Utility of the Aintree Intubation Catheter in fiberoptic tracheal intubation through the three types of intubating supraglottic airways: a manikin simulation study

Aintree Catheter Versus Gum Elastic Bougie for Airway Exchange Using the i-Gel Supraglottic Device: A Cadaver Study

INTRODUCTION

Airway compromise is the third leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. Most combat medics carry supraglottic airway (SGA) devices for airway management. However, exchanging an SGA device for a definitive airway can be challenging, especially in austere environments. This study aims to compare the Aintree intubation catheter (AIC) to the gum elastic bougie (GEB) as adjuncts for performing airway device exchange with the i-gel SGA device in place.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized crossover cadaver study of 48 participants examined the success rate of two endotracheal introducers (AIC and GEB) when performing a blind airway exchange with an i-gel in place. Study participants were combat medics (MOS 68W), physician assistant students, physician assistant staff, emergency medicine (EM) physician residents, and emergency medicine attending physicians attending classes at the installation Medical Simulations Training Center. Each participant performed up to three attempts using both endotracheal tube introducers on the same cadaver. The primary outcome was successful airway exchange rate with each device, and the secondary outcome was time to successful airway exchange.

RESULTS

Although the AIC had a slightly higher success rate of 33% compared to the GEB success rate of 30%, this result was not statistically significant, P = .56. Similarly, participants completed successful airway exchanges with the AIC faster, with a mean time of 86.5 seconds (95% CI: 71.2 to 101.9) versus 101.2 seconds (95% CI: 85.5 to 116.9) with the GEB. However, this result was also not statistically significant, P = 0.18.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates no significant difference in success rate and time to completion of successful iterations of airway exchanges between the two devices. Although the AIC performed slightly better overall, these results are not statistically significant. Additionally, blind exchange intubations appear to be of high risk with minimal success, so we recommend against this technique in routine practice.

Prehospital Supraglottic Airways: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document

Supraglottic airway (SGA) devices provide effective conduits for oxygenation and ventilation and may offer protection from gastric aspiration. SGA devices are widely used by EMS clinicians as both rescue and primary airway management devices. While in common use for more than four decades, major developments in SGA education, science, and technology have influenced clinical strategies of SGA insertion and use in prehospital airway management for patients of all ages. NAEMSP recommends:SGAs have utility as a primary or secondary EMS airway intervention. EMS agencies should select SGA strategies that best suit available resources and local clinician skillset, as well as the nature of their clinical practice setting.EMS agencies that perform endotracheal intubation must also equip their clinicians with SGA devices and ensure adequate training and competence.In select situations, drug-assisted airway management may be used by properly credentialed EMS clinicians to facilitate SGA insertion.Confirmation of initial and continuous SGA placement using waveform capnography is strongly encouraged as a best practice.When it is functioning properly, EMS clinicians should refrain from converting an SGA to an endotracheal tube. The decision to convert an SGA to an endotracheal tube must consider the patient's condition, the effectiveness of SGA ventilations, and the clinical context and course of initial SGA insertionSGA training, competency, and clinical use must be continuously evaluated by EMS agencies using focused quality management programs.

Direct and indirect low skill fibre-optic intubation: A randomised crossover manikin study of six supraglottic airway devices

Background and Aims:

Fibre-optic intubation (FOI) through supraglottic airway devices (SADs) is useful in the management of the difficult airway. We compared two methods of FOI through seven SADs in a randomised crossover manikin study to assess each device's performance and discuss implications on SAD selection.

Methods:

Thirty anaesthetsiologists, 15 seniors and 15 juniors, each performed low skill FOI (LSFOI) with seven SADs using both 'direct' and 'indirect' methods. The order of method and device used were randomised. The primary end point was success rate of intubation; secondary end points were time taken for intubation, incidence of difficulties with direct and indirect LSFOI and operator device preference. Statistical analysis was with univariable analysis and comparison of proportions.

Results:

Data from six devices were analysed due to a protocol breach with one SAD. There was no difference in intubation success rate across all SADs and intubation methods. Intubation time was significantly shorter in AmbuAuragain than other SADs and shorter with the direct method of LSFOI than the indirect method (mean difference of 6.9 s, P = 0.027). Ambu Auragain had the least SAD and bronchoscope-related difficulties. Seniors had significantly shorter mean intubation times than juniors by 11.6 s (P = 0.0392). The most preferred SAD for both methods was AmbuAuragain.

Conclusion:

Low skill FOI consistently achieves a high intubation success rate regardless of experience, choice of method, or SAD used. SAD design features may significantly affect the performance of low skill FOI.

Air-Q® versus LMA Fastrach™ for fiberoptic-guided intubation: A randomized cross-over manikin trial

INTRODUCTION

Airway management is still a major cause of anesthesia-associated morbidity and mortality. Supraglottic devices are recommended in difficult airway management guidelines. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the Air-Q^® and the LMA Fastrach™ for fiberoptic guided tracheal intubation.

METHODS

Thirty-three anesthesia trainees participated in this randomized crossover study. Time to insert the dedicated airways (insertion of the airway into the manikin and delivery of two breaths), time to tracheal intubation (fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubation), time to remove the dedicated airway (removal of the Air-Q^®/LMA Fastrach™ over the tracheal tube) and the opinion of the ease of use of the anesthesia trainees were measured.

RESULTS

There was 100% success rate for tracheal intubation with both devices on the first attempt. Time to insert the dedicated device and deliver two breaths was 10±3s for the Air-Q^® and 11±3s for the LMA Fastrach™, P=.07. Time taken to intubate the trachea was shorter with the air-Q^®, 38±15 s, than with the LMA Fastrach™, 47±19s, P=.017. Overall procedure time was significantly shorter with the Air-Q^® as compared with the LMA Fastrach™, with a mean time of 74±21s and 87±28s respectively, P=.002. Air-Q^® removal was considered easier than LMA Fastrach™ removal, P=.005. There were no tube dislodgements during the removal of the dedicated airways.

CONCLUSIONS

Inexperienced anesthesia residents can perform fiberoptic-guided intubation through Air-Q^® and LMA Fastrach™ in a clinically acceptable time with high success.

Comparison of the Disposable Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway and the Disposable I-gel in Anaesthetized, Paralyzed Adults: A Randomized Prospective Study

Introduction. This study compared streamlined liner of the pharynx airway (SLIPA) and I-gel noninflatable, single-use, supraglottic airway device (SAD) performance in anesthetized, paralyzed adults. Methods. Eighty adults (ASA physical statuses I–III) who were undergoing elective procedures under general anesthesia with an SAD were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Subjects were randomly and evenly assigned to the SLIPA or I-gel group for intraoperative airway management. Ease and number of insertions, insertion time, oropharyngeal sealing pressure, hemodynamic response, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂), and peri- and postoperative complications were examined. Results. The SLIPA and I-gel devices were successfully inserted in 100% and 95% of subjects, respectively. In two I-gel subjects (5%), ventilation was not possible after two attempts, but a size 55 SLIPA was successfully inserted in both cases. Forty-two and 38 patients were ultimately included in the SLIPA and I-gel groups, respectively. Insertion time was significantly shorter with the SLIPA (11.19 ± 3.03 s) than with the I-gel (15.05 ± 6.37 s, P = 0.003). Oropharyngeal sealing pressure was significantly higher in SLIPA (28.76 ± 3.11 cmH₂O) than in I-gel (25.9 ± 3.65 cmH₂O) subjects (P = 0.001). Blood staining occurred more frequently in SLIPA (n = 8, 19.0%) than in I-gel (n = 5, 13.2%) patients (P < 0.01). Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, SpO₂, and EtCO₂ were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion. Although blood staining incidence was higher, SLIPA insertion was easier and faster than I-gel insertion. The SLIPA provided better airway sealing pressure. Both devices had similar mechanical ventilation and oxygenation characteristics and comparable hemodynamic stability. Both noninflatable SADs are useful, but SLIPA rapid insertion and good airway sealing make it an effective alternative to the I-gel.

The i-gel as a conduit for the Aintree intubation catheter for subsequent fiberoptic intubation

We report a clinical case of an 128 kg, 53 year old male, who was scheduled for sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Video laryngoscope (GlideScope - Verathron) assisted intubation was attempted. Despite repositioning of the head and neck and external laryngeal manipulations, two attempts to lift the epiglottis were unsuccessful. An i-gel (Intersurgical, Wokingham, Berkshire, United Kingdom) supraglottic device was successfully placed and normal oxygenation and ventilation was established with pressure controlled ventilation. An Aintree intubation catheter (AIC, Cook Medical, USA) pre-loaded onto a pediatric fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) was advanced through the i-gel. After fiber optic visualization of the vocal cords, the AIC and FOB were successfully placed into the patient's trachea. We conclude that the i-gel may not only serve as a substitute for failed tracheal intubation, but is also useful as a conduit for subsequent fiberoptic intubation.

Tracheal Intubation through the I-gel for Emergency Cesarean Section in a Patient with Multidrug Hypersensitivity: A New Technique

31-year-old female with hypersensitivity to local anesthetics and neuromuscular blocking agents presented for emergency Cesarean section. We successfully performed I-gel-assisted tracheal intubation without using neuromuscular blockers. We believe this method would be helpful in selected situations.