal end of the tube or tracheal cannula. Closed suction catheters offer advantages, especially for staff protection, although studies are heterogeneous. Further training of staff is obligatory. Conclusion: Few conclusive studies on endotracheal suction could be found; however, with the available evidence initial conclusions can be drawn which should be considered in, for example, internal standard operating procedures. Further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonates in intensive care units often require endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. During this intubation procedure, a stylet is frequently used along with an endotracheal tube. Despite the widespread use of a stylet, it is still not known whether its use increases the intubation success rate. This study examined the association between stylet use and the intubation success rate in surgical neonates. Methodology: This single‐center study was conducted between December 2021 and December 2022 in the Neonatal surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary care center in Northern India. Infants were randomized to have the endotracheal intubation procedure performed using either an endotracheal tube alone or with a stylet. The primary outcome of the study was to assess the successful first‐attempt neonatal endotracheal intubation rate with and without using a stylet. Apart from the rate of successful intubation, the duration of the intubation and complications during the intubation procedures as measured by bradycardia, desaturation episodes, and local trauma were also recorded. Both groups were thus compared on above mentioned outcomes. Results: The total number of neonates enrolled were 200, and the overall success rate (81% in the stylet group vs. 73% in the non‐stylet group) was not statistically significant. Intubation time was however less, when stylet was used (16.2 ± 4.3 vs. 17.5 ± 5.0 s, p =.046). When the endotracheal tube size was 3 or less, the success rate was substantially higher in the stylet group (80%) than the non‐stylet group (63%), p =.03. No statistical difference was recorded for bleeding and local trauma, though the esophageal intubation rate was higher when intubation was attempted without the stylet. Conclusion: Endotracheal intubation using a stylet did not significantly improve the success rate of the procedure, however, intubation time significantly varied between groups and in different conditions. The rigidity and curvature provided by the stylet may facilitate the process of intubation when smaller caliber endotracheal tubes are used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Open respiratory secretion suctioning with a catheter causes pain and tracheobronchial mucosal injury in intubated patients. The goal of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is to move secretions proximally and noninvasively by generating a high peak expiratory air flow. Nebulized hypertonic saline with hyaluronic acid (HS-HA) may facilitate suctioning by hydration. We assessed the safety and tolerance of a single session of airway clearance with MI-E and HS-HA in critically ill intubated patients. METHODS: Adults with a cuffed artificial airway were randomized to (1) open suctioning, (2) open suctioning after HS-HA, (3) MI-E, or (4) MI-E with HS-HA. Adverse events, pain and sedation/agitation scores, and respiratory and hemodynamic variables were collected before, during, and 5-min and 60-min post intervention. RESULTS: One-hundred twenty subjects were enrolled and completed the study. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 22 (16--28); median (IQR) age was 69.0 (57.0--75.7) y, and 90 (75%) were male. Baseline respiratory and hemodynamic variables were comparable. Adverse events occurred in 30 subjects (25%), with no between-group differences. Behavioral pain equivalents and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale were higher during suctioning in groups 1 (P < .001) and 2 (P < .001). Independent predictive variables for higher pain and agitation/sedation scores were study groups 1 and 2 and simultaneous analgosedation, respectively. Noradrenaline infusion rates were lower at 60 min in groups 2 and 4. PaO2/FIO2 had decreased at 5 min after open suctioning in group 1 and increased at 60 min in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: We observed no difference in adverse events. MI-E avoids pain and agitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The mnemonic learning method is a systematic approach that helps nursing students memorize new information more effectively, productively, and easily by connecting new information with existing information and exploring unfamiliar information through visual images or combinations of letters and words. While mnemonics can help students remember specific information, it is essential to examine how well they facilitate the transfer of learning to real-world nursing practice. Aim. To investigate the effect of the mnemonic learning strategy on critical care nursing students' tracheal suction skill acquisition and learning satisfaction. Methods. A quasi-experimental research design was used. A total of 280 second-year nursing students enrolled in critical care and emergency nursing courses were recruited. These students were assigned to study and control groups. The study group used a mnemonic learning strategy to recall the steps involved in the tracheal suction procedure, while the control group used the traditional learning strategy. Two tools were used for data collection: the tracheal suction procedure checklist and learning satisfaction scale. Comparisons between both groups regarding their performance and satisfaction scores were done. Results. Performance scores regarding the tracheal suction procedure were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group in the 5th, 6th, and 10th weeks (P < 0.001 , <0.001, and <0.001). A total of 70.6% of the participants in the study group reported high satisfaction using the mnemonic learning experience. Conclusion. Using a mnemonic learning strategy with critical care nursing students was effective. Participants in the study group exhibited improvement in their tracheal suction procedure scores over time. Critical care nursing students reported higher levels of learning satisfaction with the mnemonic learning method than with the traditional method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We developed an augmented reality technology‐based endotracheal aspiration simulation tool (the AR tool) consisting of three modes: a mode for nursing students to learn endotracheal aspiration by themselves (learning mode); a mode for repeated practice (practice mode); and a mode for confirmation testing (test mode). This study aimed to compare the learning outcomes of the AR tool with traditional training mannequins and identify potential uses and improvements of the AR tool. Methods: We invited students, and faculty members from the three universities who agreed to cooperate in conducting this study. Fifty‐four students and nine faculty members agreed to participate in this study. The students were divided into two groups. One group was to study with the AR tool and the other group was to study with the traditional half‐body training mannequin for suction. The students in both groups were asked to demonstrate endotracheal aspiration on another full‐body type training mannequin which could be used as a patient with a tracheostomy (Skill test). Group interviews with faculty members focused on the topic of the AR tool's potential use in nursing education and improvement needed. Results: There was little significant difference in the skill test results of endotracheal aspiration of students in both groups. The students and faculty members both expressed an interest in the AR tool. They said it was suitable for self‐study of endotracheal aspiration. Conclusions: This AR tool is an effective teaching tool for learning the sequence of endotracheal suctioning, although there are some areas that need improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The practical sessions during skills laboratory simulation or clinical simulation are cores of nursing education. For this, different modalities have been devised to facilitate psychomotor skills learning. One of the commonly used educational material or instructional method to supplement skills learning across various disciplines is video-based teaching method. The opportunities of traditional two-dimensional video might be limitless and maximized with 360º virtual reality (VR) video, which offers immersive experience. This study incorporates 360º VR video into skills laboratory training as an alternative approach to face-to-face procedure demonstration. Methods: An open-label, parallel (1:1), randomized controlled trial study was conducted among third-year undergraduate nursing students at Hiroshima University, Japan. The nursing students were block-randomized into 360º VR video and face-to-face demonstration group. After a 3-hour theoretical class of patient management on ventilator and closed-suction principles of mechanically ventilated patients in an Intensive Care Unit focused class, the 360º VR group watched the 360º VR video of closed tracheal suction (including oral) using the head-mounted display of Meta Quest 2 individually, while the face-to-face group attended the instructor's demonstration. A week after the skills laboratory, the students' psychomotor skills, knowledge, satisfaction, confidence were evaluated; the 360º VR video group's perception was explored; Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the two groups. Results: A total of 57 students were analyzed; 27 students in the 360º VR video group and 30 students in face-to-face group. There were no statistically significant differences between both groups in skills, knowledge, and confidence. However, the face-to-face group had higher satisfaction level than the 360º VR group; this difference was statistically significant. In the 360º VR video group, 62% agreed that VR makes learning more interesting; more than half of students (62.5%) experienced VR sickness symptoms, and "feeling of drunk" is the highest. The students appreciated the ready to use, immersiveness, and realism; however, symptoms and discomfort, burdensomeness, and production limitations were improvements recommended. Conclusion: Although face-to-face demonstration is the established method of teaching psychomotor skills to nursing students, the use of 360º VR video could achieve similar learning effect as an alternative approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Pain assessment and management are an important issue to ensure the comfort of patients in the intensive care unit, and reducing pain is an important nursing intervention. Therefore, it is important to evaluate pain correctly. For correct pain management, it is necessary to correctly determine the presence and severity of pain. The studywas conducted to determine whether endotracheal suctioning was painless and whether the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) was an accurate assessment tool to assess pain during endotracheal suctioning. Methods: This study is a prospective clinical study. Thirty-two patients were endotracheal suctioned using the same technique by the same person, and their before-procedure BPS and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded. The study was conducted in the anesthesia and reanimation intensive care unit of a university hospital between December 12, 2020, and April 14, 2021. Results: The before-procedure BPS and VAS scores indicated no pain. There was an increase in the procedure BPS score, whereas the VAS score did not change. Conclusions: Endotracheal suctioning did not cause pain in conscious patients when the procedure was performed with the correct catheter in accordancewith the guideline. In addition, it can be said that BPS is not sufficient to evaluate pain, but the reason for its high level is because endotracheal suctioning is an uncomfortable procedure. Of course, more studies and further studies are needed for a clear result. It is important for health care professionals to relieve or reduce the pain of patients during the endotracheal aspiration procedure. In addition, the presence and severity of pain associated with the endotracheal aspiration procedure should be accurately measured.. This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the IDNCT04634474. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition of Army Combat Medic Specialists (Military Occupational Specialty Code: 68W) from military to civilian emergency medical services (EMS) is challenging, and the pathway is not clearly defined. Our objective was to evaluate the current military requirements for 68W and how they compare to the 2019 EMS National Scope of Practice Model (SoPM) for the civilian emergency medical technician (EMT) and advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT). This was a cross-sectional evaluation of the 68W skill floor as defined by the Soldier's Manual and Trainer's Guide Healthcare Specialist and Medical Education and Demonstration of Individual Competence in comparison to the 2019 SoPM, which categorizes EMS tasks into seven skill categories. Military training documents were reviewed and extracted for specific information on military scope of practice and task-specific training requirements. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Army 68Ws were noted to perform all (59/59) tasks that coincide with the EMT SoPM. Further, Army 68W practiced above scope in the following skill categories: airway/ventilation (3 tasks); medication administration route (7 tasks); medical director approved medication (6 tasks); intravenous initiation maintenance fluids (4 tasks); and miscellaneous (1 task). Army 68W perform 96% (74/77) of tasks aligned with the AEMT SoPM, excluding tracheobronchial suctioning of an intubated patient, end-tidal CO2 monitoring or waveform capnography, and inhaled nitrous oxide monitoring. Additionally, the 68W scope included six tasks that were above the SoPM for AEMT; airway/ventilation (2 tasks); medication administration route (2 tasks); and medical director approved medication (2 tasks). The scope of practice of U.S. Army 68W Combat Medics aligns well with the civilian 2019 Scope of Practice Model for EMTs and AEMTs. Based on the comparative scope of practice analysis, transitioning from Army 68W Combat Medic to civilian AEMT would require minimal additional training. This represents a promising potential workforce to assist with EMS workforce challenges. Although aligning the scope of practice is a promising first step, future research is needed to assess the relationship of Army 68Ws training with state licensure and certification equivalency to facilitate this transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation for airway management allows for acquaintance with new devices and techniques. Endotracheal intubation (ETI), most commonly performed with direct laryngoscopy (DL) or video laryngoscopy (VLS), can be achieved also with combined laryngo-bronchoscopy intubation (CLBI). Finally, an articulating video stylet (ProVu) has been recently introduced. A single-center observational cross-sectional study was performed in a normal simulated airway scenario comparing DL, VLS-Glidescope, VLS-McGrath, CLBI and ProVu regarding the success rate (SR) and corrected time-to-intubation (cTTI, which accounts for the SR). Up to three attempts/device were allowed (maximum of 60 s each). Forty-two consultants with no experience with ProVu participated (15 ± 9 years after training completion). The DL was significantly faster (cTTI) than all other devices (p = 0.033 vs. VLSs, and p < 0.001 for CLBI and Provu), no differences were seen between the two VLSs (p = 0.775), and the VLSs were faster than CLBI and ProVu. Provu had a faster cTTI than CLBI (p = 0.004). The DL and VLSs showed similar SRs, and all the laryngoscopes had a higher SR than CLBI and ProVu at the first attempt. However, by the third attempt, the SR was not different between the DL/VLSs and ProVu (p = 0.241/p = 0.616); ProVu was superior to CLBI (p = 0.038). In consultants with no prior experience, ProVu shows encouraging results compared to DL/VLSs under simulated normal airway circumstances and further studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alveoli tend to collapse in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Endotracheal aspiration may increase alveolar collapse due to the loss of end-expiratory lung volume (EELV). We aimed to compare the loss of EELV after open and closed suction in patients with ARDS. Methods: This randomized crossover study included 20 patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for ARDS. Open and closed suction were applied in a random order. Lung impedance was measured using electric impedance tomography. The change in end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) end of suction and at 1, 10, 20, and 30 min after suction, was used to represent the change in EELV. Arterial blood gas analyses and ventilatory parameters such as the plateau pressure (Pplat), driving pressure (Pdrive), and compliance of the respiratory system (CRS) were also recorded. Results: Less volume loss was noted after closed suction than after open suction (mean ΔEELI: -2661 ± 1937 vs. -4415 ± 2363; mean difference: -1753, 95% CI [-2662, -844], P = 0.001). EELI returned to baseline 10 min after closed suction but did not return to baseline even 30 min after open suction. After closed suction, the Pplat and Pdrive decreased while the CRS increased. Conversely, the Pplat and Pdrive increased while the CRS decreased after open suction. Conclusions: Endotracheal aspiration may result in alveolar collapse due to loss of EELV. Given that closed suction is associated with less volume loss at end-expiration without worsening ventilatory parameters, it should be chosen over open suction in patients with ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pneumoperitoneum is a surgical technique used in abdominal surgery, often involving general anesthesia. It can cause a transient sympathetic response, increased plasma catecholamines and vasopressin levels, and increased intra-abdominal pressure, potentially causing hypertension and tachycardia. Various pharmacological agents have been attempted to mitigate this response, but none have been found ideal. This study compares dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate in pneumoperitoneum. Methods: The study at Burdwan Medical College examined the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate infusion in reducing stress during laparoscopic surgical procedures over a 1.5-year period. Results: The study analyzed 35 patients' changes after following the protocol, using Pearson's Chi Square test and Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical software SPSS version 20 was used, with an alpha level of 5% and p value less than 0.05 considered significant. Discussion: Pneumoperitoneum, a surgical technique causing hypertension and tachycardia, can be mitigated using various pharmacological agents. Dexmedetomidine, a selective a2 adrenergic agonist, provides hemodynamic stability and reduces pressor response. Magnesium sulphate, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, attenuates reflexes and vasodilation. Both drugs are equally effective in decreasing blood pressure in response to laryngoscopy and intubation. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate infusions effectively reduce stress during endotracheal intubation and pneumoperitoneum without adverse effects, maintaining heart rate and arterial pressure, and taking longer for patients in Group D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic surgeries are routinely performed because it's minimally invasive and early recovery for patients. The preferred mode of anesthesia is general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube (ETT). The creation of the pneumoperitoneum and various positions cause cuff pressure (CP) changes. Aims and Objectives: We aim to study the CP changes and post-operative complications related to it. The secondary objective was to observe the post-operative complications such as sore throat, hoarseness of voice, and blood-streaked expectoration after extubation at 12 h, and at the time of discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty patients undergoing elective open abdominal and laparoscopic surgeries were enrolled. Three groups (open abdominal [group A], n=50; lap head up [group B], n=50; and lap head down [group C], n=50) were compared for CP changes before and after pneumoperitoneum and position change. CP changes and post-operative complications were recorded and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19. Results: Mean differences in CP after intubation at 5 min were similar in all three groups. At 45 min onward, the mean CP in group C was found to be elevated and continued to increase till the end of surgery. However, at 90 min, group B also showed some increase in CP. There was a mild increase in CP in groups B and A. The mean difference between groups was found to be remarkable. During the post-operative period, there were 0.7% and 3.3% of cases with throat pain in group B and group C, and 2% of patients in group C had blood streak expectoration. Conclusion: In laparoscopic surgery, especially in a head-down position, a considerable increase in CP is associated with postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors comment on a study published within the issue which is a life-cycle analysis (LCA) of closed versus open suction systems and the environmental footprint of each. Cited are the how the comparison of sustainability makes the study unique, the significance of prioritizing circular economy, based on reuse materials in the prevention of illnesses, and the strengths and limitations of the study.

The article presents a life-cycle analysis of closed versus open suction systems and the environmental footprint of each in invasively ventilated critically ill patients. Cited are the life-cycle assessment methodology used to evaluate the environmental impact of the systems, findings which illustrate how an LCA can inform decisions regarding the selection of disposable equipment, and the strengths and limitations of the study.

Background: Endotracheal suctioning has a significant impact on the physiological indices, and it is one of the most common interventions in mechanically ventilated patients that can impact the endotracheal tube cuff pressure. Aim: The current study aimed to investigate the effect of shallow versus deep suctioning techniques on endotracheal cuff pressure measurements and physiological indices among patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Design: Quasi-experimental study design. Setting: This study was conducted at both Anesthesia Intensive Care Unit and Traumatology and Emergency Medicine Intensive Care Unit in Tanta Emergency Hospital affiliated to Tanta University Hospitals. Subjects: A purposive sampling of 100 adult patients from previously mentioned setting. Tools: Three tools were used to obtain necessary data for this study: Tool I: Mechanically ventilated patient assessment tool, tool II: Endotracheal cuff pressure measurements schedule. Tool III: Physiological indices assessment. Results: there was a decrease in ETT cuff pressure after suctioning compared to pre suctioning in both groups. Also, SBP increased immediately after suctioning among both groups, then returned to the previous range after 10 minutes of suctioning. On the other hand, significant differences were noticed regarding MAP, HR, and SpO2 only in the deep suctioning group with P<0.05. Conclusion: It can be concluded that deep endotracheal suctioning is more effective in removing secretions and improving SpO2. Meanwhile, it may induce higher variations in hemodynamic parameters and tube cuff pressure than shallow endotracheal suctioning. Recommendations: CCNs are recommended to perform ETT suctioning using the shallow method while deep suctioning should be used only if indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unhoused patients face significant barriers to receiving health care in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. For unhoused patients with heart failure who are in extremis, there is a lack of data regarding in‐hospital outcomes and resource utilization in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS). Hypothesis: Unhoused patients hospitalized with CS have increased mortality and decreased use of invasive therapies as compared to housed patients. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried from 2011 to 2019 for relevant ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 codes to identify unhoused patients with an admission diagnosis of CS. Baseline characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes between patients were compared. Binary logistic regression was used to adjust outcomes for prespecified and significantly different baseline characteristics (p <.05). Results: We identified a weighted sample of 1 202 583 adult CS hospitalizations, of whom 4510 were unhoused (0.38%). There was no significant difference in the comorbidity adjusted odds of mortality between groups. Unhoused patients had lower odds of receiving mechanical circulatory support, left heart catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention, or pulmonary artery catheterization. Unhoused patients had higher adjusted odds of infectious complications, undergoing intubation, or requiring restraints. Conclusions: These data suggest that, despite having fewer traditional comorbidities, unhoused patients have similar mortality and less access to more aggressive care than housed patients. Unhoused patients may experience under‐diuresis, or more conservative care strategies, as evidenced by the higher intubation rate in this population. Further studies are needed to elucidate long‐term outcomes and investigate systemic methods to ameliorate barriers to care in unhoused populations. Key points: Unhoused patients hospitalized with cardiogenic shock (CS) have fewer traditional comorbidities however similar in‐hospital outcomes compared to housed patients.Unhoused patients with CS receive left and right heart catheterization and mechanical circulatory support less frequently than housed patients, however, undergo endotracheal intubation with greater frequency.A multidisciplinary approach along with strong community partnerships may result in improved access to care for this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endotracheal suctioning (ETS) is one of the most frequently performed invasive procedures in intensive care units (ICUs). This audit was aimed at studying current practices and knowledge regarding ETS in the Indian critical care setup, with the background aim of raising awareness regarding correct practices as per current recommendations in critically ill patients. Materials and methods: After registering the trial with the clinical trial registry, India, a structured audit questionnaire containing 20 questions pertaining to ETS was distributed through electronic media among resident doctors working in the ICUs across India. Responses received were statistically analyzed. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 530 clinicians, of which only 200 (37.73%) responded. The audit revealed that only 22% respondents set the maximum negative pressure every time before suctioning, on the suction apparatus and only 32% said they would choose a catheter size of less than half the internal diameter of the endotracheal tube (ETT). About 90% of the respondents did not routinely do any form of documentation of the ETS. Almost 72% of the responders opined that closed suction systems reduce the chances of developing ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP). Only 46% of respondents thought that no solution should be routinely instilled in ETT during ETS. Conclusion: There is lack of awareness regarding frequency and technique of ETS, infection control and monitoring required during ETS. Institutional protocols should be in place to follow correct guidelines for performing ETS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endotracheal intubation can elicit significant hemodynamic responses, necessitating effective management to reduce potential complications. This study compared the efficacy of Fentanyl and Nalbuphine in attenuating these responses. Methods: A total of 100 patients undergoing endotracheal intubation were randomized into two groups, receiving either Fentanyl or Nalbuphine. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure, rate pressure product, and oxygen saturation were measured at various time points pre- and post-intubation. Results: Nalbuphine significantly reduced heart rate from 3 minutes post-intubation (p<0.05), and was more effective in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p as low as 0.0001). Mean arterial pressure was better managed with Nalbuphine, particularly noticeable from 3 minutes onward (p<0.05). Rate pressure product was consistently lower in the Nalbuphine group, starting from 1 minute post-intubation (p<0.05). Oxygen saturation levels remained stable and comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Nalbuphine showed superior efficacy in attenuating the hemodynamic responses to endotracheal intubation compared to Fentanyl. Its significant impact on heart rate and blood pressure control, without compromising respiratory function, suggests it as a preferable alternative in clinical anesthesia practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When noninvasive interventions such as chest physiotherapy fail, then more aggressive interventions for airway secretion clearance with nasotracheal airway suctioning may be required. Clinicians however have to insert the nasotracheal suction catheter "blindly" and the success of being able to trigger a cough and pass through the vocal folds with a suction catheter is low. The patient, a 48-year-old male underwent a heart and lung transplant. Following extubation, the patient developed secretion retention with a weak ineffective cough and swallow and required physiotherapy interventions with frequent "blind" passes of nasotracheal suctioning. The patient required nasotracheal suction with frequent multiple failed attempts before successful passage of the suction catheter to trigger a cough reflex and clear secretions. A combined physiotherapist and speech and language therapist intervention during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES) was recorded to both evaluate swallow and passage of the suction catheter. The video illustrated the successful passage of a suctioning catheter through the vocal folds leading to an effective cough and airway clearance. We present a case report demonstrating that it is feasible to visualize the upper airways during nasotracheal suctioning as an objective means to guide the more accurate successful insertion of the suction catheter past the vocal folds. Rather than "blind" placement of nasotracheal suction catheters visualization using transnasal laryngoscopy should be useful to increase chances of passing through the vocal folds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endotracheal intubation is a potentially lifesaving procedure. Previously, data demonstrated that intubation remains the most performed airway intervention in the Role 1 setting. Additionally, deployed data demonstrate that casualties intubated in the prehospital setting have worse survival than those intubated in the emergency department setting. Technological solutions may improve intubation success in this setting. Certain intubation practices, including the use of endotracheal tube introducer bougies, facilitate intubation success especially in patients with difficult airways. We sought to determine the current state of the market for introducer devices. Materials and Methods: This market review utilized Google searches to find products for intubation. The search criteria aimed to identify any device ideal for intubation in the emergency setting. Device data retrieved included manufacturer, device, cost, and design descriptions. Results: We identified 12 introducer-variants on the market. Devices varied with regards to composition (latex, silicone, polyethylene, combination of several materials, etc.), tip shape, special features for ease of intubation (markings for depth and visibility, size, etc.), disposability/reuse capability, measurements, and prices. The cost of each device ranged from approximately $5 to $100. Conclusions: We identified 12 introducer-variants on the market. Clinical studies are necessary to determine which devices may improve patient outcomes in the Role 1 setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endotracheal intubation requires the use of medications that are safer than suxamethonium and have the following benefits: early onset, extended duration, steady hemodynamic parameter, minimal adverse effects, and favourable intubating circumstances are necessary to achieve muscle relaxation. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the intubating circumstances and cardiovascular effects of rocuronium to those of vecuronium and suxamethonium. Methods: Based on the muscle relaxant used during intubation--Group I received 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium, Group II received 1.5 mg/kg suxamethonium, and Group III received 0.08 mg/kg vecuronium--a total of 120 participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups, each consisting of 40 subjects. 0.2 mg of glycopyrrolate was administered as a premedication, and 4-5 mg/kg of thiopentone sodium 2.5% was utilised as an anaesthetic agent. Vecuronium was also injected intermittently. Fasciculations, cardiovascular reaction, limb movement, coughing, vocal cord movement and position, jaw relaxation, and apnea start were among the parameters evaluated. Results: Group I saw a longer onset than Group II, but a lower one than Group III. Group II had fasciculation while Group I and III did not. Group III had better intubating circumstances. No subject from any group had any complications. Conclusion: The current investigation suggests that, in situations of tracheal intubation involving people who do not require a quick spontaneous breathing return, rocuronium is a safe and effective substitute for suxamethonium. As a result, it can serve as a bridge between suxamethonium and non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs, making it the perfect neuromuscular agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Intraoral oxygen pooling during dental sedation, especially using supplemental oxygen, is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous perioperative fire. The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the effectiveness of intraoral suctioning for reducing oxygen pooling to safe levels during a simulated dental procedure. Methods: Phase one: Twenty trials were completed for each of the three suctioning devices: high-volume evacuation (HVE), fixed tip saliva ejector (SE), and Yankauer suction (YS). Phase two: Twenty trials were completed for each of three suctioning scenarios: no suctioning and continuous suctioning for the HVE and SE. Results: In phase one, the slope for change (decrease) in oxygen during suction was significantly larger for SE than HVE (P<0.001) and YS (P<0.001), but for HVE and YS were not significantly different. Mean oxygen levels during suction were significantly higher for SE than HVE (P<0.001) and YS (P<0.001). In phase two, oxygen increased faster for no suction than for SE and HVE (P<0.001) and increased faster for SE than HVE (P<0.001). Mean oxygen levels were significantly lower for HVE than for SE (P<0.001) and no suction (P<0.001), and significantly lower for SE than no suction (P<0.001). Conclusion: All three devices were effective for reducing intraoral oxygen concentration to acceptable levels during the procedure. The HVE was the most effective suction device for rapidly evacuating pooled intraoral oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevention and treatment of pain may positively influence mechanical ventilation, physiological indicators and the use of analgesic drugs, and the mortality rate. Depending on invasive procedures, intubated patients experience varying levels of pain and may have various responses to pain. Aim: The present study aimed to define pain behaviors and hemodynamic parameters and to examine the effects of endotracheal suctioning and invasive procedures on hemodynamic parameters and pain behaviors in adult intensive care patients. Methods: The study was conducted using a descriptive-observational design. Each patient was observed during 1 suctioning and 2 different invasive procedures (3 observations). Researchers observed each patient during one suctioning procedure and 2 invasive procedures (intra-arterial catheter insertion, nasogastric tube application, subcutaneous injection, or intravenous catheter insertion). The pain behaviors and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated 4 times in total (before the procedure, during the procedure, 5 minutes, and 15 minutes after the procedure). The observation results were recorded. Results: Statistically significant differences were detected in hemodynamic parameters (i.e. blood pressure, pulse rate, saturation) observed before, during, and after the suctioning (p < .05). The sample consisted of 66 intubated patients treated at the intensive care unit. Behavioral Pain Scale scores increased during the suctioning and invasive procedures compared to pre-suctioning. Nasogastric tube insertion, intra-arterial catheter insertions, and intravenous injection applications were the most painful interventions, respectively. Concluson: The intensive care patients must be monitored closely for pain indicators and hemodynamic changes during invasive procedures. Especially nasogastric tube insertion and injection applications must be performed carefully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate delivery room airway suctioning and associated short-term outcomes in depressed infants. Methods: This is a single-centre prospective observational study of transcribed video recordings of preterm (gestational age, GA < 37 weeks) and term (GA ≥ 37 weeks) infants with a 5 min Apgar score ≤ 7. We analysed the association between airway suctioning, breathing, bradycardia and prolonged resuscitation (≥10 min). For comparison, non-suctioned infants with a 5 min Apgar score ≤ 7 were included. Results: Two hundred suction episodes were performed in 19 premature and 56 term infants. Breathing improved in 1.9% of premature and 72.1% of term infants, and remained unchanged in 84.9% of premature and 27.9% of term infants after suctioning. In our study, 61 (81.3%) preterm and term infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit experienced bradycardia after airway suctioning. However, the majority of the preterm and more than half of the term infants were bradycardic before the suction procedure was attempted. Among the non-airway suctioned infants (n = 26), 73.1% experienced bradycardia, with 17 non-airway suctioned infants being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. There was a need for resuscitation ≥ 10 min in 8 (42.1%) preterm and 32 (57.1%) term infants who underwent airway suctioning, compared to 2 (33.3%) preterm and 19 (95.0%) term infants who did not receive airway suctioning. Conclusions: In the infants that underwent suctioning, breathing improved in most term, but not preterm infants. More non-suctioned term infants needed prolonged resuscitation. Airway suctioning was not directly associated with worsening of breathing, bradycardia, or extended resuscitation needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore the clinical application of a new type of protective sputum suction device (PSSD) in patients with tracheotomy or tracheal intubation and to evaluate the protective effect of PSSD against cross-infection between medical staffs and patients. Methods. A novel PSSD was designed which can assist closed sputum suction operation without disconnecting the ventilator. 32 patients with tracheotomy were included to study the protective effect and safety of this device. Patients' vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure, and blood oxygen saturation were recorded to compare the influence of open suction and closed suction (performed with this novel device). To verify the antisplash effect of this device on airway secretions, bacterial samples were collected from the hands of the suction operators and the environment near the endotracheal tube orifice before and after the two suction processes. In addition, the satisfaction of the two suction methods was compared through the questionnaire of suction staff. Finally, with the assistance of this device, an attempt was made to complete the bronchoscopy without weaning of ventilator. Results. Compared with open sputum suction, closed sputum suction has a smaller decrease in patients' blood oxygen saturation (P < 0.05), and no significant differences in other vital signs. Compared with open sputum suction, bacteria from the hands of suction staffs and the surrounding environment of the endotracheal tube were barely detected in closed suction. A questionnaire survey of sputum suction nurses suggested that the satisfaction with use and protective effect of the closed suction were better than open suction. In addition, bronchoscopy can be successfully completed with the assistance of this device, which is not possible for other breathing tubes. Conclusion. This closed sputum suction device has little effect on the oxygen saturation of patients but has excellent protective effects for medical staff against cross-infection. It has a unique advantage that can assist in completing the fiberoptic bronchoscopy with continuous ventilator-assisted breathing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) with appropriate size and depth can help minimize intubation-related complications in pediatric patients. Existing age-based formulae for selecting the optimal ETT size present several inaccuracies. We developed a machine learning model that predicts the optimal size and depth of ETTs in pediatric patients using demographic data, enabling clinical applications. Methods: Data from 37,057 patients younger than 12 years who underwent general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were retrospectively analyzed. Gradient boosted regression tree (GBRT) model was developed and compared with traditional age-based formulae. Results: The GBRT model demonstrated the highest macro-averaged F1 scores of 0.502 (95% CI [0.486, 0.568]) and 0.669 (95% CI [0.640, 0.694]) for predicting the uncuffed and cuffed ETT size (internal diameter), outperforming the age-based formulae that yielded 0.163 (95% CI [0.140, 0.196], P < 0.001) and 0.392 (95% CI [0.378, 0.406], P < 0.001), respectively. In predicting the ETT depth (distance from tip to lip corner), the GBRT model showed the lowest mean absolute error of 0.71 cm (95% CI [0.69, 0.72]) and 0.72 cm (95% CI [0.70, 0.74]) compared to the age-based formulae that showed an error of 1.18 cm (95% CI [1.16, 1.20], P < 0.001) and 1.34 cm (95% CI [1.31, 1.38], P < 0.001) for uncuffed and cuffed ETT, respectively. Conclusions: The GBRT model using only demographic data accurately predicted the ETT size and depth. If these results are validated, the model may be practical for predicting optimal ETT size and depth for pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Endotracheal intubation is part of general anesthesia, and probably the most commonly performed airway related procedure in operating rooms as well as intensive care units. It may be a causative factor in about 74% of patients who experience postoperative sore throat (POST) due to airway mucosal injury. This doubleblind randomized clinical trial assessed the effectiveness of nebulized dexmedetomidine in preventing POST by comparing with a control group. Methodology: In this randomized, double‐blind clinical trial, we enrolled 56 patients, who were to undergo general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 28 each. Group A received dexmedetomidine nebulization, and Group B had normal saline nebulization, both for 15 min before induction. POST was assessed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after extubation using a POST scale. Data were collected and statistically analyzed Results: The overall incidence of POST was 60.3%: Control group experienced POST by 28 (96.6%) patients, compared to 7 (24,1%) patients in dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.0001). Differences were significant at recording times postoperatively. The dexmedetomidine group had milder sore throats, less coughing, and lower heart rates/blood pressures compared to the control group. Conclusion: Patients who were nebulized with dexmedetomidine, experienced lower rates and intensity of postoperative sore throat compared to the control group. Administering dexmedetomidine via nebulization before intubation can be considered a safe and effective method for reducing postoperative sore throat, with less postintubation hemodynamic derangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skull base chondrosarcoma is rare, arising from the clivus or petroclival junction, and usually presents as ocular motility disorders. Endonasal transsphenoidal surgery may be performed in some cases of midline clivus chondrosarcoma. Chondrosarcoma is located within the cavernous sinus and presents a softer/gelatinous mass and can be removed with suctions and curettage. We have been using a simple intradural keyhole transcavernous approach, avoiding a complex extradural transcavernous dissection. Methods: The intracavernous chondrosarcoma was removed via a 5 mm keyhole opening over the Parkinson's triangle using a standard frontotemporal intradural approach. Conclusion: Minimally invasive keyhole surgical resection can be performed to eradicate skull base chondrosarcomas, avoiding complex extradural cranial base approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-cell genomic technologies hold great potential to advance our understanding of lung development and disease. A major limitation lies in accessing intact cells from primary lung tissues for profiling human airway health. Sampling methods such as endotracheal aspiration that are compatible with clinical interventions could enable longitudinal studies, the enrollment of large cohorts, and the development of novel diagnostics. To explore single-cell RNA sequencing profiling of the cell types present at birth in the airway lumen of extremely premature neonates (,28 wk gestation), we isolated cells from endotracheal aspirates collected from intubated neonates within the first hour after birth. We generated data on 10 subjects, providing a rich view of airway luminal biology at a critical developmental period. Our results show that cells present in the airways of premature neonates primarily represent a continuum of myeloid differentiation, including fetal monocytes (25% of total), intermediate myeloid populations (48%), and macrophages (2.6%). Applying trajectory analysis to the myeloid populations, we identified two trajectories consistent with the developmental stages of interstitial and alveolar macrophages, as well as a third trajectory presenting an alternative pathway bridging the distinct macrophage precursors. The three trajectories share many dynamic genes (N= 5,451), but also have distinct transcriptional changes (259 alveolar-specific, 666 interstitial-specific, and 285 bridging-specific). Overall, our results define cells isolated within the so-called "golden hour of birth" in extremely premature neonate airways, representing complex lung biology, and can be used in studies of human development and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to determine whether blade size influences the first-pass success (FPS) rate when performing endotracheal intubation (ETI) with a C-MAC video laryngoscope (VL) in emergency department (ED) patients. This single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted between August 2016 and July 2022. A total of 1467 patients was divided into two categories based on the blade size used during the first ETI attempt: blade-3 (n = 365) and blade-4 groups (n = 1102). The primary outcome was the FPS rate. The secondary outcomes included the glottic view, multiple attempt rate, and ETI-related complications. We used propensity score matching to reduce the potential confounders between the two groups. Among these, 363 pairs of matched propensity scores were generated. The FPS rate did not differ between the blade-3 (84.8%) and blade-4 groups (87.3%) in the matched cohort (p = 0.335). The multiple attempt rate did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.289) and was 3.9% and 2.5% in the blade-3 and blade-4 groups, respectively. The difficult glottic view (11.3 vs. 6.9%, p = 0.039) and complication rates (15.4% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.047) were significantly higher in the blade-3 group than in the blade-4 group. The FPS rates of ETI with the blade-3 and blade-4 groups in adult patients in the ED did not differ significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal suctioning is resource demanding, causes patient discomfort, and is associated with adverse effects. A new artificial cough method has been developed for automated secretion removal by using rapid deflation and inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff during the inspiratory phase of mechanical ventilation. This method has been evaluated in a bench model and in animals but not in human subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this method can remove the need for endotracheal suctioning in subjects and whether this is dependent on ventilator settings. METHODS: This prospective, non-controlled study recruited 20 subjects on invasive mechanical ventilation. On the clinical need for endotracheal suctioning, the automatic cough procedure was applied 3 times over 30 s, with this repeated at higher ventilatory pressure and lower respiratory frequency if considered unsuccessful. Success was determined by removal of the clinical need for suctioning. Subject safety and comfort was measured by using the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool before and after the procedure, and negative effects were recorded. To assess intra-subject variability, the procedure was performed on 3 different occasions for each subject. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in 18 of 20 subjects (90%), with mean subject success rates of 53% at low settings (peak inspiratory pressure 21.8 6 3.8 cm H2O) and 83% at high settings (peak inspiratory pressure 25.6 6 3.6 cm H2O). The Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool category remained unchanged in 30 procedures (77%), improved in 7 (18%), and deteriorated in 2 (5%). CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrated the potential for significant reduction in the clinical need for endotracheal suctioning after the use of an automated artificial cough procedure at both low and high peak inspiratory pressures, and that was well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]