Emergency Airway Placement by EMS Providers: Comparison between the King LT Supralaryngeal Airway and Endotracheal Intubation

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bracken Burns ◽  
Richard Branson ◽  
Stephen L. Barnes ◽  
Betty J. Tsuei

AbstractIntroduction:The ever-present risk of mass casualties and disaster situations may result in airway management situations that overwhelm local emergency medical services (EMS) resources. Endotracheal intubation requires significant user education/training and carries the risk of malposition. Furthermore, personal protective equipment (PPE) required in hazardous environments may decrease dexterity and hinder timely airway placement. Alternative airway devices may be beneficial in these situations.Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the time needed to place the King LT Supralaryngeal Airway compared to endotracheal intubation when performed by community EMS personnel with and without PPE.Methods:Following training, 47 EMS personnel were timed placing both endotracheal tubes and the King LT supralaryngeal airway in a simulator mannikin. The study participants then repeated this exercise wearing PPE.Results:The EMS personnel wearing PPE took significantly longer to place an endotracheal tube than they did without protective equipment (53.4 seconds and 39.5 seconds, p <0.002). The time to place the King LT was significantly faster than the placement of the endotracheal tube without protective equipment (18.4 seconds and 39.5 seconds, respectively, p<0.00003). There also were statistically significant differences between the time required to place the King LT and endotracheal tube in EMS personnel wearing protective equipment (19.7 seconds and 53.4 seconds, p <0.000007).Conclusions:The King LT Supralaryngeal Airway device may be advantageous in prehospital airway management situations involving multiple patients or hazardous environments. In this study, its insertion was faster than endotracheal intubation when performed by community EMS providers.

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford A. Schmiesing ◽  
John G. Brock-Utne

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is an airway management device that has become an accepted part of anesthetic practice in both pediatric and adults surgical patients. It is inserted without the use of a laryngoscope or muscle relaxants into the hypopharynx forming a low pressure seal around the glottis. The LMA provides a better airway than a face mask with or without an oral airway. Insertion techniques are quickly learned and are described in this review. Since the LMA forms a less secure seal than an endotracheal tube (ETT), several important limitations and contraindications exist. This includes patients at high risk for regurgitation of gastric contents into the lungs causing pulmonary aspiration and patients requiring high ventilatory pressures or prolonged ventilation. These contraindications have limited its introduction and utilization in the intensive care unit (ICU). The LMA is a helpful tool in the management of both the expected and unexpected difficult airway, where it may serve both as an emergency airway and as a conduit to intubation of the trachea with an ETT over a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) or gum elastic bougie. A lifesaving airway has been provided by the LMA where no other means of achieving ventilation were possible in patients, including neonates, trauma victims, woman undergoing cesarean section, and in the setting of cardiac arrest. There are very few reported uses of the LMA in the ICU. We believe that familiarity with the LMA's design, use, and limitations by critical care practitioners will increase its use in emergency airway management and in the ICU. The LMA may prove to be the first of a new generation of airway devices placed into the hypopharynx to provide an alternative to the endotracheal tube and mask airway.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale Woolridge ◽  
Lisa Goldberg ◽  
Garrett S. Pacheco

Pediatric endotracheal intubation is a procedure that can be stress provoking to the emergency physician. Although the need for this core skill is rare, when confronted with this situation, the emergency physician must have knowledge of the anatomic, physiologic, and pathologic components unique to the pediatric airway to optimize success. Furthermore, the emergency physician should be well versed in the various equipment and adjuncts as well as techniques developed to effectively manage the pediatric airway. This review covers the pathophysiology and practice of endotracheal intubation. Figures show a gum elastic bougie; the Mallampati classification; appropriate oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes; advancing the laryngoscope to lift the epiglottis; endotracheal tube position in neonates; and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation pressure-regulated volume control mechanical ventilation. Tables list endotracheal tube sizes, neonatal endotracheal tube sizes, pediatric laryngeal mask airway sizes, commonly used induction agents, and endotracheal tube insertion depth guidelines. This review contains 6 figures, 8 tables, and 77 references. Key words: emergent tracheal intubation; endotracheal tube; laryngoscopy; pediatric airway; pediatric airway management; pediatric endotracheal intubation; pediatric laryngeal mask; video laryngoscopy


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale Woolridge ◽  
Lisa Goldberg ◽  
Garrett S. Pacheco

Pediatric endotracheal intubation is a procedure that can be stress provoking to the emergency physician. Although the need for this core skill is rare, when confronted with this situation, the emergency physician must have knowledge of the anatomic, physiologic, and pathologic components unique to the pediatric airway to optimize success. Furthermore, the emergency physician should be well versed in the various equipment and adjuncts as well as techniques developed to effectively manage the pediatric airway. This review covers the pathophysiology and practice of endotracheal intubation. Figures show a gum elastic bougie; the Mallampati classification; appropriate oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal axes; advancing the laryngoscope to lift the epiglottis; endotracheal tube position in neonates; and synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation pressure-regulated volume control mechanical ventilation. Tables list endotracheal tube sizes, neonatal endotracheal tube sizes, pediatric laryngeal mask airway sizes, commonly used induction agents, and endotracheal tube insertion depth guidelines. This review contains 6 figures, 8 tables, and 77 references. Key words: emergent tracheal intubation; endotracheal tube; laryngoscopy; pediatric airway; pediatric airway management; pediatric endotracheal intubation; pediatric laryngeal mask; video laryngoscopy


2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danny Epstein ◽  
R Strashewsky ◽  
A Furer ◽  
A M Tsur ◽  
J Chen ◽  
...  

IntroductionEndotracheal intubation is required in many emergency, trauma and prehospital scenarios. Endotracheal tube (ETT) fixation must be stable and quick to apply to enable rapid evacuation and patient transport. This study compares performance times of three common ETT securement techniques which are practical for out-of-hospital and combat scenarios.MethodsWe compared the time required by military medics to complete ETT fixation in three techniques—fixation of a wide gauze roll wrapped twice around the head and tied twice around the ETT (GR), using a Thomas Tube Holder (TH) and using a pre-tied non-adhesive tape (PT). 300 military medics were randomised to apply one technique each on a manikin, and time to completion was recorded.Results300 ETTs were successfully fixated by 300 military medics. Median times to complete ETT fixation by PT and TH techniques were 24 s (IQR (19 to 31) and (IQR 20 to 33), respectively). Both were significantly shorter to apply than the GR technique, with a median time of 57 s (IQR 47 to 81), p<0.001.ConclusionsIn time critical situations such as combat, severe trauma, mass casualties and whenever rapid evacuation might improve the clinical outcome, using a faster fixation technique such as Thomas Tube Holder or a pre-tied non-adhesive tape might enable faster evacuation than the use of traditional endotracheal tube fixation techniques.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawid Aleksandrowicz ◽  
Tomasz Gaszyński

Airway management in patients with suspected cervical spine injury plays an important role in the pathway of care of trauma patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different airway devices during intubation of a patient with reduced cervical spine mobility. Forty students of the third year of emergency medicine studies participated in the study (F=26,M=14). The time required to obtain a view of the entry to the larynx and successful ventilation time were recorded. Cormack-Lehane laryngoscopic view and damage to the incisors were also assessed. All three airway devices were used by each student (a novice) and they were randomly chosen. The mean time required to obtain the entry-to-the-larynx view was the shortest for the Macintosh laryngoscope 13.4 s (±2.14). Truview Evo2 had the shortest successful ventilation time 35.7 s (±9.27). The best view of the entry to the larynx was obtained by the Totaltrack VLM device. The Truview Evo2 and Totaltrack VLM may be an alternative to the classic Macintosh laryngoscope for intubation of trauma patients with suspected injury to the cervical spine. The use of new devices enables achieving better laryngoscopic view as well as minimising incisor damage during intubation.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Yu Yao ◽  
Shi Yang Li ◽  
Yong Jin Yuan ◽  
Hon Sen Tan ◽  
Nian-Lin Reena Han ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The obstetric airway is a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Endotracheal intubation is considered the standard of care but the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has gained acceptance as a rescue airway and has been incorporated into the obstetric airway management guidelines. In this randomized controlled equivalence trial, we compared the Supreme LMA (SLMA) with endotracheal intubation (ETT) in managing the obstetric airway during cesarean section. Methods Parturients who underwent elective cesarean section under general anesthesia were randomized to receive either an SLMA or ETT as their airway device. Our primary outcome was first-attempt insertion success. Successful insertion was defined as adequate bilateral air entry with auscultation and the presence of end-tidal carbon dioxide on the capnogram. The first-attempt insertion success rate was compared using the Chi-Square test. Secondary outcomes included time-to-ventilation, seal pressure, ventilation/hemodynamic parameters, occurrence of clinical aspiration, fetal outcomes, and maternal side effects associated with the airway device. Results We recruited 920 parturients (460 SLMA, 460 ETT) who underwent elective cesarean section under general anesthesia. Patient characteristics were similar between the groups. First attempt success was similar (Odds Ratio--ORSLMA/ETA: 1.00 (95%CI: 0.25, 4.02), p = 1.0000). SLMA was associated with reduced time to effective ventilation (Mean Difference--MD -22.96; 95%CI: -23.71, -22.21 seconds) compared to ETT group (p<0.0001). Ventilation parameters, maternal and fetal outcomes were similar between the groups, and there was no aspiration. Conclusions SLMA could be an alternative airway management technique for a carefully selected low-risk obstetric population, with similar insertion success rates, reduced time to ventilation and less hemodynamic changes compared with ETT. Our findings are consistent with the airway guidelines in recommending the second-line use of LMA in the management of the obstetric airway.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin F. Bjurström ◽  
Mikael Bodelsson ◽  
Louise W. Sturesson

Death and severe morbidity attributable to anesthesia are commonly associated with failed difficult airway management. When an airway emergency develops, immediate access to difficult airway equipment is critical for implementation of rescue strategies. Previously, national expert consensus guidelines have provided only limited guidance for the design and setup of a difficult airway trolley. The overarching aim of the current work was to create a dedicated difficult airway trolley (for patients>12 years old) for use in anesthesia theatres, intensive care units, and emergency departments. A systematic literature search was performed, using the PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar search engines. Based on evidence presented in 11 national or international guidelines, and peer-reviewed journals, we present and outline a difficult airway trolley organized to accommodate sequential progression through a four-step difficult airway algorithm. The contents of the top four drawers correspond to specific steps in the airway algorithm (A = intubation, B = oxygenation via a supraglottic airway device, C = facemask ventilation, and D = emergency invasive airway access). Additionally, specialized airway equipment may be included in the fifth drawer of the proposed difficult airway trolley, thus enabling widespread use. A logically designed, guideline-based difficult airway trolley is a vital resource for any clinician involved in airway management and may aid the adherence to difficult airway algorithms during evolving airway emergencies. Future research examining the availability of rescue airway devices in various clinical settings, and simulation studies comparing different types of difficult airway trolleys, are encouraged.


1978 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H. Heroy ◽  
Mhari G. MacDonald ◽  
Eduardo Mazzi ◽  
Herman M. Risemberg

Out of 262 premature newborn patients admitted with a diagnosis of respiratory distress, it was necessary to treat 70 with a ventilator. Of these 70, 25 eventually underwent tracheostomy. Indications for tracheostomy were that of an infant needing prolonged endotracheal intubation greater than one week. The procedure itself was easily performed and an overall complication rate of 7% was the result. Of the patients who underwent tracheostomy, 8% had significant complications. There was no death attributable to the treatment regime. We feel, therefore, that a combination approach starting with the endotracheal tube and progressing to tracheostomy when necessary, provided the best care for premature infants requiring intensive airway management.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 623-628
Author(s):  
Heena Saini ◽  
Rajesh Angral ◽  
Neelam Gupta

BACKGROUND Present study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) supreme and I gel, the second generation supraglottic airway devices in laparoscopic surgeries. METHODS 120 patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I and II (20 - 50 years) of either sex who underwent laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into three groups. Airway was secured with endotracheal tube (ETT) in group E (N = 40), with LMA supreme in Group S (N = 40) and with I-gel in group I (N = 40). Insertion characteristics of airway device, ease of gastric tube insertion, haemodynamic response and perioperative laryngopharyngeal morbidities were assessed. RESULTS I-gel was easier to insert with higher first attempt success rate (95 %) than LMA Supreme (85 %) and ETT (90 %) but it was statistically insignificant. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly higher in ETT group at the time of intubation, continued till 5 minutes and also at the time of extubation but statistically significant increase in HR and MAP were noted in group S and I only at the time of device insertion. Gastric tube was easier to insert in group S with shortest insertion time which was statistically significant. Incidence of coughing, dysphonia, dysphagia and sore throat was significantly more in group E. CONCLUSIONS I-gel and LMA Supreme can be used as an alternative to ETT for airway management in adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries. KEYWORDS Endotracheal Tube, I-gel, LMA Supreme, Supraglottic Airway Device


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