Usefulness of a Titratable Mandibular Positioner During Sleep Endoscopy as a Prediction Tool for Treatment Outcome with Mandibular Advancement Devices: DISE-SAM Protocol

Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are an effective alternative treatment to CPAP. However, different maneuvers have been performed during the performance of drug sleep-induced endoscopy (DISE) to mimic the effect of MAD. Using the Selector Avance Mandibular (SAM) device, we aimed to identify MAD candidates during DISE using a titratable, reproducible, and measurable maneuver. This DISE-SAM protocol may help to find the relationship between the severity of the respiratory disorder and the degree of response, and to determine the advancement required to improve the collapsibility of the upper airway. Explorations were performed in 161 patients (132 males; 29 females) with a mean age of 46.81 (SD = 11.42) years, a BMI of 27.90 (SD = 4.19) kg/m2 and a mean AHI of 26.51 (SD = 21.23). Results showed no relationship between severity and MAD recommendation. Also, there was a weak positive relationship between the advancement required to obtain a response and the disease severity. Using the DISE-SAM protocol, the response and the range of mandibular protrusion were assessed, avoiding the inter-examiner bias of the jaw thrust maneuver. We suggest prescribing MAD as a single, alternative, or multiple treatment approaches following the SAM recommendations in a personalized design.

Drug-induced Sleep Endoscopy: Are there Predictors for Failure of Oral Appliance Treatment?

Introduction In the literature, evidence is lacking on the predictive value of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) for oral appliance treatment (OAT). Objectives The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether DISE with concomitant mandibular advancement maneuver can predict failure of OAT. Methods An observational retrospective study including patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who previously received OAT. Results of DISE were analyzed in a group with documented OAT failure (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > 10 events/hour or < 50% reduction) and a group with OAT benefit (AHI <10 events/hour or > 50% reduction). The upper airway was assessed using the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis (VOTE) classification. Additionally, a mandibular advancement maneuver, manually protruding the mandible by performing a jaw thrust, was performed to mimic the effect of OAT. Results The present study included 50 patients with OAT failure and 20 patients with OAT benefit. A subgroup analysis of patients with OAT failure and an AHI < 30 events/hour included 26 patients. In the OAT failure group, 74% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the subgroup with an AHI < 30 events/hour, 76.9% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver. In the OAT benefit group, 25% had a negative jaw thrust maneuver (p < 0.001). Conclusions A negative jaw thrust maneuver during DISE can be a valuable predictor for OAT failure, independent of AHI. Drug-induced sleep endoscopy should be considered as a diagnostic evaluation tool before starting OAT.

Comparison of Jaw Elevation Device vs. Conventional Airway Assist during Sedation in Chronic Kidney Diseases Undergoing Arteriovenous Fistula Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) are likely to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) underdiagnosed, and maintaining airway patency is important during sedation. This study compared Jaw elevation device (JED) with conventional airway interventions (head lateral rotation, neck extension, oral or nasal airway insertion, and jaw thrust maneuver) during sedation and hypothesized that JED may be effective to open the airway. A total of 73 patients were allocated to a conventional group (n = 39) and a JED group (n = 34). The number of additional airway interventions was the primary outcome. Percentage of patients with no need of additional interventions and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were secondary outcomes. The number of additional interventions was significantly less in the JED group compared to the conventional group (0 (0–0) vs. 1 (0–2); p = 0.002). The percentage of patients with no requirement for additional interventions was significantly higher in the JED group compared to the conventional group (76.5% vs. 43.6%; p = 0.004). AHI was significantly lower in the JED group compared to the conventional group (4.5 (1.5–11.9) vs. 9.3 (3.8–21.9), p = 0.015). In conclusion, JED seems to be effective in opening the airway patency during sedation in CRF patients.

A distance education experience on assessment of airway maneuvers during COVID-19 pandemic

Background and objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated the switch to distance education by abandoning face-to-face education worldwide. This study aimed to investigate whether it is possible for practical education and performance measurements through distance education. Methods: The application video and the application steps were sent to the participants through their smartphone by WhatsApp messenger. Grade 1 students in the Physiotherapy Section (Group A) and Grade 1 students in the Paramedic Section (Group B) voluntarily participated in the study. The participants were asked to apply simulation applications and record the simulation applications' video clips with their smartphones. Results: The mean age of the 123 participants was 20.11 ± 2.03 (18-33) years, and 56 (45.5%) were in Group A, and 67 (54.5%) were in Group B. While the participants in Group A were successful at a rate of 35.7% (n = 20) in the head tilt-chin lift maneuver, this rate was 65.7% (n = 44) for Group B (p = 0.001). For the jaw thrust maneuver, the success rate was 21.4% (n = 12) for Group A and 31.3% (n = 21) for Group B. Conclusion: In this study, the participants used family members as a live simulation model in our research. The participants who were given face-to-face education before were more successful on head tilt chin lift maneuver. Jaw thrust maneuver was more challenging to learn and practice by distance education. The academicians interested in medical education should keep in mind that the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic have permanent effects on education systems. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2021; 15(1): 1-8

False-positive Cuff Leak Test Due to Glossoptosis: A Case Report

BackgroundThe cuff leak test (CLT) can sometimes be falsely positive. We report a case with a visually confirmed false-positive cuff leak test caused by upper airway obstruction due to glossoptosis. Case presentationA 62-year-old woman was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm and underwent high-flow bypass and trapping. Postoperatively, she was admitted to our intensive care unit under mechanical ventilation. On postoperative days 11 and 13, she had positive CLTs under sedation. We observed only mild to moderate edema around the vocal cords and tracheal tube cuff using a bronchoscope and muscle relaxant. Bronchoscopy showed glossoptosis; hence, a jaw-lift maneuver was performed and the CLT turned negative. The false-positive CLT was thought to be due to glossoptosis. She was extubated on postoperative day 15 without post-extubation stridor. She was discharged on postoperative day 41.ConclusionsUpper airway obstruction due to glossoptosis can cause false positive CLT. We should consider a jaw-thrust maneuver to avoid a false positive when performing CLT on a sedated patient.

A new self-designed “tongue root holder” device to aid fiberoptic intubation

Objective In this study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of fiberoptic intubation (FOI), using a new, self-designed, “tongue root holder” device, in combination with the jaw thrust maneuver. Methods Three hundred patients undergoing elective surgery requiring orotracheal intubation were enrolled. Patients presented at least one or more risk factors for difficult airway. The patients were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups: group L, FOI with tongue root holder, or group C, standard FOI. Orotracheal FOI was performed after commencement of anesthesia. The jaw thrust maneuver was applied in both groups to facilitate advancement of the fiberoptic bronchoscope. The primary endpoint was the feasibility of FOI. The secondary endpoints were number of attempts, time to intubation, and airway clearance at the soft palate and epiglottis levels. Results The FOI was achieved in all 150 patients in group L, significantly higher than that in group C (100% vs 95.3%; P = 0.015). Less attempts of intubation were made in group L (P = 0.039). Mean time to successful intubation on the first attempt was shorter in group L (P < 0.001). The mean times to view the vocal cord and carina were also shorter in group L (P = 0.011 and P < 0.001, respectively). Airway clearance was better in group L at both the soft palate and the glottis levels (P = 0.010 and P = 0.038, respectively). Conclusions This study shows that FOI is feasible with the newly introduced, self-designed, “tongue root holder” device, when combined with the jaw thrust maneuver in patients with risk factors for difficult airway. The device also provides better airway clearance, less intubation attempts, and shorter time to intubation at first attempt. Clinical relevance Fiberoptic bronchoscope has been the gold standard for routine management of difficult airway. A technique to open the airway is introduced to reduce the incidence rate of upper airway obstruction.

Results of the randomized comparative study of second-generation supraglottic airways in orbital osteosynthesis

The objective: to assess and compare supraglottic airways of LMA-Supreme and i-gel during orbital osteosynthesis.Subjects and methods. 91 patients were included into the study. All of them underwent osteosynthesis of the orbit. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. LMA-Supreme group included 42 patients, while i-gel group included 49 patients.Results. The parameters of hemodynamics, gas exchange, and artificial pulmonary ventilation (APV) did not basically differ between the groups at different stages of the study. The oropharyngeal leak pressure differed between the groups at the end of surgery and made (Me – median, Q1 and Q3 – upper and lower quartiles): 28.0 (22.0; 30.0) and 21.0 (19.0; 27.0) mm WG the LMA-Supreme and i-gel groups, respectively; p = 0.021. A significant difference was observed in the insertion time of supraglottic airways (Me is the median, Q1 and Q3 are the upper and lower quartiles): 27.5 (19.3; 36.5) sec. for LMA-Supreme and 15.0 (13.8; 25.0) sec. – for i-gel; p = 0.001. When inserting the LMA-Supreme duct in 33 (78.6%) patients, jaw thrust maneuver, extension of the neck, etc. were required; while in the i-gel group, similar maneuvers were necessary in 18 (36.7%) patients; p < 0.001. The number of postoperative complications was minimal in both groups.Conclusion. Both supraglottic airways can be used with equal efficacy in osteosynthesis of the orbit. At the same time, the i-gel duct has an advantage over the LMA-Supreme in speed and simplicity of insertion. The LMA-Supreme had greater leak pressure at the end of surgery, which might be an advantage in patients requiring greater peak inspiratory pressure to provide effective APV.