R. Noppens

Evaluation of the McGrath® Series 5 videolaryngoscope after failed direct laryngoscopy*

Unanticipated difficulties during tracheal intubation and failure to intubate are among the leading causes of anaesthesia‐related morbidity and mortality. Using the technique of video laryngoscopy, the alignment of the oral and pharyngeal axes to facilitate tracheal intubation is unnecessary. In this study we evaluated the McGrath® Series 5 videolaryngoscope for tracheal intubation in 61 patients who exhibited Cormack and Lehane grade 3 or 4 laryngoscopies with a Macintosh laryngoscope. Using the McGrath resulted in an improved glottic view, compared to Macintosh laryngoscope. Laryngoscopy was improved by one grade in 10%, by two grades in 80% and by three grades in 10% of cases (p < 0.0001). The success rate for intubation was 95% with the McGrath. These results suggest that the McGrath videolaryngoscope can be used with a high success rate to facilitate tracheal intubation in difficult intubation situations.

Performance of the C-MAC video laryngoscope in patients after a limited glottic view using Macintosh laryngoscopy

We applied the C‐MAC videolaryngoscope in 52 consecutive patients who were found to have an unexpected Cormack and Lehane grade‐3 (n = 49) and grade‐4 (n = 3) laryngeal view with the Macintosh laryngoscope. The glottic view improved in 49 (94%) patients using the C‐MAC. Tracheal intubation was successful in 49 of 52 patients (94%). In one patient, tracheal intubation failed using the C‐MAC despite the presence of a Cormack and Lehane grade‐2. These results suggest that the C‐MAC videolaryngoscope has a role as a rescue device in cases of an initially difficult laryngeal view.

Comparison of the McGrath® Series 5 and GlideScope® Ranger with the Macintosh laryngoscope by paramedics

BackgroundOut-of-hospital endotracheal intubation performed by paramedics using the Macintosh blade for direct laryngoscopy is associated with a high incidence of complications. The novel technique of video laryngoscopy has been shown to improve glottic view and intubation success in the operating room. The aim of this study was to compare glottic view, time of intubation and success rate of the McGrath® Series 5 and GlideScope® Ranger video laryngoscopes with the Macintosh laryngoscope by paramedics.MethodsThirty paramedics performed six intubations in a randomised order with all three laryngoscopes in an airway simulator with a normal airway. Subsequently, every participant performed one intubation attempt with each device in the same manikin with simulated cervical spine rigidity using a cervical collar. Glottic view, time until visualisation of the glottis and time until first ventilation were evaluated.ResultsTime until first ventilation was equivalent after three intubations in the first scenario. In the scenario with decreased cervical motion, the time until first ventilation was longer using the McGrath® compared to the GlideScope® and AMacintosh (p < 0.01). The success rate for endotracheal intubation was similar for all three devices. Glottic view was only improved using the McGrath® device (p < 0.001) compared to using the Macintosh blade.ConclusionsThe learning curve for video laryngoscopy in paramedics was steep in this study. However, these data do not support prehospital use of the McGrath® and GlideScope® devices by paramedics.

Evaluation of the novel, single-use, flexible aScope for tracheal intubation in the simulated difficult airway and first clinical experiences.

Flexible fibreoptic intubation is widely accepted as an important modality for the management of patients with difficult airways. We compared the aScope®, a novel, single‐use, flexible video‐endoscope designed to aid tracheal intubation, with a standard flexible intubating fibrescope, by examining the performance of 21 anaesthetists during an easy and difficult intubation simulation in a manikin. Intubation success, time for intubation, and rating of the devices (using a scale from 1, excellent to 6, fail) were documented. Intubation times were similar for both flexible scopes in the scenarios (p = 0.59). Successful intubation rates were higher for the standard intubating fibrescope (17/21, 81%) than the aScope (14/21, 67%; p = 0.02) in the difficult intubation scenario. The median (IQR[range]) ratings for the standard fibrescope vs the aScope were respectively: overall, 2 (1.75–2 [1–2.5]) vs 3 (2–3.25 [1–5]) (p < 0.0001); picture quality 2 (1.5–2 [1–3]) vs 3 (2–4 [1–5]) (p < 0.0001). The aScope was also successfully used to facilitate tracheal intubation in five patients with anticipated or unanticipated difficult airways. Picture quality was sufficient to identify the anatomical landmarks. Although the performance of the aScope is acceptable, it does not meet the current quality of standard flexible intubation fibrescopes.

S1 guidelines on airway management@@@S1-Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement: Guideline of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine@@@Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin (DGAI)

Since the publication of the first German guidelines on airway management in 2004 new techniques have been established in the clinical routine and new insights into existing strategies have been published. As a consequence the new guidelines on airway management of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine represent the current state of scientific knowledge and integrate the currently recommended techniques and strategies. The aim of these guidelines is to guarantee an optimal care of patients undergoing anesthesiological procedures and serve as an orientation and decision aid for users.ZusammenfassungSeit der ersten deutschen „Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement“ im Jahr 2004 haben sich neue Techniken im klinischen Alltag etabliert, und es wurden neue Erkenntnisse zu bestehenden Strategien publiziert. Konsequenterweise stellt die neue „Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin den aktuellen Stand der Wissenschaft dar und integriert die derzeit empfohlenen Techniken und Strategien. Die vorliegende Leitlinie soll dazu beitragen, eine optimale Versorgung der anästhesiologisch betreuten Patienten zu gewährleisten. Sie soll dem Anwender zur Orientierung und als Entscheidungshilfe dienen.

S1 guidelines on airway management : Guideline of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine.

Since the publication of the first German guidelines on airway management in 2004 new techniques have been established in the clinical routine and new insights into existing strategies have been published. As a consequence the new guidelines on airway management of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine represent the current state of scientific knowledge and integrate the currently recommended techniques and strategies. The aim of these guidelines is to guarantee an optimal care of patients undergoing anesthesiological procedures and serve as an orientation and decision aid for users.ZusammenfassungSeit der ersten deutschen „Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement“ im Jahr 2004 haben sich neue Techniken im klinischen Alltag etabliert, und es wurden neue Erkenntnisse zu bestehenden Strategien publiziert. Konsequenterweise stellt die neue „Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin den aktuellen Stand der Wissenschaft dar und integriert die derzeit empfohlenen Techniken und Strategien. Die vorliegende Leitlinie soll dazu beitragen, eine optimale Versorgung der anästhesiologisch betreuten Patienten zu gewährleisten. Sie soll dem Anwender zur Orientierung und als Entscheidungshilfe dienen.

Indirect laryngoscopy. Alternatives to securing the airway

Endotracheal intubation remains the gold standard for securing the airway in emergency medicine. However, difficult endotracheal intubation and complications are common during emergency intubation. In contrast to conventional direct laryngoscopy, the new generation of devices does not require direct visualization of the vocal cords for endotracheal tube placement. These devices allow a better glottic view and successful endotracheal placement of the tube, especially if direct laryngoscopy is difficult. Recent studies showed that utilization of these devices can be easily learned. The technique of indirect laryngoscopy is currently used for securing the airway in daily anesthesia routine as well as for managing the difficult airway in the operating room. This article gives an overview of available devices for indirect endotracheal intubation as well as the current literature.ZusammenfassungDie endotracheale Intubation gilt als Goldstandard zur Sicherung der Atemwege und erfolgte bisher meistens mithilfe der direkten Laryngoskopie. Seit Kurzem sind Alternativen verfügbar, bei denen eine Ausrichtung der oral-pharyngealen Achse zur gradlinigen Sicht auf die Glottisebene aufgrund von Videotechnik oder speziellen Optiken entfällt. Bei schwierigen Sichtverhältnissen kann mit diesen Geräten oft eine verbesserte Sicht erzielt und die endotracheale Intubation erfolgreich durchgeführt werden. Bisherige Studienergebnisse zeigen, dass die Anwendung der meisten dieser Alternativen schnell und leicht erlernt werden kann. Die Technik der indirekten Laryngoskopie wird derzeit erfolgreich in der anästhesiologischen Routine beim unerwartet schwierigen Atemweg eingesetzt. Dieser Beitrag bietet eine erste Übersicht über häufig angewendete Geräte, mit denen ein Endotrachealtubus per indirekter Laryngoskopie unter Sicht platziert werden kann.AbstractEndotracheal intubation remains the gold standard for securing the airway in emergency medicine. However, difficult endotracheal intubation and complications are common during emergency intubation. In contrast to conventional direct laryngoscopy, the new generation of devices does not require direct visualization of the vocal cords for endotracheal tube placement. These devices allow a better glottic view and successful endotracheal placement of the tube, especially if direct laryngoscopy is difficult. Recent studies showed that utilization of these devices can be easily learned. The technique of indirect laryngoscopy is currently used for securing the airway in daily anesthesia routine as well as for managing the difficult airway in the operating room. This article gives an overview of available devices for indirect endotracheal intubation as well as the current literature.

S1-Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement

ZusammenfassungSeit der ersten deutschen „Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement“ im Jahr 2004 haben sich neue Techniken im klinischen Alltag etabliert, und es wurden neue Erkenntnisse zu bestehenden Strategien publiziert. Konsequenterweise stellt die neue „Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin den aktuellen Stand der Wissenschaft dar und integriert die derzeit empfohlenen Techniken und Strategien. Die vorliegende Leitlinie soll dazu beitragen, eine optimale Versorgung der anästhesiologisch betreuten Patienten zu gewährleisten. Sie soll dem Anwender zur Orientierung und als Entscheidungshilfe dienen.AbstractSince the publication of the first german guidelines on airway management in 2014, new techniques have been established in the clinical routine and new insights into existing strategies have been published. As a consequence the new guidelines on airway management of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine represent the current state of scientific knowledge and integrate the currently recommended techniques and strategies. The aim of these guidelines is to guarantee an optimal care of patients undergoing anesthesiological procedures and serve as an orientation and decision aid for users.Since the publication of the first german guidelines on airway management in 2014, new techniques have been established in the clinical routine and new insights into existing strategies have been published. As a consequence the new guidelines on airway management of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine represent the current state of scientific knowledge and integrate the currently recommended techniques and strategies. The aim of these guidelines is to guarantee an optimal care of patients undergoing anesthesiological procedures and serve as an orientation and decision aid for users.

S1 guidelines on airway management

Since the publication of the first German guidelines on airway management in 2004 new techniques have been established in the clinical routine and new insights into existing strategies have been published. As a consequence the new guidelines on airway management of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine represent the current state of scientific knowledge and integrate the currently recommended techniques and strategies. The aim of these guidelines is to guarantee an optimal care of patients undergoing anesthesiological procedures and serve as an orientation and decision aid for users.ZusammenfassungSeit der ersten deutschen „Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement“ im Jahr 2004 haben sich neue Techniken im klinischen Alltag etabliert, und es wurden neue Erkenntnisse zu bestehenden Strategien publiziert. Konsequenterweise stellt die neue „Leitlinie Atemwegsmanagement“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin den aktuellen Stand der Wissenschaft dar und integriert die derzeit empfohlenen Techniken und Strategien. Die vorliegende Leitlinie soll dazu beitragen, eine optimale Versorgung der anästhesiologisch betreuten Patienten zu gewährleisten. Sie soll dem Anwender zur Orientierung und als Entscheidungshilfe dienen.

Effects of a single-dose hypertonic saline hydroxyethyl starch on cerebral blood flow, long-term outcome, neurogenesis, and neuronal survival after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats*.

Objective:The beneficial effects of hypertonic saline on neuronal survival and on cerebral blood flow have been shown in several animal models of global and focal brain ischemia. Because of the potential benefits of hypertonic solutions, it is hypothesized that hydroxyethyl starch enhances cerebral blood flow and improves long-term outcome after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an animal model. Design:Laboratory animal study. Setting:University animal research laboratory. Subjects:Fifty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats. Interventions:Rats were randomized to receive either 7.2% saline/6% hypertonic saline hydroxyethyl starch (4 mL/kg) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9 %) after 9 mins of asphyxic cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Local cerebral blood flow and physiologic parameters were evaluated during arrest and early restoration of spontaneous circulation. Survival and neurologic assessment were evaluated over a 7-day observation period. Animals received 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine for 6 days. Neuronal injury and neurogeneration (5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine positive neurons) were quantified on day 7 after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Measurements and Main Results:Hypertonic saline hydroxyethyl starch treatment resulted in an accentuated local cerebral blood flow during early reperfusion, compared to the vehicle group. Animal survival and neurologic outcome were not altered between groups. Neurohistopathological injury was present in hippocampal CA1 and neocortex with no effects of hypertonic saline hydroxyethyl starch on neuronal survival. Increased neurogeneration was found in the dentate gyrus after cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which was not influenced by hypertonic saline hydroxyethyl starch administration. Conclusions:Despite promising results in other models of brain injury, hypertonic saline hydroxyethyl starch failed to improve the outcome when administered after asphyxic cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats. One major difference between the cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation model and other models of brain ischemia is that the effects of asphyxic cardiac arrest involve the whole organism (post-cardiac arrest syndrome) and not exclusively the brain leading to a more severe injury. This might explain why hypertonic saline hydroxyethyl starch has failed to improve outcome in the present model.