Arytenoid cartilage dislocation caused by a double-lumen endobronchial tube

Incidence and Risk Factors of Arytenoid Dislocation Following Endotracheal Intubation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Endotracheal intubation carries risks, including arytenoid dislocation (AD), a rare but severe complication. Due to small sample sizes, the incidence of AD varies considerably among studies. Proposed risk factors for AD include difficult intubation, prolonged intubation, certain surgeries, patient positioning, female sex, and BMI. This review aims to investigate the incidence of AD and explore the various predisposing risk factors. We retrieved relevant studies up to April 2024 from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Using OpenMeta v5.26.14 software (Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA), we pooled AD incidence rates from individual studies. Other outcomes, reported in fewer studies and thus not suitable for meta-analysis, were synthesized manually. Study selection yielded 16 eligible articles. A random-effects model analysis of nine studies found a significant AD incidence rate of 0.093% (confidence interval (CI): 0.045% to 0.14%), but the results were highly heterogeneous (I2 = 91%). Older age was associated with prolonged hoarseness, while younger age and female sex increased the risk of AD. Additionally, AD risk factors included taller stature, higher BMI, specific surgeries, esophageal instrumentation, prolonged procedure durations, head-neck movement, and inexperienced intubators. However, intubation with a stylet reduced the AD risk. AD post-endotracheal intubation is rare (incidence: 0.09%), with potential underdiagnosis in larger datasets. Many risk factors may contribute to the condition, but the small number of studies per risk factor limits the ability to draw robust conclusions. Subjective diagnoses and retrospective studies further restrict comprehensive understanding. Further research is needed to explore AD risk factors effectively.

Head-neck movement may predispose to the development of arytenoid dislocation in the intubated patient: a 5-year retrospective single-center study

Background

Arytenoid dislocation is a rare laryngeal injury that may follow endotracheal intubation. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for arytenoid dislocation after surgery under general anaesthesia.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent operation under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation from January 2014 to December 2018. Patients were divided into the non-dislocation and dislocation groups depending on the presence or absence of arytenoid dislocation. Patient, anaesthetic, and surgical factors associated with arytenoid dislocation were determined using Poisson regression analysis.

Results

Among the 25,538 patients enrolled, 33 (0.13%) had arytenoid dislocation, with higher incidence after anterior neck and brain surgery. Patients in the dislocation group were younger (52.6 ± 14.4 vs 58.2 ± 14.2 yrs, P = 0.025), more likely to be female (78.8 vs 56.5%, P = 0.014), and more likely to be intubated by a first-year anaesthesia resident (33.3 vs 18.5%, P = 0.048) compared to those in the non-dislocation group. Patient positions during surgery were significantly different between the groups (P = 0.000). Multivariable Poisson regression identified head-neck positioning (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 3.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50–6.25, P = 0.002), endotracheal intubation by a first-year anaesthesia resident (IRR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.07–4.64, P = 0.024), and female (IRR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.38–7.73, P = 0.010) as risk factors for arytenoid dislocation.

Conclusion

This study showed that the incidence of arytenoid dislocation was 0.13%, and that head-neck positioning during surgery, less anaesthetist experience, and female were significantly associated with arytenoid dislocation in patients who underwent surgeries under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation.

Clinical characteristics of arytenoid dislocation in patients undergoing bariatric/metabolic surgery: A STROBE-complaint retrospective study

Tracheal intubation and the use of a large-bore calibrating orogastric (OG) tube have been reported to increase the incidence of arytenoid dislocation (AD) in patients undergoing bariatric/metabolic surgery. This study aimed at identifying the clinical characteristics of this patient subgroup.We retrospectively examined the clinical characteristics of 14 patients with AD (study group) who received tracheal intubation and OG insertion for bariatric/metabolic surgery between 2011 and 2016. For comparison, another group of 19 patients with postoperative AD collected from published literature and 3 patients from the authors' institute served as controls in whom only tracheal intubation was performed. Information on patient characteristics, anesthetic time, symptoms, time of symptom onset, intervention, and postinterventional impact on vocalization of the 2 groups were collected and compared.Patients in the study group were younger than those in the control group (38 [25-60] vs 54.5 [19-88] years, P = .03). Compared with the control group, anesthetic time (282.5 [155-360] vs 225 [25-480] minutes, P = .041) was longer and symptom onset (1.0 [0-6] vs 1.0 [0-6] days, P = .018) was more delayed in the study group. After closed reduction, the frequency of voice recovery was comparable in both groups in a time interval of 12 weeks (84.6% vs 92.9%, P = .59).Our report demonstrates that the clinical characteristics of patients with AD who received tracheal intubation and OG insertion for bariatric/metabolic surgery were different from those with postoperative AD receiving only tracheal intubation, highlighting the importance of implementing individualized strategies for AD prevention in this patient population.

Anesthesia for nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review focuses primarily on nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS), and discusses advantages, indications, anesthetic techniques, and approaches to intraoperative crisis management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advancements in endoscopic, endovascular, and robotic techniques have expanded the range of surgical procedures that can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. For thoracic operations in particular, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has largely replaced traditional thoracotomy, and continued technical development has made surgical access into the pleural space even less disruptive. As a consequence, the need for general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation has been re-examined, such that regional or epidural analgesia may be sufficient for cases where lung collapse can be accomplished with spontaneous ventilation and an open hemithorax. This concept of NIVATS has gained popularity, and in some centers has now expanded to include procedures involving placement of multiple ports. Although still relatively uncommon at present, a small number of randomized trials and meta-analyses have indicated some advantages, suggesting that NIVATS may be a desirable alternative to general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation for specific indications.

SUMMARY

Although anesthesia for NIVATS is associated with some of the same risks as general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, NIVATS can be successfully performed in carefully selected patients.

Nonintubated-Awake Anesthesia for Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Procedures

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) strategies are gaining popularity. This review focuses on noninutbated VATS, and discusses advantages, indications, anesthetic techniques, and approaches to intraoperative crisis management. Advances in endoscopic, endovascular, and robotic techniques have expanded the range of surgical procedures that can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. The nonintubated thoracoscopic approach has been adapted for use with major lung resections. The need for general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation has been reexamined, such that regional or epidural analgesia may be sufficient for cases where lung collapse can be accomplished with spontaneous ventilation and an open hemithorax.

Arytenoid dislocation after uneventful endotracheal intubation: a case report

Arytenoid dislocation is an unusual complication of endotracheal intubation. We reported a case of a 48-year-old female with arytenoid dislocation after uneventful endotracheal intubation, which was successfully treated with arytenoid reduction. The patient complained of persistent hoarseness until the fourth day after an uneventful gynecologic surgery under general anesthesia. On laryngoscopic examination, paralyzed left vocal cord with minimal arytenoid movement was observed. An anteromedial dislocation of the left arytenoid cartilage was suspected and surgical reduction was performed by the laryngologist. The hoarseness was immediately resolved after surgical intervention. Anesthesiologists should be careful not to cause laryngeal trauma in anesthetized patients. In addition, early diagnosis and prompt surgical reduction are essential for a better prognosis for arytenoid dislocation.

A modified technique to improve the outcome of intubation with a left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tube

Background

The use of a video-assisted laryngoscope (VL) has been shown to reduce the time to achieve intubation with a double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT). As the blade of the VL is curved differently to a standard laryngoscope, the DLT must be angled into a hockey stick shape to fit properly. We conducted a study to establish which direction of angulation was best to facilitate correct positioning of the DLT when using a VL.

Methods

We enrolled patients scheduled for thoracic surgery who required intubation with a DLT. They were prospectively randomized into one of two groups: those intubated with a DLT angled to conceal the tracheal orifice (the tracheal orifice-covered, TOC) group or the tracheal orifice-exposed (TOE) group. The composite primary outcome measures were time taken to intubate and the frequency of first-time success. The time taken to intubate was divided into: T1, the time from mouth opening to visualization of the vocal cords with the VL; and T2, the time taken to advance the DLT through the cords until its tip lay within the trachea and three carbon dioxide waveforms had been detected by capnography. The hemodynamic responses to intubation and intubation-related adverse events were also recorded.

Results

Sixty-six patients completed the study, with 33 in each group. Total intubation time was significantly shorter in the TOC group (mean 30.6 ± standard deviation 2.7 seconds versus 38.7 ± 3.3 seconds, p <0.0001). T2 was also significantly shorter in the TOC group than the TOE group (27.2 ± 2.5 seconds versus 34.9 ± 3.0 seconds, p <0.0001). The severity of hoarseness on the first postoperative day and sore throat on the fourth postoperative day were significantly lower in the TOC group than the TOE group (p = 0.02 and <0.0001, respectively). The hemodynamic responses to intubation were broadly similar between the groups.

Conclusion

When placing a left-sided DLT using a VL, angling the bronchial lumen to a hockey stick shape that conceals the tracheal lumen saves time and ameliorates the severity of post-intubation complications.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01605591.

A randomised trial comparing the CEL-100 videolaryngoscope(TM) with the Macintosh laryngoscope blade for insertion of double-lumen tubes

We performed a randomised trial comparing the CEL-100 videolaryngoscope(TM) with the Macintosh laryngoscope blade in 170 patients undergoing double-lumen tube placement for thoracic surgery. Compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope blade, use of the CEL-100 resulted in significantly more patients with a Cormack and Lehane Grade-1 laryngeal view (90.4% vs 61.0%, p < 0.001), a higher rate of successful intubation on the first attempt (92.8% vs 79.3%, p = 0.012), a lower median (IQR [range]) intubation difficulty score (0 (0-0 [0-60]) vs 15 (0-30 [0-80]), p < 0.001), a higher incidence of correct positioning of the tube (90.3% vs 79.2%, p = 0.041) and significantly fewer patients requiring external laryngeal pressure (19.3% vs 32.9%, p = 0.046). Median (IQR [range]) time to successful intubation was 45 (38-55 [22-132]) s with the CEL-100 compared with 51 (40-61 [30-160] s using the Macintosh laryngoscope blade. We conclude that the CEL-100 videolaryngoscope is superior to the Macintosh laryngoscope blade for double-lumen tube insertion.

A promising new technique for closed reduction of arytenoid dislocation

Objectives:

To study the effect of a new technique for closed reduction of dislocated arytenoids.

Methods:

The study included 21 females (72.4 per cent) and eight males (27.6 per cent) with a diagnosis of arytenoid dislocation. There were 18 cases of left arytenoid dislocation and 11 of right arytenoid dislocation.Twenty-eight cases had anteromedial dislocation and one had posterolateral dislocation. All patients were treated with closed reduction using custom-made metal rods and an operating microscope, under general anaesthesia.

Results:

Post-operatively, 21 patients’ voices returned completely to normal (including full vocal fold mobility), five had an improved voice and three failed to show any improvement. There were no post-operative complications.

Conclusion:

This new closed reduction technique is a safe procedure for patients with dislocated arytenoids. It is repeatable and the outcome is reliable and effective. Closed reduction can be a useful treatment for arytenoid dislocation.

Arytenoid dislocation: An analysis of the contemporary literature

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To discuss the incidence, diagnosis, laryngeal findings, and management of arytenoid dislocation as a separate entity from vocal fold paralysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review.

METHODS

A contemporary review of the literature was performed by searching the terms arytenoid cartilage dislocation and subluxation in various combinations. Articles were analyzed and selected based on relevance and content.

RESULTS

Arytenoid dislocation is described as an uncommon laryngeal finding associated with intubation or blunt laryngeal trauma. The majority of recent publications are case reports or small case series. Diagnosis of arytenoid dislocation with flexible laryngoscopy, helical computed tomography, videostroboscopy, and laryngeal electromyography is recommended. In most reported cases, diagnosis has been made based on the position of the arytenoid at laryngoscopy. Reduction and repositioning of the arytenoid cartilage is reported with limited success noted with delayed diagnosis. Speech therapy may also be a beneficial treatment option.

CONCLUSIONS

Although arytenoid dislocation is reported in the literature, the body of available evidence fails to sufficiently differentiate it as a separate entity from unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Flexible laryngoscopy is inadequate as a standalone procedure to distinguish arytenoid dislocation from laryngeal nerve injury.

Arytenoid subluxation after a difficult intubation treated successfully with voice therapy

Arytenoid subluxation is a rare laryngeal injury that may follow instrumentation of the airway and present as hoarseness, vocal fatigue, stridor, dysphagia, odynophagia and sore throat. We report the case of an 88-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus who developed this complication during a difficult intubation where a Macintosh laryngoscope and gum elastic bougie were used to facilitate intubation. Previously considered to play a minor role in treatment, voice therapy was used successfully in this patient to correct subluxation of the arytenoid, with prompt resolution of his symptoms.

A Technique that may Improve the Reliability of Endobronchial Blocker Positioning during Adult One-lung Anaesthesia

We describe a novel technique, previously applied to small children, for adult one-lung anaesthesia in which a single-lumen endotracheal tube is used with an endobronchial balloon blocker. The main aims of the technique are to reduce the likelihood of cephalad displacement of the balloon into the trachea and to facilitate directional placement of the endobronchial balloon. We present five illustrative cases of one-lung anaesthesia in patients of adult size, in which the endotracheal tube-endobronchial balloon technique was considered preferable to the use of a double-lumen tube technique. The situations included difficult intubation, need for postoperative ventilation, a tortuous trachea and an unexpected need to perform one-lung anaesthesia. The technique involved deliberate placement of the endotracheal tube tip near the carina to block cephalad dislodgement of the blocker. The chance of the balloon blocking the endotracheal tube tip could be further reduced by having the intraluminal endobronchial balloon blocker emerge through the Murphy eye.

Arytenoid dislocation related to an uneventful endotracheal intubation: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Invasive methods currently applied to the respiratory tract may result in impaired movement of the cricoarytenoid joint with hoarseness and immobility of the vocal ligament. Hoarseness after tracheal intubation is reported as a high incidence in patients who receive general anaesthesia. In most cases, the symptoms are temporary and improve within several days. We report this case for emphasizing that early diagnosis of arytenoid cartilage dislocation is important even in nontraumatic cases.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 19-year-old Caucasian male who developed arytenoid cartilage dislocation associated with uneventful endotracheal intubation and anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Arytenoid subluxation should be considered whenever any of the symptoms mentioned occur following endolaryngeal manipulation, and they become persistent, as recovery becomes difficult if appropriate treatment is not started immediately.

Arytenoid dislocation after cardiac surgery

Occurring most usually as complications of upper aerodigestive tract instrumentation during endotracheal intubation or extubation, arytenoid cartilage dislocation and arytenoid subluxation are uncommon laryngeal injuries. Their precise cause, however, is usually difficult to determine. We encountered arytenoid dislocation following cardiac surgery requiring the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). This case prompted us to review some of the mechanisms of injury to the cricoarytenoid joint. We conclude that even very subtle force may dislocate the arytenoid cartilage. We speculate that careless insertion of a TEE probe is mechanically capable of causing arytenoid dislocation and arytenoid subluxation. As ideal tools for intra-operative cardiovascular monitoring, TEE probes are increasingly being used routinely during cardiovascular surgery. So far, arytenoid cartilage dislocation and subluxation following TEE probe insertion have been reported rarely, but complications caused by TEE may increase in the near future. We wish to emphasize the pathophysiological risks of TEE monitoring and other procedures associated with anesthesia, and the need for a proper explanation to achieve informed consent before carrying out TEE monitoring during cardiac surgeries.

[Laryngopharyngeal morbidity following general anaesthesia. Anaesthesiological and laryngological aspects]

Laryngeal and pharyngeal complaints are among the subjective problems most frequently reported by patients after general anaesthesia involving endotracheal intubation, others being pain, nausea and vomiting. Hoarseness, sore throat, and vocal cord injuries restrict patients' social lives, and in some cases also their working lives. The most frequent types of laryngeal injury are swollen mucosa and haematoma of the vocal cords. Vocal cord paralysis occurs much less frequently. Knowledge of the pathophysiological aspects and other relevant factors associated with laryngopharyngeal morbidity are essential cornerstones of quality assurance in perioperative respiratory tract management. In this review specific sections are devoted to the implications of anaesthesia involving endotracheal intubation and laryngeal masks for laryngopharyngeal morbidity, and also particular aspects of thyroid gland surgery, cardiothoracic and bariatric surgery and obstetric and paediatric anaesthesia, and medicolegal aspects.

Which device should be considered the best for lung isolation: double-lumen endotracheal tube versus bronchial blockers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review is a clinical comparison between double-lumen endotracheal tubes and bronchial blockers to determine which device is considered the best for lung isolation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Double-lumen endotracheal tubes and bronchial blockers have been found to be clinically equivalent in terms of performance in providing lung collapse for patients with normal airways. In the last five years, however, numerous reports have indicated a preference for the use of bronchial blockers in patients with airway abnormalities. For nonthoracic anesthesiologists who have limited experience in thoracic anesthesia cases, none of the devices (double-lumen tubes or bronchial blockers) have been shown to provide any advantage while in use due to a high incidence of unrecognized malpositions. Overall, each device provides advantages depending upon the case, such as absolute lung separation with a double-lumen endotracheal tube or the use of a bronchial blocker in a difficult airway for a patient requiring lung isolation.

SUMMARY

Double-lumen endotracheal tubes and bronchial blockers should be part of the armamentarium of every anesthesiologist involved in lung isolation techniques and every device should be tailored to specific case needs.