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Background: To protect patients during anesthesia, difficult airway management is a serious issue that needs to be carefully planned for and carried out. Machine learning prediction tools have recently become increasingly common in medicine, frequently surpassing more established techniques. This study aims to utilize machine learning techniques on predictive parameters for challenging airway management. Methods: This study was cross-sectional. The Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran's Loghman Hakim and Shahid Labbafinezhad hospitals provided 622 records in total for analysis. Using the forest of trees approach and feature importance, important features were chosen. The Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and repeated edited nearest neighbor under-sampling were used to balance the data. Using Python and 10-fold cross-validation, seven machine learning algorithms were assessed: Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (INFORMATION-GAIN and GINI-INDEX), Decision Tree, and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). Metrics like F-measure, AUC, Recall, Accuracy, Specificity, and Precision were used to evaluate the performance of the model. Results: Twenty-four important features were chosen from the original 32 features. The under-sampling strategy produced better results than SMOTE. Among the algorithms, KNN (Euclidean, Minkowski) had better performance than other algorithms. The highest values ​​for accuracy, precision, recall, F-measure, and AUC were obtained at 0.87, 0.88, 0.82, 0.85, and 0.87, respectively. Conclusion: Algorithms for machine learning provide insightful information for anticipating challenging airway management. By making it possible to forecast airway difficulties more accurately, these techniques can potentially improve clinical practice and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To protect patients during anesthesia, difficult airway management is a serious issue that needs to be carefully planned for and carried out. Machine learning prediction tools have recently become increasingly common in medicine, frequently surpassing more established techniques. This study aims to utilize machine learning techniques on predictive parameters for challenging airway management. Methods This study was cross-sectional. The Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Iran’s Loghman Hakim and Shahid Labbafinezhad hospitals provided 622 records in total for analysis. Using the forest of trees approach and feature importance, important features were chosen. The Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and repeated edited nearest neighbor under-sampling were used to balance the data. Using Python and 10-fold cross-validation, seven machine learning algorithms were assessed: Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (INFORMATION-GAIN and GINI-INDEX), Decision Tree, and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN). Metrics like F-measure, AUC, Recall, Accuracy, Specificity, and Precision were used to evaluate the performance of the model. Results Twenty-four important features were chosen from the original 32 features. The under-sampling strategy produced better results than SMOTE. Among the algorithms, KNN (Euclidean, Minkowski) had better performance than other algorithms. The highest values ​​for accuracy, precision, recall, F-measure, and AUC were obtained at 0.87, 0.88, 0.82, 0.85, and 0.87, respectively. Conclusion Algorithms for machine learning provide insightful information for anticipating challenging airway management. By making it possible to forecast airway difficulties more accurately, these techniques can potentially improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Background Aims Study Design Results Conclusions Relevance to Clinical Practice Tracheal intubation can be used for ventilation to ensure an unobstructed respiratory tract, and it is the most common respiratory support technique used in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients. Orotracheal intubation is usually the preferred method of tracheal intubation. However, it can cause stress‐related damage to the oral mucosa. Identifying the factors that cause oral mucosal pressure injury (OMPI) can prevent its occurrence in children with oral endotracheal intubation.To examine the characteristics of OMPI in children who underwent orotracheal intubation in the PICU and to assess their influencing factors.An observational, prospective study. Data were gathered from the PICU of a tertiary hospital in China between January 2023 and October 2023. The patient data were obtained from the ‘General Information Questionnaire’, ‘Paediatric Critical Illness Score’, ‘STRONGkids Scale’ and ‘OMPI Staging and Assessment Tools’. Data analysis was subsequently performed using univariate and logistic regression analyses.A total of 187 children who underwent orotracheal intubation were analysed. During the observation period, 44.92% (n = 84) of the children developed OMPI. It comprised 63.10% (n = 53) of stage I injuries, 33.33% (n = 28) of stage II injuries and 3.57% (n = 3) of stage III injuries. The common injury sites were the lower jaw (48.81%), upper jaw (29.76%), tongue (20.24%) and joints (10.71%). The logistic regression analysis results revealed that high critical illness (OR = 0.835, 95% CI: 0.726–0.961), long intubation time (OR = 1.043, 95% CI: 1.021–1.067), prone ventilation (OR = 6.708, 95% CI: 1.421–31.670), hypothermia (OR = 5.831, 95% CI: 1.208–28.149), use of dental pads (OR = 5.520, 95% CI: 1.150–26.487) and low albumin levels (OR = 6.238, 95% CI: 1.285–30.281) were the main contributing factors for OMPI in children with orotracheal intubation (p < .05).The occurrence of OMPI in children who underwent orotracheal intubation in the PICU was notable and was predominantly observed in stages I and II. Consequently, clinical nursing personnel should proactively recognize risk factors and administer timely interventions to mitigate the occurrence of OMPI in such children.The incidence of OMPI in children who underwent orotracheal intubation was relatively high. Nurses and doctors should closely monitor the risk factors for orotracheal intubation in children to prevent the occurrence of OMPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Obesity is associated with difficult or failed intubation attempts, making general anesthesia challenging for anesthesiologists to perform. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of a McCoy laryngoscope and a C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope for intubation in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2. Methods: In total, 104 patients were randomly assigned to be intubated with a McCoy (McCoy group) or C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope (C-MAC group). The primary outcome was intubation time. The secondary outcomes were vocal cord exposure time, vocal cord passage time, proportion of successful intubation, mask ventilation scale, intubation difficulty scale (IDS), percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score, and hemodynamic variables. Results: Although the intubation time did not significantly differ, the C-MAC group showed shorter vocal cord exposure times and a higher rate of successful vocal cord exposure within 5 s. The IDS value was significantly lower in the C-MAC group than in the McCoy group. The proportion of patients who required an increase in lifting force during laryngoscopy was higher in the McCoy group than in the C-MAC group, which may explain the difference in MAP between the groups. Conclusions: Both the McCoy laryngoscope and the C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope were useful during the intubation of obese patients. The C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope might be more useful for obese patients in terms of hemodynamic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA. Case A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.

Abstract The decision to intubate a patient with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who is not in apparent respiratory distress is one of the most difficult clinical decisions faced by intensivists. A conservative approach exposes patients to the dangers of hypoxemia, while a liberal approach exposes them to the dangers of inserting an endotracheal tube and invasive mechanical ventilation. To assist intensivists in this decision, investigators have used various thresholds of peripheral or arterial oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of oxygen-to-fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, and arterial oxygen content. In this review we will discuss how each of these oxygenation indices provides inaccurate information about the volume of oxygen transported in the arterial blood (convective oxygen delivery) or the pressure gradient driving oxygen from the capillaries to the cells (diffusive oxygen delivery). The decision to intubate hypoxemic patients is further complicated by our nescience of the critical point below which global and cerebral oxygen supply become delivery-dependent in the individual patient. Accordingly, intubation requires a nuanced understanding of oxygenation indexes. In this review, we will also discuss our approach to intubation based on clinical observations and physiologic principles. Specifically, we consider intubation when hypoxemic patients, who are neither in apparent respiratory distress nor in shock, become cognitively impaired suggesting emergent cerebral hypoxia. When deciding to intubate, we also consider additional factors including estimates of cardiac function, peripheral perfusion, arterial oxygen content and its determinants. It is not possible, however, to pick an oxygenation breakpoint below which the benefits of mechanical ventilation decidedly outweigh its hazards. It is futile to imagine that decision making about instituting mechanical ventilation in an individual patient can be condensed into an algorithm with absolute numbers at each nodal point. In sum, an algorithm cannot replace the presence of a physician well skilled in the art of clinical evaluation who has a deep understanding of pathophysiologic principles.

The decision to intubate a patient with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who is not in apparent respiratory distress is one of the most difficult clinical decisions faced by intensivists. A conservative approach exposes patients to the dangers of hypoxemia, while a liberal approach exposes them to the dangers of inserting an endotracheal tube and invasive mechanical ventilation. To assist intensivists in this decision, investigators have used various thresholds of peripheral or arterial oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of oxygen-to-fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, and arterial oxygen content. In this review we will discuss how each of these oxygenation indices provides inaccurate information about the volume of oxygen transported in the arterial blood (convective oxygen delivery) or the pressure gradient driving oxygen from the capillaries to the cells (diffusive oxygen delivery). The decision to intubate hypoxemic patients is further complicated by our nescience of the critical point below which global and cerebral oxygen supply become delivery-dependent in the individual patient. Accordingly, intubation requires a nuanced understanding of oxygenation indexes. In this review, we will also discuss our approach to intubation based on clinical observations and physiologic principles. Specifically, we consider intubation when hypoxemic patients, who are neither in apparent respiratory distress nor in shock, become cognitively impaired suggesting emergent cerebral hypoxia. When deciding to intubate, we also consider additional factors including estimates of cardiac function, peripheral perfusion, arterial oxygen content and its determinants. It is not possible, however, to pick an oxygenation breakpoint below which the benefits of mechanical ventilation decidedly outweigh its hazards. It is futile to imagine that decision making about instituting mechanical ventilation in an individual patient can be condensed into an algorithm with absolute numbers at each nodal point. In sum, an algorithm cannot replace the presence of a physician well skilled in the art of clinical evaluation who has a deep understanding of pathophysiologic principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of tracheal intubation in critical care and the need to make the procedure safer and more effective. It explores various factors that should be considered during intubation, such as who should perform it, what kind of intubation should be done, when it should occur, where it should happen, and why it is necessary. The article also presents the findings of a study on intubation in Spanish ICUs, highlighting the high-risk nature of the procedure and the associated complications. It emphasizes the need for a high first-pass success rate and the use of video laryngoscopes and neuromuscular blocking agents to improve outcomes. The article concludes by suggesting areas for further research and improvement in intubation practices. [Extracted from the article]

ABSTRACT Purpose Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is one of the possible outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and also in the population hospitalized for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Thus, knowing the predictive risk factors for OD may help with referral and early intervention. This study aimed to verify the association of different factors with OD in hospitalized individuals with cardiovascular disease and COVID-19. Methods Cross-sectional clinical study approved by the Research Ethics Committee (4,521,771). Clinical evaluation of swallowing was carried out in 72 adult patients with cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 hospitalized from April to September 2020. Individuals under 18 years of age and without previous cardiovascular disease were excluded. The presence of general clinical and/or neurological complications, pronation, stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), orotracheal intubation (OTI), tracheostomy tube, oxygen support and age were considered as predictive risk factors for oropharyngeal dysphagia. Fisher's exact test, Mann Whitney test and logistic regression model were used for analysis. Results General clinical complications (p=0.001), pronation (p=0.003), ICU stay (p=0.043), in addition to the need for oxygen supplementation (p=0.023) and age (p= 0 .037) were statistically significant factors associated. The pronation (0.013) and age (0.038) were independently associated with dysphagia. OTI (p=0.208), tracheostomy (p=0.707) and the presence of previous cerebrovascular accidents (p=0.493) were not statistically significant. Conclusion In this study, age and prone position were factors independently associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia, complications such as the need for oxygen supplementation, in addition to the need for ICU admission, were also associated factors in the population.

Background & aim: Effective management of endotracheal tube cuff pressure is crucial in preventing complications such as pneumonia and airway trauma. Despite recommendations for using a manometer to, cuff pressure monitoring, adherence remains suboptimal. Since intention is the most significant predictor of actual behavior, understanding the factors influencing it through a valid tool can help identify barriers and facilitators more accurately. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate of a Scale for Assessing Factors Influencing Nurses' Intention to Use a Manometer for Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure Monitoring. Methods: This methodological study was conducted in 2024 on 186 nurses working in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of public hospitals in Amol, Iran. The tool was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior using the framework and examples provided by Ajzen, and the psychometric process followed Eccles' guidelines. First, the target behavior was defined. Then, an initial set of items was generated through a literature review and clinical experience of the researchers. The content and face validity of the tool were evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The construct validity of the tool was assessed through exploratory factor analysis, and its internal consistency was examined using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients. The test-retest method was used to assess stability. Results: During the item generation phase, 41 items were developed based on a review of relevant literature. After qualitative and quantitative assessments of face and content validity, the number of items was reduced to 25. Exploratory factor analysis indicated an acceptable fit for the data, with a Kaiser-Meyer- Olkin (KMO) sampling adequacy index of 0.853 and a significant Bartlett's test. Four factors with eigenvalues greater than one were identified, accounting for 22.50%, 10.95%, 9.30%, and 10.60% of the total variance, respectively (53.35% cumulatively). In the final stage, six items with factor loadings less than 0.3 were removed, resulting in 19 items categorized under four factors: "Positive Behavioral and Control Beliefs," "Normative Beliefs," "Perceived Control Beliefs Strength," and "Motivation to Comply. Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients ranged from 0.827 to 0.900, with ICC = 0.95. Conclusion: The tool demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability for assessing factors influencing the intention of ICU nurses to use manometers. Therefore, its application in future research could help identify additional barriers and facilitators in nurses' behavior, leading to the development of more effective training programs. It is also recommended that this tool be tested among different groups of nurses and in various hospital settings to further refine and improve it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracheal rupture is a very rare but life-threatening complication of endotracheal intubation. It is more common in women and patients older than 50 years old. Overinflation of endotracheal tube cuff and tracheal wall weakening are the most important pathogenetic mechanisms. Laceration sites are located in the posterior membranous wall in most cases. Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema and respiratory distress are the most common manifestations. A 55-year-old female presented with postoperative subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema without dyspnea because of a tear in the posterior tracheal wall. The diagnosis was based on clinical manifestation, chest computer tomography scans (CT), and endoscopic findings. A conservative approach by broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was decided because of patients' vital signs stability and the absence of esophageal injury. The follow-up showed that there was no lesion in the posterior tracheal wall. Our case showed that in clinically stable patients without mediastinitis and with spontaneous breathing, conservative management of tracheal tears is a safe procedure.

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.

Background and Objective: Obesity is associated with difficult or failed intubation attempts, making general anesthesia challenging for anesthesiologists to perform. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of a McCoy laryngoscope and a C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope for intubation in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2. Methods: In total, 104 patients were randomly assigned to be intubated with a McCoy (McCoy group) or C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope (C-MAC group). The primary outcome was intubation time. The secondary outcomes were vocal cord exposure time, vocal cord passage time, proportion of successful intubation, mask ventilation scale, intubation difficulty scale (IDS), percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score, and hemodynamic variables. Results: Although the intubation time did not significantly differ, the C-MAC group showed shorter vocal cord exposure times and a higher rate of successful vocal cord exposure within 5 s. The IDS value was significantly lower in the C-MAC group than in the McCoy group. The proportion of patients who required an increase in lifting force during laryngoscopy was higher in the McCoy group than in the C-MAC group, which may explain the difference in MAP between the groups. Conclusions: Both the McCoy laryngoscope and the C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope were useful during the intubation of obese patients. The C-MAC D-blade video laryngoscope might be more useful for obese patients in terms of hemodynamic stability.

Background Semi-rigid neck collars to protect the cervical spine can limit the extent of neck movement and mouth opening; this may further complicate orotracheal intubation. We aimed to compare intubation environments obtained with videolaryngoscopy using the technique of gliding a blade under the epiglottis and that obtained using the conventional Macintosh blade technique of blade tip placement on the vallecula. Methods This prospective randomized study included patients aged ≥ 20 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–III scheduled for cervical spine surgery between October 2020 and August 2021. Patients were divided into two groups according to the placement of the blade of the McGrathTM videolaryngoscope: the gliding and conventional groups. The percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score was the primary endpoint. We also recorded the time to obtain the optimal laryngoscopic view, intubation duration, and ease and satisfaction of the researcher performing intubation. Results Among 176 patients, the POGO scores were significantly higher in the gliding group than in the conventional group (88.9 ± 14.7 vs. 63.8 ± 27.4, P < 0.001). The time to achieve the optimal glottic view for intubation and duration of intubation were also shorter, and ease and satisfaction in performing intubation were better in the gliding group than in the conventional group. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated a superior glottic view and more favorable intubation environments when the blade tip was placed under the epiglottis than using the conventional Macintosh technique in patients with immobilized cervical spine.

Despite technological advancements and the development of non-technical skills, preventable deaths due to failures in advanced airway management remain an issue in the care of unstable patients. One of the strategies described to enhance first-attempt intubation success rates and potentially reduce complications is rapid sequence induction and intubation, a complex intervention requiring healthcare personnel preparedness. Since its original description, there have been deeper insights, new interventions, and modifications, warranting a synthesis of this evidence. This article presents a narrative review on the topic based on a non-systematic search, resulting in an approach to the most representative actions and interventions according to the authors’ judgment. It emphasizes airway assessment, critical team preparation, appropriate positioning based on population type, preoxygenation strategies, underlying cause pre-stabilization, summary of induction and neuromuscular blocking agents, alternative intubation strategies like videolaryngoscopy, and post-intubation care including the dual vector fixation strategy and initial ventilation parameters.

Purpose Since its implementation, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FBS) has played an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of tracheobronchial tree and pulmonary disease. Although FBS is often performed by endoscopists, it has also been performed by surgeons, albeit rarely. This study investigated FBS from the surgeon’s perspective. Methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent FBS performed by a single thoracic surgeon between March 2017 and December 2021. Accordingly, the epidemiology, purpose, results, and complications of FBS were analyzed. Results A total of 47 patients received FBS, whereas 13 patients underwent repeat FBS. Their mean age was 60.7 years. The main organs injured involved the chest (n=22), brain (n=9), abdominal organ (n=7), cervical spine (n=4), extremities (n=4), and face (n=1). The average Injury Severity Score was 22.5. Indications for FBS included atelectasis or haziness on chest x-ray (n=34), pneumonia (n=17), difficult ventilator management (n=7), percutaneous dilatory tracheostomy (n=3), blood aspiration (n=2), foreign body removal (n=2), and intubation due to a difficult airway (n=1). The findings of FBS were mucous plugs (n=36), blood and blood clots (n=16), percutaneous dilatory tracheostomy (n=3), foreign bodies (n=2), granulation tissue at the tracheostomy site (n=2), tracheostomy tube malposition (n=1), bronchus spasm (n=1), difficult airway intubation (n=1), and negative findings (n=5). None of the patients developed complications. Conclusions FBS is an important modality in the trauma field that allows for the possibility of diagnosis and therapy. With sufficient practice, surgeons may safely perform FBS at the bedside with relative ease.

Background Although fiberoptic-guided endotracheal intubation using a supraglottic airway device (SAD) is a good alternative for the management of difficult airways, its learning curve for residents has not been evaluated in pediatric patients. We aimed to train residents using a pediatric manikin and obtain learning curves to evaluate the efficiency of the training. Methods We conducted a single-armed prospective study with anesthesiology residents. Plain endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation guided by a fiberoptic bronchoscope through Ambu® AuraGainTM was demonstrated in a pediatric manikin to the participants before training. The procedure was divided into four steps: SAD insertion, vocal cord identification, carina identification, and ETT insertion into the trachea. The results and elapsed procedure times of each trial were recorded. The learning curves for the participants were constructed and analyzed using the cumulative sum method. Results All the 30 participants acquired proficiency at the end of practice between eight and 25 trials. The overall success rate for the procedure was 92.8%, and above 80% for all participants. Mean ± standard deviation procedure time was 71.3 ± 50.7 s. The 4th step accounted for 86.2% and 48.0% of the total failures and procedure time, respectively. The procedure time rapidly decreased in the 2nd trial; a modest decline was observed thereafter. Conclusions Trainees can obtain proficiency for fiberoptic-guided intubation through SAD within 25 times when using pediatric manikin. Effect of the training on performance in actual clinical situation should be studied.

Background Direct insertion of a double-lumen tube (DLT) using a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) is an option for DLT intubation. The difficult process of fiberoptic intubation is that the different properties of polyvinyl chloride and silicone DLTs may affect railroading differently. Therefore, we aimed to compare intubation using polyvinyl chloride and silicone DLTs over an FOB. Methods Patients aged 19–75 years who required one-lung ventilation under general anesthesia were enrolled in this study. After induction of anesthesia, the anesthesiologist intubated the DLT using FOB. The primary outcome was the difficulty of railroading over the flexible FOB scaled into five grades (I, II-1, II-2, III, and IV). Additionally, the intubation time and mucosal damage were recorded. Results A total of 46 patients participated in this study, 23 each in the silicone and polyvinyl groups. The difficulty of railroading over the FOB was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001). In the silicone group, the grades of difficulty in railroading were limited to I and II-1; 20 patients (87%) presented no difficulty in advancing the tube. In contrast, in the polyvinyl group, 13 patients (57%) had scores of II-2 and III. Both the intubation time and mucosal damage were significantly better in the silicone group than in the polyvinyl group. Conclusions Intubation using a silicone DLT over an FOB was easier and faster than that with a polyvinyl chloride DLT with lesser trauma around the glottis.

During the past two decades, the videolaryngoscope (VDL) has become a valuable and effective tool for the management of the airway, not just in the realm of anesthesiology, but also in other medical specialties in clinical scenarios requiring tracheal intubation. In countries such as the United States, this represents over 15 million cases in the operating room and 650,000 outside the OR. The overall accumulated incidence of difficult airway is 6.8% events in routine practice and between 0.1 and 0.3 % of failed intubations, both associated with complications such as desaturation, airway injury, hemodynamic instability and death. Notwithstanding the fact that the VDL has proven advantages such as improved visualization of the glottis, higher first attempt success rates, and a shortened learning curve, most of the time its use is limited to rescue attempts or as a secondary option. The aim of this article is to comment the advantages and limitations of the VDL vs. the direct laryngoscope in a wide range of clinical settings, including the operating room, intensive care units, emergency departments, pediatrics, obstetrics, and Covid-19 to consider its routine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracheal rupture is a very rare but life‑threatening complication of endotracheal intubation. It is more common in women and patients older than 50 years old. Overinflation of endotracheal tube cuff and tracheal wall weakening are the most important pathogenetic mechanisms. Laceration sites are located in the posterior membranous wall in most cases. Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema and respiratory distress are the most common manifestations. A 55‑year‑old female presented with postoperative subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema without dyspnea because of a tear in the posterior tracheal wall. The diagnosis was based on clinical manifestation, chest computer tomography scans (CT), and endoscopic findings. A conservative approach by broad‑spectrum antibiotic therapy was decided because of patients’ vital signs stability and the absence of esophageal injury. The follow‑up showed that there was no lesion in the posterior tracheal wall. Our case showed that in clinically stable patients without mediastinitis and with spontaneous breathing, conservative management of tracheal tears is a safe procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Using sedative and analgesic drugs during NIV can bring clinical benefits in patients with acute respiratory failure. • Dexmedetomidine was superior to other sedatives and analgesics for some clinical outcomes. • The vital signs of patients must be closely monitored when using sedative and analgesic drugs. The use of sedative and analgesic drugs during non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) is controversial. To assess the clinical effectiveness of sedative and analgesic medications used during NIV for patients with ARF to no sedation or analgesia. In addition, to investigate the characteristics of dexmedetomidine in comparison to other medications. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched. Mean differences (MDs) or pooled risk ratios (RRs) were computed using random-effects models. We applied the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool 2.0 to assess the methodological quality of eligible studies and the GRADE approach to evaluate the evidence certainty. Twenty-one studies were selected. Whether in Group A (using sedative and analgesic drugs vs. nonuse) or Group B (using dexmedetomidine vs. other drugs), the rates of tracheal intubation and delirium, the length of NIV, and the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU LOS) all decreased in both experimental groups (P < 0.05). And there were no significant differences in all-cause mortality and the incidence of hypotension between the two groups (P > 0.05), while both Group A and Group B's experimental groups had greater incidences of bradycardia. Administering sedative and analgesic medications during NIV can reduce the risk of tracheal intubation and delirium. Additionally, dexmedetomidine outperformed other sedative medications in terms of these clinical outcomes, making it the better option when closely monitoring patients' vital signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is one of the most reported complications after general anesthesia with an incidence of as high as 60% which may impact patient satisfaction and increase the cost of treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize the currently accepted approaches and new trends intended to reduce the risk and increase the treatment efficacy of POST. Difficult intubation, traumatic intubation, and several other factors contribute to the development of POST. Endotracheal intubation using a stylet-loaded tube exerts excessive pressure on the anterior tracheal wall predisposing to mucosal trauma and contributing to development of POST. Pharmacological interventions are aimed at prevention, amelioration of symptoms, and treatment of POST. Medications suggested for this purpose include corticosteroids, topical sprays and creams, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. The use of video-laryngoscopes (VL) for endotracheal intubation improves the glottic view and increases the success rates with less force required to ensure adequate laryngoscopic view. Nevertheless, despite advances in laryngoscopic devices, the incidence of POST remains high. A novel intubation technique with endotracheal tube (ETT) rotation 180 degrees (ETT 180°) has been suggested to overcome stylet related injury and, possibly, decrease the POST. To date, no clinical trials have been conducted to test the efficacy of ETT 180° in reducing the incidence of POST. Undoubtedly, the suggested method deserves further investigation to determine its role in patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submental intubation is an effective alternative technique for airway management in patients with maxillofacial trauma. Compared with tracheostomy, it is less invasive, but has risks associated with potential airway compromise such as hypoxia due to tube obstruction, collapse, and kinking. To shorten procedure time and ensure a reinforced tube lumen, we used a laparoscopic trocar as a new device for submental intubation. A 54-year-old male patient sustained a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture and was scheduled to undergo open reduction and internal fixation. We performed intraoral intubation and made a small 1-cm incision at the submandibular midline. After dissection of the tissue from the incision site, a reinforced tube was passed using a 12-mm laparoscopic trocar. The procedure took about 5 minutes, and apnea time from disconnecting the breathing circuit and passing through the internal lumen of the trocar until it was reconnected to the ventilator was 1 minute 5 seconds. Using a laparoscopic trocar for submental intubation can reduce the time required for dissection, prevent luminal occlusion complications due to soft tissues or blood clots in the endotracheal tube, and decrease soft tissue damage.

Background Double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) displacement, defined as migration of the DLT > 15 mm from optimal position, may threaten patient safety. Lateral decubitus positioning (LDP) of the patient can induce DLT displacement; however, little is known regarding the predictors for DLT displacement after this maneuver. Obesity may further aggravate DLT displacement by distorting mediastinal anatomy, but no comprehensive data exist concerning the impact of obesity on DLT displacement after LDP. Therefore, we evaluated the predictive value of preoperative risk factors, including obesity, for DLT displacement after LDP in patients who underwent pulmonary resection. Methods Data of patients who underwent pulmonary resection between July 2020 and July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, left main bronchus diameter, DLT size, lateral decubitus direction, DLT depth, patient height divided by the DLT depths in supine and lateral decubitus positions (H/Dsupine and H/Dlateral, respectively), and extent of DLT dislocation were assessed. Logistic regression analysis identified risk factors, and the optimal cutoff values for continuous variables were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results Data from 428 patients were analyzed. DLT displacement was observed in 52 patients (12.1%). Obesity and H/Dsupine were independent predictors for DLT displacement after LDP (odds ratio [OR]: 5.69, 95% CI [2.89, 11.23], P < 0.001 and OR: 8.28, 95% CI [2.92, 23.48], P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Obesity was significantly associated with DLT displacement after LDP. Pre-emptively advancing the DLT from its optimal position before LDP may be advantageous in patients with obesity.

Objective A new blind intubation device (BID) has been developed for endotracheal intubation. This study aimed to test the usability of the BID in comparison to direct laryngoscopy (DL) and video laryngoscopy (VL) with inexperienced healthcare providers for endotracheal intubation. Methods This was a randomized crossover simulation study. Participants who had conducted fewer than five live intubation sessions were included in the study. The manikin simulation was conducted using a Laerdal trainer airway manikin. Participants performed intubation using all three devices, DL, VL, and BID. The primary outcome was intubation success rate in the first pass the secondary outcome was intubation time to first ventilation, and the tertiary outcome was dental injury. Results A total of 45 healthcare workers who were novices in intubation participated in this study, including 13 physicians (interns), 14 emergency medical technicians, and 18 nurses. The intubation success rates in the first pass with BID, DL, and VL were 93.3%, 91.1%, and 97.8%, respectively (P=0.53). The intubation times to first ventilation with BID, DL, and VL were 13.15±6.16, 19.07±7.71, and 17.31±6.57 seconds, respectively (P

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with acute respiratory failure who experience delayed initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation have poor outcomes. The lack of objective measures to define the timing of intubation is an area of concern. We investigated the effect of timing of intubation based on respiratory rate-oxygenation (ROX) index on the outcomes of COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study performed in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kerala, India. Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were intubated were grouped into early intubation (within 12 hours of ROX index

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is one of the most reported complications after general anesthesia with an incidence of as high as 60% which may impact patient satisfaction and increase the cost of treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize the currently accepted approaches and new trends intended to reduce the risk and increase the treatment efficacy of POST. Difficult intubation, traumatic intubation, and several other factors contribute to the development of POST. Endotracheal intubation using a stylet-loaded tube exerts excessive pressure on the anterior tracheal wall predisposing to mucosal trauma and contributing to development of POST. Pharmacological interventions are aimed at prevention, amelioration of symptoms, and treatment of POST. Medications suggested for this purpose include corticosteroids, topical sprays and creams, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. The use of video-laryngoscopes (VL) for endotracheal intubation improves the glottic view and increases the success rates with less force required to ensure adequate laryngoscopic view. Nevertheless, despite advances in laryngoscopic devices, the incidence of POST remains high. A novel intubation technique with endotracheal tube (ETT) rotation 180 degrees (ETT 180°) has been suggested to overcome stylet related injury and, possibly, decrease the POST. To date, no clinical trials have been conducted to test the efficacy of ETT 180° in reducing the incidence of POST. Undoubtedly, the suggested method deserves further investigation to determine its role in patient care.

Objective This study aimed to introduce a novel negative pressure aerosol box (Carrycure Isolator) and to test its efficiency and limitations, with the hope of suggesting improvements and further directions. Methods A novel aerosol box (Carrycure Isolator) was invented. A single-center, randomized, crossover simulation study of 28 emergency medicine physicians was designed. Three trials of each participant using an intubation manikin were conducted, including intubation without the aerosol box (trial A), intubation with the aerosol box (trial B), and intubation with the aerosol box after familiarization (trial C). The primary endpoint was the time to intubation. The secondary endpoints were first-attempt success, number of attempts, percentage of glottic opening score, and Cormack-Lehane view. Collected data were statistically analyzed for their significance. Results The median times to intubation of trials A, B, and C were 30.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 28.0–40.0 seconds), 59.0 (IQR, 50.0–75.5 seconds), and 34.0 seconds (IQR, 30.5–47.0 seconds), respectively. Post hoc analysis showed that the time to intubation in trial B was significantly longer than that in trial A (P

Background Ramped positioning is recommended for intubating obese patients undergoing direct laryngoscopy. However, whether the use of the ramped position can provide any benefit in videolaryngoscopy-guided intubation remains unclear. This study assessed intubation time using videolaryngoscopy in morbidly obese patients in the ramped versus sniffing positions. Methods This is a prospective randomized study in patients with morbid obesity (n = 82; body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/m2). Patients were randomly allocated to either the ramped or the standard sniffing position groups. During the induction of general anesthesia, difficulty in mask ventilation was assessed using the Warters scale. Tracheal intubation was performed using a C-MAC® D-Blade videolaryngoscope, and intubation difficulty was assessed using the intubation difficulty scale (IDS). The primary endpoint was the total intubation time calculated as the sum of the laryngoscopy and tube insertion times. Results The percentage of difficult mask ventilation (Warters scale ≥ 4) was significantly lower in the ramped (n = 40) than in the sniffing group (n = 41) (2.5% vs. 34.1%, P < 0.001). The percentage of easy intubation (IDS = 0) was significantly higher in the ramped than in the sniffing group (70.0% vs. 7.3%, P < 0.001). The total intubation time was significantly shorter in the ramped than in the sniffing group (22.5 ± 6.2 vs. 40.9 ± 9.0, P < 0.001). Conclusions Compared with the sniffing position, the ramped position reduced intubation time in morbidly obese patients and effectively facilitated both mask ventilation and tracheal intubation using videolaryngoscopy.

Abstract Background The double-lumen tube (DLT) is an essential equipment for thoracic anesthesia and the precise position of DLT placement is particularly important for anesthesia and surgery. However, the incidence of DLT malposition remains high and it leads to lung isolation failure and hypoxemia during one-lung ventilation. This trial aims to explore the clinical application and efficacy of intubation in the lateral position under general anesthesia induction to reduce the incidence of DLT malposition in patients undergoing unilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods In this prospective, single-center, parallel group, randomized, controlled trial, we will recruit 108 patients, aged 18–80 years, scheduled for elective unilateral VATS with DLT intubation under general anesthesia, and they will be randomly assigned to two groups: a lateral DLT intubation group (group L) and a conventional supine DLT intubation group (group C). The left-sided DLT will be used to intubate in patients of both groups. The position of DLT will be confirmed and adjusted by using the fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB). The primary outcome is the incidence of DLT malposition observed via the FOB, and the secondary outcomes include the time of intubation, the frequency and duration of re-adjustments of DLT placement under FOB, whether to re-intubate, intraoperative vital signs, and postoperative recovery. Discussion Accurate DLT positioning is crucially important for thoracic surgery, but the incidence of DLT malposition is still high in the present clinical practice of thoracic anesthesia. This trial aims to investigate whether lateral DLT intubation can reduce the incidence of DLT malposition, with more stable intraoperative vital signs and less postoperative complications. Trial registration The study protocol was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn ) with registration number: ChiCTR2200060794 on June 11, 2022.

Abstract Background Pediatric one lung ventilation is challenging to achieve; smaller the child greater is the challenge. Challenge gets bigger due to unavailability of proper sized lung isolation devices. The aim of this case series was to assess the feasibility of using embolectomy catheter for lung isolation in 10 children who were planned to undergo lung decortication surgery. Results Age wise predictions of airway diameters were used to select sizes of endotracheal tube and embolectomy catheter. We used a Fogarty catheter, with its tip bent to 30° and placed parallel to a cuffed endotracheal tube, under fiberoptic bronchoscope guidance to achieve lung isolation. Desired lung was deflated passively after achieving lung isolation. Embolectomy catheter cuff position was reconfirmed with bronchoscopy after patient positioning. Ages of children ranged from 2 to 6 years. Four patients required right lung isolation while six required left lung isolation. Dislodgement of embolectomy catheter while positioning or during surgery did not occur in any case. Surgeons reported good to excellent lung isolation in all the cases. All cases were successfully extubated at the end of surgery. Conclusions Embolectomy catheter for one lung ventilation in pediatric cases maybe a useful alternative in absence of customized devices.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of using machine learning to establish the need for preclinical airway management for injured patients based on a standardized emergency dataset. Methods A registry-based, retrospective analysis was conducted of adult trauma patients who were treated by physician-staffed emergency medical services in southwestern Germany between 2018 and 2020. The primary outcome was to assess the feasibility of using the random forest (RF) and Naive Bayes (NB) machine learning algorithms to predict the need for preclinical airway management. The secondary outcome was to use a principal component analysis to determine the attributes that can be used and advanced for future model development. Results In total, 25,556 adults with multiple injuries were identified, including 1,451 patients (5.7%) who required airway management. Key attributes were auscultation, injury pattern, oxygen therapy, thoracic drainage, noninvasive ventilation, catecholamines, pelvic sling, colloid infusion, initial vital signs, preemergency status, and shock index. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was between 0.96 (RF; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96–0.97) and 0.93 (NB; 95% CI, 0.92–0.93; P

Background: Transnasal videoendoscopy (TVE) is the standard of care when staging pharyngolaryngeal lesions. This prospective study determined if preoperative TVE improves the prediction of difficult videolaryngoscopic intubation in adults with expected difficult airway management in addition to the Simplified Airway Risk Index (SARI). Methods: 374 anesthetics were included (252 with preoperative TVE). The primary outcome was a difficult airway alert issued by the anesthetist after Macintosh videolaryngoscopy. SARI, clinical factors (dysphagia, dysphonia, cough, stridor, sex, age and height) and TVE findings were used to fit three multivariable mixed logistic regression models; least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select co-variables. Results: SARI predicted the primary outcome (odds ratio [OR] 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.58). The Akaike information criterion for SARI (327.1) improved when TVE parameters were added (311.0). The Likelihood ratio test for SARI plus TVE parameters was better than for SARI plus clinical factors (p < 0.001). Vestibular fold lesions (OR 1.82; 95% CI 0.40–8.29), epiglottic lesions (OR 3.37; 0.73–15.54), pharyngeal secretion retention (OR 3.01; 1.05–8.63), restricted view on rima glottidis <50% (OR 2.13; 0.51–8.89) and ≥50% (OR 2.52; 0.44–14.56) were concerning. Conclusion: TVE improved prediction of difficult videolaryngoscopy in addition to traditional bedside airway examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with acute respiratory failure who experience delayed initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation have poor outcomes. The lack of objective measures to define the timing of intubation is an area of concern. We investigated the effect of timing of intubation based on respiratory rate-oxygenation (ROX) index on the outcomes of COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study performed in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kerala, India. Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were intubated were grouped into early intubation (within 12 hours of ROX index <4.88) or delayed intubation (12 hours or more hours after ROX <4.88). Results: A total of 58 patients was included in the study after exclusions. Among them, 20 patients were intubated early, and 38 patients were intubated 12 hours after ROX index <4.88. The mean age of the study population was 57±14 years, and 55.0% of the patients were male; diabetes mellitus (48.3%) and hypertension (50.0%) were the most common comorbidities. The early intubation group had 88.2% successful extubation, while only 11.8% of the delayed group had successful extubation (P<0.001). Survival was also significantly more frequent in the early intubation group. Conclusions: Early intubation within 12 hours of ROX index <4.88 was associated with improved extubation and survival in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Optimal vocal cord visualization depends on the patient’s anatomical factors, characteristics of the laryngoscope, and the operator’s muscle action. This study evaluated the effect of table inclination and three different laryngoscopic methods on procedural variables. The primary aim of this study is to compare differences in laryngoscopic view among clinicians based on the instrument used and table orientation. The secondary aim is to determine differences in upper extremity muscle activity based on laryngoscope use and table inclination. Methods Fifty-five anesthesia providers with different experience levels performed intubations on a manikin using three angles of table inclination and three laryngoscopy methods. Time to intubation, use of optimization maneuvers, glottic view, operator’s comfort level, and upper extremity muscle activation measured by surface electromyography were evaluated. Results Table inclination of 15° and 30° significantly reduced intubation time and the need for optimization maneuvers. Fifteen degrees inclination gave the highest comfort level. Anterior deltoid muscle intensity was decreased when table inclination at 15° and 30° was compared to a flat position. Conclusion Table inclination of 15° reduces intubation time and the need to use optimization maneuvers and is associated with higher operator’s comfort levels than 0° and 30° inclination in a simulated scenario using a manikin. Different upper extremity muscle groups are activated during laryngoscopy, with the anterior deltoid muscle exhibiting significantly higher activation levels with direct laryngoscopy at zero-degree table inclination.

Background Video laryngoscopes are approved equipment for difficult airway intubations. The borescope, which was introduced during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, is placed over a direct laryngoscope blade to provide an economical video laryngoscope. In the current study, we investigated the use of an endotracheal tube mounted over a USB borescope versus a video laryngoscope in patients with suspected difficult airways. Methods After obtaining informed consent, 120 adult patients with suspected difficult airways undergoing elective surgery were included in this study. Patients were randomized into the USB borescope and video laryngoscope groups. The primary outcome was time to successful intubation. The secondary outcomes included hemodynamic changes, anesthetist’s satisfaction, and the incidence of complications. Results Intubation time was comparable between the two groups (video laryngoscope: 30.63 s and borescope: 28.35 s; P = 0.166). However, the view was clearer (P = 0.026) and the incidence of fogging was lower (P = 0.015) with the video laryngoscope compared to the borescope. Conversely, anesthetist’s satisfaction frequency was higher with the borescope than with the video laryngoscope (P < 0.001). Conclusions The video laryngoscope provided a better view and less fogging with an intubation time that was comparable to that of the borescope; however, the higher cost of the video laryngoscope limits its availability. Therefore, the borescope is a low-cost, readily available device that can be used for intubating patients with potentially difficult airways.

Aims: Identify factors that interfere in the provision of oral hygiene care, developed by nurses, to orotracheally intubated patients in intensive care units, on primary scientific evidence. Methods: A systematic literature review study, developed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol. To obtain the articles, a search on B-On? and PubMed? was made. The terms used in the search took into account the vocabulary indexed to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) database, having been structured according to Boolean operators, with the following combination in English: "Oral Hygiene" AND "Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated" OR "Pneumonia, Ventilator Associated" AND "Critical Care Nursing". Articles published between December 2017 and December 2020, in English, Portuguese and Spanish, available in full, published in peer-reviewed scientific journals (peer review) and which fit the PICO question developed for the study, were defined as limiting. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles of a primary and qualitative nature were included in the review that address the factors that influence the provision of oral hygiene care by nurses to patients undergoing orotracheal intubation. Conclusions: The oral hygiene care practices provided to users under orotracheal intubation, by nurses, are influenced by their knowledge, attitudes, available resources, training and institutional policies, as well as by factors related to the user that are mainly related to difficulties in access to the oral cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to assess evidence available in the literature about the use of sedation and analgesia for intratracheal intubation of newborns. Data sources: by means of an integrative literature review, the authors looked for evidence related to the theme from the last ten years, indexed in the Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs, Scielo, and Scopus databases, by combining the descriptors: newborn, intratracheal intubation, and analgesia. Articles in Portuguese, English, and Spanish that met the research purpose were included. Data summary: After applying the eligibility criteria, ten articles on the topic were obtained, predominantly narrative reviews, retrospective studies, observational studies, and only one non-randomized clinical trial, which characterizes the literature related to the topic as having a low level of scientific evidence. There is still no consensus in the literature on which medications and indications are for use in non-elective intubations, despite the ethical recommendation. Discussion: pain and its deleterious effects should not be neglected. Neonatal Intensive Care Units should have their own protocols regarding sedation and analgesia for intubation considering the individual characteristics of each patient. There is an ethical recommendation regarding the use of sedation and analgesia for intubation since it is a known painful procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Invasive ventilation is a significant event for patients with respiratory failure. Physiologic thresholds standardize the use of invasive ventilation in clinical trials, but it is unknown whether thresholds prompt invasive ventilation in clinical practice. Objectives: To measure, in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure, the probability of invasive ventilation within 3 hours after meeting physiologic thresholds. Methods: We studied patients admitted to intensive care receiving FIO2 of 0.4 or more via nonrebreather mask, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, or high-flow nasal cannula, using data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)–IV database (2008–2019) and the Amsterdam University Medical Centers Database (AmsterdamUMCdb) (2003–2016). We evaluated 17 thresholds, including the ratio of arterial to inspired oxygen, the ratio of saturation to inspired oxygen ratio, composite scores, and criteria from randomized trials. We report the probability of invasive ventilation within 3 hours of meeting each threshold and its association with covariates using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Measurements and Main Results: We studied 4,726 patients (3,365 from MIMIC, 1,361 from AmsterdamUMCdb). Invasive ventilation occurred in 28% (1,320). In MIMIC, the highest probability of invasive ventilation within 3 hours of meeting a threshold was 20%, after meeting prespecified neurologic or respiratory criteria while on vasopressors, and 19%, after a ratio of arterial to inspired oxygen of,80 mm Hg. In AmsterdamUMCdb, the highest probability was 34%, after vasopressor initiation, and 25%, after a ratio of saturation to inspired oxygen of,90. The probability after meeting the threshold from randomized trials was 9% (MIMIC) and 13% (AmsterdamUMCdb). In MIMIC, a race/ethnicity of Black (OR, 0.75; 95% CrI, 0.57–0.96) or Asian (OR, 0.6; 95% CrI, 0.35–0.95) compared with White was associated with decreased probability of invasive ventilation after meeting a threshold. Conclusions: The probability of invasive ventilation within 3 hours of meeting physiologic thresholds was low and associated with patient race/ethnicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Maintaining endotracheal tube intracuff pressure (ETTICP) within an optimal range is crucial for effective ventilation and prevention of aspiration. This study aimed to determine the effect of changing body position on ETTICP in patients under mechanical ventilation. Methods: In the current single-group study, each patient was taken as his/her own control. Thirty patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the study sample. First, the patients were placed in a supine (flat) position, head of the bed was raised to 30 degrees, and ETTICP was set at 25 cmH2 O as the baseline. Then, the ETTICP changes in the three positions (left lateral, right lateral, and semi-fowler) were compared with the baseline. Interventions were made on a random basis among the patients. Data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA using SPSS version 13. Results: There was a significant difference among ETTICP means in three different body positions, so that ETTICP was higher in the left lateral position compared to other positions. Moreover, there was a significant difference among ETTICP means 0, 15, 45, and 90 minutes after changing the body position. ETTICP means after 0 and 15 minutes were significantly higher than other times compared to the baseline. Conclusion: ETTICP changes were affected by different body positions and the passage of time. Thus, regular monitoring and adjusting of ETTICP after any body positioning is essential, especially immediately and 15 minutes after repositioning.

Background: The double-lumen tube (DLT) is an essential equipment for thoracic anesthesia and the precise position of DLT placement is particularly important for anesthesia and surgery. However, the incidence of DLT malposition remains high and it leads to lung isolation failure and hypoxemia during one-lung ventilation. This trial aims to explore the clinical application and efficacy of intubation in the lateral position under general anesthesia induction to reduce the incidence of DLT malposition in patients undergoing unilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods: In this prospective, single-center, parallel group, randomized, controlled trial, we will recruit 108 patients, aged 18–80 years, scheduled for elective unilateral VATS with DLT intubation under general anesthesia, and they will be randomly assigned to two groups: a lateral DLT intubation group (group L) and a conventional supine DLT intubation group (group C). The left-sided DLT will be used to intubate in patients of both groups. The position of DLT will be confirmed and adjusted by using the fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB). The primary outcome is the incidence of DLT malposition observed via the FOB, and the secondary outcomes include the time of intubation, the frequency and duration of re-adjustments of DLT placement under FOB, whether to re-intubate, intraoperative vital signs, and postoperative recovery. Discussion: Accurate DLT positioning is crucially important for thoracic surgery, but the incidence of DLT malposition is still high in the present clinical practice of thoracic anesthesia. This trial aims to investigate whether lateral DLT intubation can reduce the incidence of DLT malposition, with more stable intraoperative vital signs and less postoperative complications. Trial registration: The study protocol was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn) with registration number: ChiCTR2200060794 on June 11, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Ultrasound (US) airway indexes were frequently compared with other scoring systems such as Mallampati score and Cormack - Lehane classification system, but to the best of our knowledge never with LEMON. Here, in this study, we evaluated the accuracy of some recommended airway US parameters in terms of screening difficult airway using the LEMON criteria as a reference. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study in which people with at least 18 years old coming to the emergency departments for any reason who had consent for participation, were enrolled with the simple random sampling method. Hyo-mental distance (HMD), skin to epiglottis distance (EP), and peri-epiglottic space to epiglottis to vocal cord ratio (PEP/E. VC) were the US indexes that were calculated in all participants. Using a preprepared checklist, measured US parameters were recorded. For each participant, the LEMON score variables were also assessed and recorded, and the cutoff point for considering as a difficult airway case, based on LEMON score, was 2. Demographic characteristics of the participants were also registered. RESULTS: A total of 299 cases with a mean age of 41.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39.3-42.9), were participated. Based on LEMON score =2, 20 participants (6.7%) were categorized in difficult airway group. Comparison of the PEP/E. VC (P = 0.007) and EP distance (P = 0.049) of the participants based on LEMON score showed a statistically significant difference; but comparison of the means of HMD in the two groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.144). The median of EP of the participants was 7.70 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 6.70-9.40). The best cutoff point of EP distance for evaluating a difficult airway was 12.27 mm and more with the sensitivity of 35% and the specificity of 86.96% (accuracy = 0.614; 95% CI: 0.492-0.736). The median of PEP/E. VC was 1.01(IQR: 0.79-1.23). The best cutoff point of PEP/E. VC for evaluating a difficult airway was 0.88 and less with the sensitivity of 70% and the specificity of 67.38% (accuracy = 0.701; 95% CI: 0.583-0.818). CONCLUSION: As per our results, PEP/E. VC and EP distance measured with sonography can be used in distinguishing the difficult airway, using the LEMON criteria as the reference. However, further studies are needed to use PEP/E. VC and EP distance as a part of reliable indexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Pediatric one lung ventilation is challenging to achieve; smaller the child greater is the challenge. Challenge gets bigger due to unavailability of proper sized lung isolation devices. The aim of this case series was to assess the feasibility of using embolectomy catheter for lung isolation in 10 children who were planned to undergo lung decortication surgery. Results: Age wise predictions of airway diameters were used to select sizes of endotracheal tube and embolectomy catheter. We used a Fogarty catheter, with its tip bent to 30° and placed parallel to a cuffed endotracheal tube, under fiberoptic bronchoscope guidance to achieve lung isolation. Desired lung was deflated passively after achieving lung isolation. Embolectomy catheter cuff position was reconfirmed with bronchoscopy after patient positioning. Ages of children ranged from 2 to 6 years. Four patients required right lung isolation while six required left lung isolation. Dislodgement of embolectomy catheter while positioning or during surgery did not occur in any case. Surgeons reported good to excellent lung isolation in all the cases. All cases were successfully extubated at the end of surgery. Conclusions: Embolectomy catheter for one lung ventilation in pediatric cases maybe a useful alternative in absence of customized devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Changing position is one of the typical nursing care in intensive care units. This study aimed to investigate the effect of body positioning on intra-abdominal pressure and endotracheal tube cuff pressure and their relationship with each other in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation Materials and Methods: This was a before-after clinical trial study performed on 70 patients over eight months. Eligible patients were placed in one of the positions of bed angle (flat, 30, and 45 degrees) and body position sideways toward an opposite direction to the mechanical ventilator. The intra-abdominal pressure and the endotracheal tube cuff pressure were measured with each change in body position and head of the bed. Data were analyzed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Mean intra-abdominal pressure was different in positions (P<0.001). The mean intra-abdominal pressure at the flat angle was (7.4±0.49) CmH2O at the lowest and 45 degrees was (11.98±0.45) CmH2O at the highest. The mean intra-abdominal pressure in the supine position was significantly lower than in other positions (P<0.001). The endotracheal cuff pressure was significantly higher in lying down on the opposite side of the ventilator than in other positions (P<0.001). There is no significant relationship between intra-abdominal pressure and endotracheal tube cuff pressure (P=0.15). Conclusion: The results showed that at the flat angle and opposite direction to the mechanical ventilator, the tube cuff pressure was maximal and at an angle of 45° and the position of the opposite side of the mechanical ventilator, the intra-abdominal pressure was the highest. Although there was no significant relationship between intra-abdominal pressure and endotracheal tube cuff pressure, when lying on the opposite side of the mechanical ventilator, intra-abdominal pressure and endotracheal tube cuff pressure were abnormally high. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the patient in this situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute respiratory failure is the main manifestation in patients with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19), being hospitalized in an intensive care unit, and may even require invasive mechanical ventilation, which is associated with high mortality. The use of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) for severe hypoxemic respiratory failure cases was limited in hospital setups. Its benefit to patients, compliance, complications, as well as comparison with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) mask were not studied. Patients and Methods: We included consecutive patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory failure who were categorized into three groups depending on admission oxygen saturation and respiratory rate for non-rebreather bag-mask (NRBM), HFNO, and NIV. All patients were observed for 2 weeks and defined parameters were noted. The mean and standard deviation were compared between the groups by using the ANOVA test; P-value

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal tube (ETT) occlusion is a potentially life-threatening event. This study describes a quality improvement project to prevent ETT occlusion in critically ill patients. METHODS: After a cluster of clinically significant ETT occlusion incidents at a tertiary-care intensive care unit (ICU), the root cause analysis suggested that the universal use of heat moisture exchangers (HMEs) was a major cause. Then, we prospectively audited new ETT occlusion incidents after changing our practices to evidence-based active and passive humidification during mechanical ventilation (MV). We also compared the outcomes of affected patients with matched controls. RESULTS: During 100 weeks, 18 incidents of clinically significant ETT occlusion occurred on a median of 7 days after intubation (interquartile range, 4.8–9.5): 8 in the 10 weeks before and 10 in the 90 weeks after changing humidification practices (8.1 vs. 1.0 incidents per 1000 ventilator days, respectively). The incidents were not suspected in 94.4%, the peak airway pressure was >30 cm H2O in only 25%, and 55.6% were being treated for pneumonia when ETT occlusion occurred. Compared with 51 matched controls, ETT occlusion cases had significantly longer MV duration (median of 13.5 vs. 4.0 days; P = 0.002) and ICU stay (median of 26.5 vs. 11.0 days; P = 0.006) and more tracheostomy (55.6% vs. 9.8%; P < 0.001). The hospital mortality was similar in cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of ETT occlusion decreased after changing humidification practices from universal HME use to evidence-based active and passive humidification. ETT occlusion was associated with more tracheostomy and a longer duration of MV and ICU stay.