A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MODIFIED MALLAMPATI CLASSIFICATION WITH NECK CIRCUMFERENCE ALONG WITH UPPER LIP BITE TEST IN MORBIDLY OBESE PATIENTS

INTRODUCTION: Anaesthesia in morbidly obese patients can present many challenges. The overriding concern of most anaesthesiologists is airway management, as obese patients have been thought to be at greater risk of difcult airway and/or difcult intubation, when compared with the general population. The term 'difcult airway' has been dened by the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) taskforce as the clinical situation in which a conventionally trained anaesthesiologist experiences problems with mask ventilation or tracheal intubation or both. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES- To assess the positive predictive value,sensitivity and specicity of MMPC, NC along with ULBT and compare it with Cormack Lehane grading intraoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHOD- Preoperative airway assessment of 200 patients posted for surgery under general anaesthesia was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of multiple screening tests in predicting the ease or difculty of laryngoscopy in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Modied Mallampati test grade III or IV, Upper Lip Bite test grade III, Neck Circumference >40cm were considered as predictors of difcult laryngoscopy. Laryngoscopy was considered difcult if the view on laryngoscopy was Cormack and Lehane grade III or IV. The results were evaluated on the basis of sensitivity, specicity, positive and negative predictive value and accuracy of these tests. RESULT- Group A (ULBT+MMPC) identied 65% of the patients with difcult intubation (sensitivity of 92.86 % & specicity of 33.3 %), whereas Group B (ULBT+NC) identied 75% of the patients with difcult airway (sensitivity 93.75% & specicity of 25%). Pearson Correlation analysis was applied to know the correlation between the various tests and the Cormack Lehane Classication, both the groups had p value of 0.001 , which was highly signicant. CONCLUSION-When multiple predictors are taken into consideration there was a considerable reduction in false negatives with signicant improvement in accuracy of test and hence prediction of difcult laryngoscopy was made easy. Application of multiple predictors in combination can reduce the frequency of unanticipated difculty and unnecessary interventions related to over prediction of airway difculty.

Comparison of McGrath Videolaryngoscope and Macintosh Laryngoscope in Children with Torticollis: Randomized Controlled Trial

We investigated the efficacy of the McGrath videolaryngoscope compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope in children with torticollis. Thirty children aged 1–10 years who underwent surgical release of torticollis were randomly assigned into the McGrath and Macintosh groups. Orotracheal intubation was performed by a skilled anesthesiologist. The primary outcome was the intubation time. The Cormack–Lehane grade, lifting force, intubation difficulty scale (IDS), difficulty level, and intubation failure rate were also assessed. The intubation time was significantly longer in the McGrath group than in the Macintosh group (31.4 ± 6.7 s vs. 26.1 ± 5.4 s, p = 0.025). Additionally, the Cormack–Lehane grades were comparable between the groups (p = 0.101). The lifting force and IDS were significantly lower in the McGrath group than in the Macintosh group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively). No significant differences were observed with respect to endotracheal intubation difficulty and intubation success rate. Intubation-related complications were also not observed. In conclusion, compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope, the McGrath videolaryngoscope extended the intubation time and did not improve glottic visualization in children with torticollis, despite having a lesser lifting force, lower intubation difficulty scale, and similar success rate.

Difficult Airway Prediction Score for Intubation in Emergency Departments: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: Difficult intubation is associated with an increasing number of endotracheal intubation attempts. Repeated endotracheal intubation attempts are in turn associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Clinical prediction tools to predict difficult airway have limited application in emergency airway situations. This study was performed to develop a new model for predicting difficult intubation in the emergency department.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using an exploratory model at the Emergency Medicine of Ramathibodi Hospital, a university-affiliated super-tertiary care hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. The study was conducted from June 2018 to July 2020. The inclusion criteria were an age of ≥15 years and treatment by emergency intubation in the emergency department. Difficult intubation was defined as a Cormack–Lehane grade III or IV laryngoscopic view. The predictive model and prediction score for detecting difficult intubation were developed by multivariable regression analysis.Results: During the study period, 617 patients met the inclusion criteria; of these, 83 (13.45%) had difficult intubation. Five independent factors were predictive of difficult intubation. The difficult airway assessment score that we developed to predict difficult airway intubation had an accuracy of 89%. A score of >4 increased the likelihood ratio of difficult intubation by 7.62 times.Conclusion: A difficult airway assessment score of >4 was associated with difficult intubation.

Efficacy and Safety of Video-Laryngoscopy versus Direct Laryngoscopy for Double-Lumen Endotracheal Intubation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The available meta-analyses have inconclusively indicated the advantages of video-laryngoscopy (VL) in different clinical situations; therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine efficacy outcomes such as successful first attempt or time to perform endotracheal intubation as well as adverse events of VL vs. direct laryngoscopes (DL) for double-lumen intubation. First intubation attempt success rate was 87.9% for VL and 84.5% for DL (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 0.95 to 2.86; I2 = 61%; p = 0.08). Overall success rate was 99.8% for VL and 98.8% for DL, respectively (OR = 3.89; 95%CI: 0.95 to 15.93; I2 = 0; p = 0.06). Intubation time for VL was 43.4 ± 30.4 s compared to 54.0 ± 56.3 s for DL (MD = −11.87; 95%CI: −17.06 to −6.68; I2 = 99%; p < 0.001). Glottic view based on Cormack–Lehane grades 1 or 2 equaled 93.1% and 88.1% in the VL and DL groups, respectively (OR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.18 to 9.41; I2 = 63%; p = 0.02). External laryngeal manipulation was needed in 18.4% cases of VL compared with 42.8% for DL (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.40; I2 = 69%; p < 0.001). For double-lumen intubation, VL offers shorter intubation time, better glottic view based on Cormack–Lehane grade, and a lower need for ELM, but comparable first intubation attempt success rate and overall intubation success rate compared with DL.

Drug-free tracheal intubation by specialist paramedics (critical care) in a United Kingdom ambulance service: a service evaluation

Background Drug-free tracheal intubation has been a common intervention in the context of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest for many years, however its use by paramedics has recently been the subject of much debate. Recent international guidance has recommended that only those achieving high tracheal intubation success should continue to use it. Methods We conducted a retrospective service evaluation of all drug-free tracheal intubation attempts by specialist paramedics (critical care) from South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust between 1st January and 31st December 2019. Our primary outcome was first-pass success rate, and secondary outcomes were success within two attempts, overall success, Cormack-Lehane grade of view, and use of bougie. Results There were 663 drug-free tracheal intubations and following screening, 605 were reviewed. There was a first-pass success rate of 81.5%, success within two attempts of 96.7%, and an overall success rate of 98.35%. There were ten unsuccessful attempts (1.65%). Bougie use was documented in 83.4% on the first attempt, 93.5% on the second attempt and 100% on the third attempt, Conclusion Specialist paramedics (critical care) are able to deliver drug-free tracheal intubation with good first-pass success and high overall success and are therefore both safe and competent at this intervention.

Upper lip bite test compared to modified Mallampati test in predicting difficult airway in obstetrics: A prospective observational study

Difficult airway and intubation can have dangerous sequela for patients if not managed promptly. This issue is even more challenging among obstetric patients. Several studies have aimed to determine whether the test to predict a difficult airway or difficult intubation, is higher in accuracy. This study aims to compare the upper lip bite test with the modified Mallampati test in predicting difficult airway among obstetric patients. During this prospective observational study, 184 adult pregnant women, with ASA physical status of II, were enrolled. Difficult intubations of Cormack-Lehane grade III and IV were defined as difficult airways and difficult intubation in this study. Upper lip bite test, modified Mallampati test, thyromental distance and sternomental distance were noted for all patients. Modified Mallampati test, upper lip bite test and sternomental distance had highest specificity. Based on regression analysis, body mass index and Cormack-Lehane grade have a significant association. Modified Mallampati test was the most accurate test for predicting difficult airway. The best cut-off points of thyromental distance and sternomental distance in our study were 5cm and 15cm, respectively, by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that in the obstetric population, modified Mallampati test is practically the best test for predicting difficult airway. However, combining this test with upper lip bite test, thyromental distance and sternomental distance might result in better diagnostic accuracy.

Comparative Study between two Ultrasound Aided Methods in PreoperativeAssessment of Difficult Airway in Obese Patients

Background Unpredictable difficult laryngoscopy remains a challenge for anaesthesiologists, especially if difficult ventilation occurs. So, accurate airway assessment should always be performed so as to provide appropriate planning and management of expected difficult intubation and to limit any unexpected difficulties. Airway assessment using ultrasound has been proposed recently as a useful, simple and non-invasive bed side tool as an adjunct to clinical methods. Objective To establish whether correlations existed between two ultrasound measurements and the Cormack–Lehane grade during direct laryngoscopy, and whether these measurements are useful in predicting are stricted or difficult view especially in morbid obese individuals. The first is the measurement of the hyomental distance of the patient in neutral position of the neck and in fully extended neck calculating the ratio between both of them. While the second is the measurement of anterior cervical soft tissue thickness at three anatomical levels (hyoid bone, thyrohyoid membrane or ‘pre epiglottic space’ and anterior commissure). We chose these two new measurements from among the various ultrasound assessments made in previous studies because of their simplicity of execution in normal clinical and in emergency settings. Patients and Methods The current study is a prospective comparative clinical trial of assessment of difficult air way using two different ultrasound aided techniques in comparison to Cormack and lehane scoring system. Those patients were chosen upon some inclusion and exclusion criteria; inclusion criteria were (Age of the patient (25-60y), ASA I-II patients, Obese patients with body mass index &gt; 30 kg /m2 and Pts undergoing bariatric surgery) and exclusion criteria were (Pathology of the airway (tumors), Deformity of the airway anatomy (burns, scars), History of facial, cervical, pharyngeal and epiglottis surgery or trauma, Patients with most teeth lost and Patient refusal). Results Regarding U/S measurements in method A patients; the average HMD-neutral of A patients was (53.58±5.33) mm, the average HMD-extension was (58±7.82) mm, and the average HMDR was (1.07±0.06). It showed highly significant decrease in HMD extension and HMDR in difficult group, compared to easy group, in A group of patients (p &lt; 0.01respectively). Non-significant difference as regards HMD-neutral U/S measurements in method A (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion Ultrasonography can be a valuable adjunct in this aspect of airway assessment. Ultrasound assessment of pre-epiglottic tissue thickness at the level of the thyrohyoid membrane may be useful to predict restricted/difficult direct laryngoscopy and difficult intubation. The ratio of hyomental distance between neutral and extended positions may also be a good predictor of difficult direct laryngoscopy.

Macintosh laryngoscope and i-view™ and C-MAC® video laryngoscopes for tracheal intubation with an aerosol box: a randomized crossover manikin study

Background We tested the hypothesis that the C-MAC® video laryngoscope (C-MAC) with an external display is more useful than the disposable i-view™ video laryngoscope (i-view) with an integrated display or a Macintosh direct laryngoscope (Macintosh) for tracheal intubation with an aerosol box. Methods In this randomized, crossover manikin study, we recruited 37 medical personnel with > 2 years of dedicated anesthesia experience from five hospitals. After the three successful intubations within 60 s using each laryngoscope without a box, the participants performed tracheal intubation thrice with each laryngoscope with at least 2-h intervals in a determined order. The primary outcome was the intubation time. The secondary outcomes were success rate, Cormack-Lehane grade, and subjective difficulty scale score. Results Thirty-seven personnel (11 women and 26 men) with 12 [5–19] (median [interquartile range]) years of anesthesia and intensive care experience were enrolled. There was no significant difference in the intubation time: 30 [26–32] s for Macintosh, 29 [26–32] s for i-view, and 29 [25–31] s for C-MAC (P = 0.247). The success rate was 95–100%, without a significant difference (P = 0.135). The i-view and C-MAC exhibited superior Cormack-Lehane grades and lower subjective difficulty scale scores than the Macintosh; however, there were no differences between the i-view and C-MAC. Conclusions Rapid and highly successful tracheal intubation was possible with both Macintosh, i-view, and C-MAC on a normal airway manikin in an aerosol box. Improved Cormack-Lehane grade and the ease of performing the procedure may support the use of video laryngoscopes. Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000040269. Registered 30 April 2020.

Tracheal Intubation by Specialist Paramedics (Critical Care) in a United Kingdom Ambulance Service: a Service Evaluation.

BackgroundDrug-free tracheal intubation has been a common intervention in the context of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest for many years, however its use by paramedics has recently been the subject of much debate. Recent international guidance has recommended that only those achieving high tracheal intubation success should continue to use it.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective service evaluation of all drug-free tracheal intubation attempts by specialist paramedics (critical care) from South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust between 1st January and 31st December 2019. Our primary outcome was first-pass success rate, and secondary outcomes were success within two attempts, overall success, Cormack-Lehane grade of view, and use of bougie.ResultsThere were 663 drug-free tracheal intubations and following screening, 605 were reviewed. There was a first-pass success rate of 81.5%, success within two attempts of 96.7%, and an overall success rate of 98.35%. There were ten unsuccessful attempts (1.65%).ConclusionSpecialist paramedics (critical care) are able to deliver drug-free tracheal intubation with high first-pass success and very high overall success and are therefore both safe and competent at this intervention.

Adverse Events and Unsuccessful Intubation Attempts Are Frequent During Neonatal Nasotracheal Intubations

Background: Intubation of neonates is difficult and hazardous. Factors associated with procedure-related adverse events and unsuccessful intubation attempts are insufficiently evaluated, especially during neonatal nasotracheal intubations.Objective: Aim of this study was to determine the frequency of tracheal intubation–associated events (TIAEs) during neonatal nasotracheal intubations and to identify factors associated with TIAEs and unsuccessful intubation attempts in our neonatal unit.Methods: This was a prospective, single-site, observational study from May 2017 to November 2019, performed at a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit in a German academic teaching hospital. All endotracheal intubation encounters performed by the neonatal team were recorded.Results: Two hundred and fifty-eight consecutive intubation encounters in 197 patients were analyzed. One hundred and forty-eight (57.4%) intubation encounters were associated with at least one TIAE. Intubation inexperience (&lt;10 intubation encounters) (OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.257–3.685) and equipment problems (OR = 3.43; 95% CI, 1.12–10.52) were predictive of TIAEs. Intubation at first attempt (OR = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.06–0.19) and videolaryngoscopy (OR = 0.47; 96% CI, 0.25–0.860) were predictive of intubation encounters without TIAEs. The first intubation attempt was commonly done by pediatric residents (67.8%). A median of two attempts were performed until successful intubation. Restricted laryngoscopic view (OR = 3.07; 95% CI, 2.08–4.53; Cormack-Lehane grade 2 vs. grade 1), intubation by pediatric residents when compared to neonatologists (OR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.265–2.41) and support by less experienced neonatal nurses (OR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46) were associated with unsuccessful intubation attempts.Conclusions: In our unit, TIAEs and unsuccessful intubation attempts occurred frequently during neonatal nasotracheal intubations. To improve success rates, quality improvement und further research should target interprofessional education and training, equipment problems and videolaryngoscopy.