A comparison of a left-sided Broncho-Cath with the torque control blocker univent and the wire-guided blocker

Single-Lung Ventilation in Infants for Surgical Repair of Coarctation of The Aorta Without Cardiopulmonary Bypass

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of improving the operative field and postoperative atelectasis of single-lung ventilation (SLV) in the surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in infants without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 28 infants (aged 1 to 4 months, weighing between 4.2 and 6 kg) who underwent surgical repair of CoA without CPB from January 2019 to May 2022 were analyzed. Fourteen infants received SLV with a bronchial blocker (Group S), and the other 14 infants received routine endotracheal intubation and bilateral lung ventilation (Group R).

RESULTS

In comparison to Group R, Group S exhibited improved exposure of the operative field, a lower postoperative atelectasis score (P<0.001), reduced prevalence of hypoxemia (P=0.01), and shorter durations of operation, mechanical ventilation, and ICU stay (P=0.01, P<0.001, P=0.03). There was no difference in preoperative information or perioperative respiratory and circulatory indicators before SLV, 10 minutes after SLV, and 10 minutes after the end of SLV between the two groups (P>0.05). Intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and systolic pressure gradient across the coarctation after operation were also not different between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that employing SLV with a bronchial blocker is consistent with enhanced operative field, reduced operation duration, lower prevalence of intraoperative hypoxemia, and fewer postoperative complications during the surgical repair of CoA in infants without the use of CPB.

Effect of visual endotracheal tube combined with bronchial occluder on pulmonary ventilation and arterial blood gas in patients undergoing thoracic surgery

Background

To investigate the effect of visual endotracheal tube combined with bronchial occluder on pulmonary ventilation and arterial blood gas in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Methods

Ninety patients who underwent thoracic surgery under anesthesia and required pulmonary ventilation at our hospital from May 2020 to December 2021 were collected. The patients were divided into three groups according to different intubation methods: visual double-lumen endotracheal tube group (VDLT group), bronchial occluder group (BO group), and VDLT + BO group. Clinical data and laboratory test data were collected from the three groups. Additionally, the three groups were compared in terms of peak airway pressure, time to correct positioning, pulmonary ventilation time, hemodynamics before and after intubation, intubation success rate, and postoperative recovery.

Results

The VDLT + BO group was superior to the BO group or VDLT group in airway peak pressure, time to correct positioning, pulmonary ventilation time, intubation success rate, and hemodynamics after intubation (P < 0.05). In the comparison of postoperative recovery, the postoperative pain score, white blood cell level, incidence rate of pneumonia, hospital stay and hospitalization costs in the VDLT + BO group were significantly lower than those in the BO group or VDLT group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The visual endotracheal tube combined with bronchial occluder is effective in pulmonary ventilation during thoracic surgery under anesthesia, and can improve arterial blood gas in patients.

Trachway® flexible stylet facilitates the correct placement of double-lumen endobronchial tube: a prospective, randomized study

Background

The mainstream facilitation of one-lung ventilation is using double-lumen endobronchial tubes. However, it is more difficult to be positioned properly and more likely to cause airway injuries. How to place double-lumen endobronchial tubes rapidly and correctly is important for thoracic anesthesiologists.

Methods

One hundred eight patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I to III were 20 years of age or over, and required one-lung ventilation for thoracic surgery. They were randomly assigned to the conventional technique group (n = 36), the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy group (n = 36), or the Trachway® flexible stylet group (n = 36). The primary endpoint was the time needed for intubation. T1, the time from the tip of the blade passing between the patient’s lips to identification of the vocal cords; and T2, the time from identification of the vocal cords to the bronchial lumen was in the correct position.

Results

T1 had no significant difference between groups, but T2 was significantly shorter in the Trachway® flexible stylet group (p < 0.0001) and longer in the conventional technique group (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Using Trachway® flexible stylet for correct placement of double-lumen endobronchial tubes not only significantly shortened the intubation time, but also reduced incidence of carinal injuries. It is an alternative, and a choice with good safety.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02364622, 18/02/2015, Retrospectively registered.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-022-01800-8.

[Current approaches to anesthetic management in thoracic surgery-An evaluation from the German Thoracic Registry]

BACKGROUND

While many hospitals in Germany perform thoracic surgery, anesthetic techniques and methods that are actually used are usually only known for individual departments. This study describes the general anesthetic management of three typical thoracic surgical procedures across multiple institutions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The German Thoracic Registry recorded 4614 patients in 5 institutions between 2016 and 2019. Hospitals with a minimum number of more than 50 thoracic procedures per year are eligible for inclusion in the registry. To analyze the anesthetic management, a matching process yielded three comparable patient groups (n = 1506) that differed solely in the surgical procedure. Three surgical procedures with varying degrees of invasiveness were selected: Group A = video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with wedge resection, group B = VATS with lobectomy, group C = open thoracotomy. Statistical analysis was performed descriptively using relative and absolute frequencies. Dichotomous variables were compared using the χ²-test.

RESULTS

The study enrolled patients with a median age of 65.6 years. The mean value of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification was 2.8. One lung ventilation was most commonly performed (group A = 98.2%, group B = 99.4%, group C = 98.0%) with double lumen tubes (DLT). Bronchial blockers (group A = 0.2%, group B = 0.4%, group C = 0%) were rarely used. Primary bronchoscopy was used to control double lumen tubes after insertion in the majority of cases (group A = 77.5%, group B = 73.1%, group C= 79.7%). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP, group A = 1.2%, group B = 1.4%, group C = 5.1%) and jet ventilation (group A = 1.6%, group B = 1.6%, group C = 1.4%) were rarely used intraoperatively. In group C, the administration of a vasopressor was also more frequently required (group A = 59.9%, group B = 77.8%, group C = 86%). A central venous catheter was established in 30.1% of all patients in group A, 39.8% in group B and 73.3% in group C. Patients in group A received an arterial catheter less frequently (71.7%) when compared to groups B (96.4%) and C (95.2%). Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol was used in most patients (group A = 67.7%, group B 61.6%, group C 75.7%). Propofol supplemented by volatile anesthetics was used less frequently (group A = 28.5%, group B = 35.5%, group C = 23.7%). With increasing invasiveness of the surgical procedure, placement of an epidural catheter was preferred (group A = 18.9%, group B = 29.5%, group C = 64.1%). Paravertebral catheters (group A = 7.6%, group B = 4.4%, group C = 4.8%) or a single infiltration of the paravertebral space were performed less frequently (group A = 7.8%, group B = 17.7%, group C = 11.6%). Postoperatively, some patients (3.4-25.7%) were transferred to the general ward. The largest proportion of patients transferred to a general ward underwent less invasive thoracic procedures (group A). When the extent of resection was greater (group B and group C) patients were mostly transferred to an intermediate care unit (IMC) or an intensive care unit (ICU). The insertion of invasive catheters was neither associated with the patients' ASA classification nor preoperative pathologic pulmonary function.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that less invasive thoracic operations are associated with a reduction of invasive anesthetic procedures. As the presented data are descriptive, further studies are required to determine the impact of invasive anesthetic procedures on patient-related outcomes. This evaluation of the anesthetic management in experienced thoracic anesthesiology departments represents the next step towards establishing national quality standards and promoting structural quality in thoracic anesthesia.

The use of bronchial blockers in patients with aberrant tracheobronchial anatomy: a case report

Abnormal tracheal bronchus originates from the sidewall of the trachea, and most frequently occurs on the right side, involves subsegmental bronchi and the segmental. The anatomical structure of the airway is of great significance for general anesthesia and lung isolation. Abnormal tracheal bronchus makes lung isolation more complicated. This study presents four rare cases of aberrant tracheobronchial anatomy in the right main bronchus. We review the literature and discuss our solution and propose possible solutions for lung isolation in patients with tracheobronchial abnormalities. Of these, three patients were scheduled for radical resection of lung cancer, and one patient was scheduled for radical resection of middle esophageal cancer. After anesthesia induction, we intubated the right-side double-lumen tube (DLT) using a fiberoptic bronchoscope to guide the intubation. During DLT repositioning, we discovered the tracheobronchial abnormality of the patients. We could not place the DLT appropriately, however we made an effort to achieve lung isolation. We used a bronchus blocker [(BB) Univent tube] to achieve lung isolation for case 1, and the patient had good ventilation and no dyspnea and carbon dioxide retention during the operation. We completed lung isolation for the other three patients with abnormal airways by adjusting the position and replacing the DLT.

Awake fiberoptic intubation and use of bronchial blockers in ankylosing spondylitis patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with severe cervical fusion deformity have difficult airways. Awake fiberoptic intubation is the standard treatment for such patients. Alleviating anxiety and discomfort during intubation while maintaining airway patency and adequate ventilation is a major challenge for anesthesiologists. Bronchial blockers (BBs) have significant advantages over double-lumen tubes in these patients requiring one-lung ventilation.

AIM

To evaluate effective drugs and their optimal dosage for awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation in patients with AS and to assess the pulmonary isolation effect of one-lung ventilation with a BB.

METHODS

We studied 12 AS patients (11 men and one woman) with lung or esophageal cancer who underwent thoracotomy with a BB. Preoperative airway evaluation found that all patients had a difficult airway. All patients received an intramuscular injection of penehyclidine hydrochloride (0.01 mg/kg) before anesthesia. In the operating room, dexmedetomidine(0.5 μg/kg) was infused intravenously for 10 min, with 2% lidocaine for airway surface anesthesia, and a 3% ephedrine cotton swab was used to contract the nasal mucosa vessels. Before tracheal intubation, fentanyl (1 μg/kg) and midazolam (0.02 mg/kg) were administered intravenously. Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation was performed in the semi-reclining position. Intravenous anesthesia was administered immediately after successful intubation, and a BB was inserted laterally. The pre-intubation preparation time, intubation time, facial grimace score, airway responsiveness score during the fiberoptic introduction, time of end tracheal catheter entry into the nostril, and lung collapse and surgical field score were measured. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded while entering the operation room (T1), before intubation (T2), immediately after intubation (T3), 2 min after intubation (T4), and 10 min after intubation (T5). After surgery, all patients were followed for adverse reactions such as epistaxis, sore throat, hoarseness, and dysphagia.

RESULTS

All patients had a history of AS (20.4 ± 9.6 years). They had a Willson's score of 5 or above, grade III or IV Mallampati tests, an inter-incisor distance of 2.9 ± 0.3 cm, and a thyromental (T-M) distance of 4.8 ± 0.7 cm. The average pre-intubation preparation time was 20.4 ± 3.4 min, intubation time was 2.6 ± 0.4 min, facial grimace score was 1.7 ± 0.7, airway responsiveness score was 1.1 ± 0.7, and pulmonary collapse and surgical exposure score was 1.2 ± 0.4. The SBP, DBP, and HR at T5 were significantly lower than those at T1-T4 (P < 0.05). While the values at T1 were not significantly different from those at T2-T4 (P > 0.05), they were significantly different from those at T5 (P < 0.05). Seven patients had minor epistaxis during endotracheal intubation, two were followed 24 h after surgery with a mild sore throat, and two had hoarseness without dysphagia.

CONCLUSION

Patients with AS combined with severe cervical and thoracic kyphosis should be intubated using fiberoptic bronchoscopy under conscious sedation and topical anesthesia. Proper doses of penehyclidine hydrochloride, dexmedetomidine, fentanyl, and midazolam, combined with 2% lidocaine, administered prior to intubation, can provide satisfactory conditions for tracheal intubation while maintaining the comfort and safety of patients. BBs are safe and effective for one-lung ventilation in such patients during thoracotomy.

3D CT airway evaluation-guided intraluminal placement of endobronchial blocker in pediatric patients: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to propose a new approach for 3D computed tomography (CT) airway evaluation-guided endobronchial blocker placement in pediatric patients, and to determine its efficiency in clinical application.

METHODS

A total of 127 pediatric patients aged 0.5-3 years who were scheduled for elective thoracic surgery using one-lung ventilation (OLV) were randomized into the bronchoscopy (BRO) group and the CT group. The degree of lung collapse, postoperative airway mucosal injury, pulmonary infection within 72 h after surgery, and hoarseness after tracheal extubation; duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospitalization; success rate of first blocker positioning; and required time and repositioning for successful blocker placement were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The degree of lung collapse, postoperative airway mucosal injury, pulmonary infection within 72 h after surgery, and hoarseness after tracheal extubation; duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and hospitalization; success rate of first blocker positioning; and required time and repositioning for successful blocker placement were similar between the 2 groups (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

For pediatric patients undergoing surgery with OLV, preoperative 3D CT airway evaluation could be used to guide endobronchial blocker placement, with a blocking efficiency similar to that of BRO-guided blocker placement.

Effects of bronchial blockers on gas exchange in infants with one-lung ventilation: a single-institutional experience of 22 cases

BACKGROUND

One-lung ventilation (OLV) in infants is a commonly used airway technique during thoracic surgery. Current research has primarily focused on the operation of the airways and the occurrence of complications. However, there has been minimal data on the pulmonary gas exchange in infants before and after OLV. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of bronchial blockers (BBs) on the pulmonary gas exchange in infants with OLV.

METHODS

A total of 22 infants requiring OLV from January 2017 to August 2019 were included in this study. OLV was achieved by placing BBs outside the endotracheal tube, and all surgeries were performed by the same experienced anesthesiologist. Numerous clinical features, including the oxygenation index (OI), alveolar-arterial oxygen tension gradient (P_A-aO₂), pulmonary dynamic compliance (Cdyn), OLV time, pulmonary collapse time, degree of pulmonary collapse at the operative side, operative time, and immediate hemodynamic indexes before and after intubation were assessed. Data from the arterial blood gases and the ventilator's parameters were obtained at three time points: 15 minutes before OLV (pre-OLV), 15 minutes after the initiation of OLV (during OLV), and 15 minutes after the termination of OLV (post-OLV).

RESULTS

For all patients, the pulmonary gas exchange during OLV was significantly different from both pre-OLV and post-OLV. However, no significant changes of pulmonary function were observed before and after OLV. Extended OLV time was associated with decreased OI and Cdyn, and increased P_A-aO₂ gradient (P<0.001). In addition, no significant changes of hemodynamic indexes before and after intubation were detected. The degree of lung collapse on the operational side during OLV was optimal.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the efficacy of BBs on the pulmonary gas exchange in infants with OLV was assessed. The results suggested that although each parameter of pulmonary function pre-OLV were similar to those of post-OLV, an extended period of OLV may lead to compromised lung function.

Recommendations from the Italian intersociety consensus on Perioperative Anesthesa Care in Thoracic surgery (PACTS) part 2: intraoperative and postoperative care

Introduction

Anesthetic care in patients undergoing thoracic surgery presents specific challenges that require a multidisciplinary approach to management. There remains a need for standardized, evidence-based, continuously updated guidelines for perioperative care in these patients.

Methods

A multidisciplinary expert group, the Perioperative Anesthesia in Thoracic Surgery (PACTS) group, was established to develop recommendations for anesthesia practice in patients undergoing elective lung resection for lung cancer. The project addressed three key areas: preoperative patient assessment and preparation, intraoperative management (surgical and anesthesiologic care), and postoperative care and discharge. A series of clinical questions was developed, and literature searches were performed to inform discussions around these areas, leading to the development of 69 recommendations. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were graded using the United States Preventive Services Task Force criteria.

Results

Recommendations for intraoperative care focus on airway management, and monitoring of vital signs, hemodynamics, blood gases, neuromuscular blockade, and depth of anesthesia. Recommendations for postoperative care focus on the provision of multimodal analgesia, intensive care unit (ICU) care, and specific measures such as chest drainage, mobilization, noninvasive ventilation, and atrial fibrillation prophylaxis.

Conclusions

These recommendations should help clinicians to improve intraoperative and postoperative management, and thereby achieve better postoperative outcomes in thoracic surgery patients. Further refinement of the recommendations can be anticipated as the literature continues to evolve.

The efficacy and adverse effects of the Uniblocker and left-side double-lumen tube for one-lung ventilation under the guidance of chest CT

One-lung ventilation (OLV) is essential in numerous clinical procedures, in which the left-sided double-lumen tube (LDLT) is the most commonly used device. The application of bronchial blockers, including the Uniblocker or Arndt blocker, has increased in OLV. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of the Uniblocker and LDLT for OLV under the guidance of chest CT. A total of 60 adult patients undergoing elective left-side thoracic surgery requiring OLV were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to the Uniblocker group (U group, n=30) or the LDLT group (D group, n=30). The time for initial tube placement, the number of optimal positions of the tube upon blind insertion, the number of attempts to adjust the tube to the optimal position, incidence of airway device displacement, injury to the bronchi and carina, the duration until lung collapse and the occurrence of sore throat and hoarseness over 24 h following surgery were recorded. The time for successful placement of the LDLT was 83.9±19.4 sec and that for the Uniblocker was 84.3±17.1 sec (P>0.05). The degree of lung collapse 1 min following opening of the pleura was greater in the D group than that in the U group (P<0.01) and the time required for the lung to completely collapse was shorter in the D group (3.3±0.5 min) than that in the U group (8.4±1.2 min; P<0.01). On the contrary, the incidence of injury to the bronchi and carina was lower in the U group (2/30 cases) than in the D group (10/30 cases; P=0.02); the incidence of sore throat was also lower in the U group (2/30 cases) compared with that in the D group (9/30 cases). The mean arterial pressure of patients immediately following intubation was lower in the U group (122.0±13.4 mmHg) than that in the D group (129.2±12.1 mmHg; P<0.05). The results of the present study indicated that the extraluminal use of the Uniblocker under guidance of chest CT is an efficient method with few adverse effects in left-side thoracic surgery. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 16th December 2017 (no. NCT03392922).

Volume of tidal gas movement in the nonventilated lung during one-lung ventilation and its relevant factors

Background

The passive ventilation of nonventilated lung results in tidal gas movement (TGM) and thus affects lung collapse. The present study aimed to measure the volume of TGM and to analyse the relevant factors of the TGM index (TGM/body surface area).

Methods

One hundred eight patients scheduled for elective thoracoscopic surgeries were enrolled. Lung isolation was achieved with a double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT). The paediatric spirometry sensor was connected to the double-lumen connector of the nonventilated lung to measure the volume of TGM during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in the lateral position. The TGM index was calculated. The multiple linear regression was analysed using the TGM index as the dependent variables. Independent variables were also recorded: 1) age, sex, body mass index (BMI); 2) forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV₁/FVC, minute ventilation volume (MVV); 3) dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) during dual lung ventilation; 4) the side of OLV; and 5) whether lung puncture for localization of the pulmonary nodule was performed on the day of surgery. The oxygen concentration in the nonventilated lung was measured at 5 min after OLV, and its correlation with the TGM index was analysed.

Results

The volume of TGM in the nonventilated lung during OLV was 78 [37] mL. The TGM index was 45 [20] mL/m² and was negatively correlated with the oxygen concentration in the nonventilated lung at 5 min after OLV. The multiple linear regression model for the TGM index was deduced as follows: TGM index (mL/m²) = C + 12.770 × a − 3.987 × b-1.237 × c-2.664 × d, where C is a constant 95.621 mL/m², a is 1 for males and 0 for females, b is 1 for right OLV and 0 for left OLV, c is BMI (kg/m²), and d is PIP (cmH₂O).

Conclusions

The TGM index is negatively correlated with the oxygen concentration of the nonventilated lung at 5 min after OLV. Sex, side of OLV, BMI and PIP are independently correlated with the TGM index.

Trial registration

This study was registered at ChiCTR (www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900024220) on July 1, 2019.

Cadaveric evaluation of fluoroscopy-assisted placement of one-lung ventilation devices for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of fluoroscopy-assisted placement of one-lung ventilation (OLV) devices in dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Canine cadavers (n = 8) weighing between 20.2 and 37.4 kg.

METHODS

Thoracoscopic access with a two-port approach was established to evaluate bilateral lung ventilation patterns. Advancement of a left-sided Robertshaw double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) and the EZ-blocker (EZ) were evaluated under direct fluoroscopic guidance. Each dog also underwent bronchoscopy-assisted placement of an Arndt endobronchial blocker (EBB). Time to initial placement, success of creating complete OLV (after initial placement attempt and after up to two repositionings), and ease of placement score were recorded. Device position was evaluated bronchoscopically after each fluoroscopy-assisted placement attempt.

RESULTS

Time to initial placement was significantly shorter for EZ than for DLT and EBB. The rate of successful placement after up to two repositioning attempts was 87.5%, 87.5%, and 100.0% on the right and 87.5%, 100.0%, 100.0% on the left for DLT, EZ, and EBB, respectively, and was not different between devices. Ease of placement scores were significantly higher for DLT compared with EZ and EBB on both the left and the right sides.

CONCLUSION

Fluoroscopy-assisted placement of DLT and EZ appears feasible in canine cadavers. EZ-blocker placement was efficient and technically easier than DLT, but positioning must be adapted for dogs. Bronchoscopy-assisted placement of EBB remains highly successful.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Fluoroscopy-assisted placement of EZ and DLT is a useful alternative to bronchoscopy-assisted placement of these OLV devices.

Airway management in anesthesia for thoracic surgery: a "real life" observational study

Background

One-lung ventilation (OLV) in thoracic anesthesia is required to provide good surgical exposure. OLV is commonly achieved through a double lumen tube (DLT) or a bronchial blocker (BB). Malposition is a relevant issue related to these devices use. No prospective studies with adequately large sample size have been performed to evaluate the malposition rate of DLTs and BBs.

Methods

A total of 2,127 patients requiring OLV during thoracic surgery were enrolled. The aim of this multicenter prospective observational study performed across 26 academic and community hospitals is to evaluate intraoperative malposition rate of DLTs and BBs. We also aim to assess: which device is the most used to achieve OLV, the frequency of bronchoscope (BRO) use, the incidence rate of desaturation during OLV and the role of other factors that can correlate to this event, and incidence of difficult airway.

Results

Malposition rate for DLTs was 14%, for BBs 33%. DLTs were used in 95% of patients and BBs in 5%. Mean positioning time was shorter for DLT than BB (156±230 vs. 321±290 s). BRO was used in 54% of patients to check the correct positioning of the DLT. Desaturation occurred in 20% of all cases during OLV achieved through a DLT. Predicting factors of desaturation were dislocation (OR 2.03) and big size of DLT (OR 1.15). BRO use (OR 0.69) and left surgical side (OR 0.41) proved to be protective factors. Difficult airway prevalence was 16%; 10.8% predicted and 5.2% unpredicted.

Conclusions

DLT has a low malpositioning rate and is the preferred device to achieve OLV. BRO use recorded was unexpectedly low. The possibility of encountering a difficult airway is frequent, with an overall prevalence of 16%. Risk factors of desaturation are malposition and increased size of DLT. Left procedures and BRO use could lead to fewer episodes of desaturation.

Time to tracheal intubation over a fibreoptic bronchoscope using a silicone left double-lumen endobronchial tube versus polyvinyl chloride single-lumen tube with bronchial blocker: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

Background

Direct insertion of a double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) over a fibreoptic bronchoscope (FOB) is considered more difficult and traumatic than that of a single-lumen tube (SLT). We hypothesized that time to intubation over an FOB using a silicone left DLT would be non-inferior to that using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) SLT.

Methods

Eighty patients were enrolled in this open-label, randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial. Patients were randomly allocated to fibreoptic tracheal intubation with either a silicone DLT or PVC SLT (DLT and SLT groups, respectively). Time to tracheal intubation [time to insertion of FOB plus railroading (advancement over the FOB) time]; total time for correct tube and bronchial blocker positioning; difficulty of railroading; and the incidence of sore throat, swallowing difficulty, and hoarseness were compared between groups.

Results

The median time to intubation over the FOB was 20 s in the DLT group and 23 s in the SLT group. The upper limit of the confidence interval of this difference was below the non-inferiority margin of 10 s (median difference: -2 s; 95% confidence interval: -4 to 0 s). Railroading time was significantly shorter in the DLT group than in the SLT group (median time: 10 vs. 11 s; median difference: -1 s; 95% confidence interval: -3 to 0 s; P=0.03). Railroading over the FOB (rated on a four-point scale) was less difficult in the DLT group than in the SLT group (P<0.01).

Conclusions

Tracheal intubation using an FOB can be achieved at least as fast using the silicone DLT as using the PVC SLT. The silicone DLT exhibited superior railroading performance to the PVC SLT.

The EZ-blocker for one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: clinical applications and experience in 100 cases in a routine clinical setting

Background

In certain clinical situations the insertion of a double-lumen tube (DLT) for one-lung ventilation (OLV) is not feasible or unfavorable. In these cases, the EZ-Blocker (EZB) may serve as an alternative. The aim of our analysis was to report on the clinical applications and our experience with the EZB for one-lung ventilation in 100 patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Methods

All anesthetic records from patients older than 18 years of age undergoing general anesthesia in the department of thoracic surgery with intraoperative use of an EZB for OLV at the University Hospital of Erlangen in four consecutive years were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Most frequently, EZB was used in difficult airway (27%) and for surgical procedures with high risk for left recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (21%), followed by application in intubated (12%) or tracheostomized (11%) patients. 11% of the patients had an increased risk of gastric regurgitation. Almost all EZBs were placed free of complications (99%). Clinically sufficient lung collapse was achieved in all patients. No serious airway injuries or immediate complications were documented.

Conclusions

The EZB is an efficient, easy-to-use and safe airway device and enables OLV in several clinical situations, when conventional DLTs are not feasible or less favorable. Three major applications were depicted from the data: expected difficult airway, surgical procedures with necessity of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and already intubated or tracheostomized patients.

Comparison of Arndt-endobronchial blocker plus laryngeal mask airway with left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tube in one-lung ventilation in thoracic surgery in the morbidly obese

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and performance of Arndt-endobronchial blocker (Arndt) combined with laryngeal mask airway (LMA) compared with left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tube (L-DLT) in morbidly obese patients in one-lung ventilation (OLV). In a prospective, randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial, 80 morbidly obese patients (ASA I-III, aged 20-70) undergoing general anesthesia for elective thoracic surgeries were randomly allocated into groups Arndt (n=40) and L-DLT (n=40). In group Arndt, a LMA™ Proseal was placed followed by an Arndt-endobronchial blocker. In group L-DLT, patients were intubated with a left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube. Primary endpoints were the airway establishment, ease of insertion, oxygenation, lung collapse and surgical field exposure. Results showed similar ease of airway establishment and tube/device insertion between the two groups. Oxygen arterial pressure (PaO2) of patients in the Arndt group was significantly higher than L-DLT (154±46 vs 105±52 mmHg; P<0.05). Quality of lung collapse and surgical field exposure in the Arndt group was significantly better than L-DLT (effective rate 100 vs 90%; P<0.05). Duration of surgery and anesthesia were significantly shorter in the Arndt group (2.4±1.7 vs 3.1±1.8 and 2.8±1.9 vs 3.8±1.8 h, respectively; P<0.05). Incidence of hoarseness of voice and incidence and severity of throat pain at the post-anesthesia care unit and 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery were significantly lower in the Arndt group (P<0.05). Findings suggested that Arndt-endobronchial blocker combined with LMA can serve as a promising alternative for morbidly obese patients in OLV in thoracic surgery.

Two-minute disconnection technique with a double-lumen tube to speed the collapse of the non-ventilated lung for one-lung ventilation in thoracoscopic surgery

Background

Thoracic surgery requires the effective collapse of the non-ventilated lung. In the majority of cases, we accomplished, accelerated lung collapse using a double-lumen tube (DLT). We hypothesized that using the two-minute disconnection technique with a DLT would improve lung collapse during subsequent one-lung ventilation.

Methods

Fifty patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery with physical classification I or II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists were randomly divided into two groups for respiratory management of one-lung ventilation (OLV). In group N, OLV was initiated after the DLT was disconnected for 2 min; the initiation time began when the surgeon made the skin incision. In group C, OLV was initiated when the surgeon commenced the skin incision and scored the quality of lung collapse (using a four-point ordinal scale). The surgeon’s satisfaction or comfort with the surgical conditions was assessed using a visual analogue scale. rSO₂ level, mean arterial pressure, pulse oxygen saturation, arterial blood gas analysis, intraoperative hypoxaemia, intraoperative use of CPAP during OLV, and awakening time were determined in patients at the following time points: while inhaling air (T₀), after anaesthesia induction andinhaling 100% oxygen in the supine position under double lung ventilation for five mins (T₁), at two mins after skin incision (T₂), at ten mins after skin incision (T₃), and after the lung recruitment manoeuvres and inhaling 50% oxygen for five mins (T₄).

Results

The two-minute disconnection technique was associated with a significantly shorter time to total lung collapse compared to that of the conventional OLV ventilation method (15 mins vs 22 mins, respectively; P < 0.001), and the overall surgeon’s satisfaction was higher (9 vs 7, respectively; P < 0.001). At T₂, the PaCO₂, left rSO₂ and right rSO₂ were higher in group N than in group C. There were no statistically significant differences between the incidence of intraoperative hypoxaemia and intraoperative use of CPAP during OLV (10% vs 5%, respectively; P = 1.000), duration of awakening (18 mins vs 19 mins, respectively; P = 0.616).

Conclusions

A two-minute disconnection technique using a double-lumen tube was used to speed the collapse of the non-ventilated lung during one-lung ventilation for thoracoscopic surgery. The surgeon was satisfied with the surgical conditions.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry number, ChiCTR-IPR-17010352. Registered on Jan, 7, 2017.

A comparison of extraluminal and intraluminal use of the Uniblocker in left thoracic surgery: A CONSORT-compliant article

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety issues concerning extraluminal use of the Uniblocker for one-lung ventilation (OLV) in the left thoracic surgery.

METHODS

Forty patients undergoing elective left thoracic surgery were included in this study, and all patients were randomly allocated to extraluminal use of Uniblocker group (E group, n = 20) or intraluminal use of Uniblocker group (I group, n = 20). Time for intubation, time for verification of the correct position of Uniblocker, incidence of Uniblocker displacement, index of pulmonary collapse, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, peak airway pressure, oxygen saturation in two-lung ventilation, and 30 minutes after OLV, bronchial damage after OLV, sore throat, and hoarseness postoperative were recorded.

RESULTS

The time for positioning Uniblocker was 112.6 ± 31.2 seconds in intraluminal use group, whereas the time for positioning Uniblocker was significantly shorter in extraluminal use group (63.4 ± 15.8 seconds). The incidence of main bronchial injury, the time of intubation, the incidence of Uniblocker malposition after initial placement, the time of OLV, the degree of pulmonary collapse, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, peak airway pressure, oxygen saturation in two-lung ventilation, and 30 minutes after OLV, the incidence of sore throat and hoarseness postoperative have no statistical significance (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Extraluminal use of the Uniblocker was proved to be a more rapid and more accurate method than conventional intraluminal use of the Uniblocker for OLV in left thoracic surgery.

Effects of glycopyrrolate premedication on preventing postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort in patients receiving ureteroscopic removal of ureter stone

Background

Glycopyrrolate given as reversing agents of muscle relaxants has been reported to be effective in reducing postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). However, it remains unclear whether glycopyrrolate as premedication is also effective. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of glycopyrrolate as premedication on preventing CRBD in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Methods

Eighty-three patients who received elective ureteroscopic removal of ureteral stone were randomly assigned to the control (n = 43) or the glycopyrrolate group (n = 40). The glycopyrrolate group was treated with glycopyrrolate 0.3 mg as premedication while the control group received 0.9% saline 1.5 ml. The incidence and severity of CRBD and pain score using numerical rating scale (NRS) were measured in the PACU.

Results

The incidence of CRBD (26 of 40 patients vs. 41 of 43 patients, relative risk [RR] = 0.68, 95% Confidence interval [CI] = 0.53–0.86, P = 0.001) and the moderate to severe CRBD incidence (6 of 40 patients vs. 20 of 43 patients, RR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.14–0.72, P = 0.002) were lower in the glycopyrrolate group than in the control group. Also, postoperative pain NRS score was found to be lower in the glycopyrrolate group (median = 1 [Q1 = 0, Q3 = 2]) compared to the control group (3 [1, 5], median difference = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.00–2.00, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The use of glycopyrrolate 0.3 mg as premedication in patients receiving ureteroscopic removal of ureteral stone reduced the incidence and severity of CRBD, and decreased postoperative pain in the PACU.

Efficacy of a New Blind Insertion Technique of Arndt Endobronchial Blocker for Lung Isolation: Comparison With Conventional Bronchoscope-Guided Insertion Technique-A Pilot Study

This study aimed to find other methods of blind insertion of Arndt endobronchial blocker (AEB) for lung isolation when a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) is unavailable.We compared the effectiveness and safety of 3 insertion techniques of AEB: Gum elastic bougie (GEB)-, bougie combined with cricoid displacing (BCD)-, and fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB)-guided insertion. Seventy-eight patients undergoing esophageal procedure and requiring left thoracotomy were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: GEB group, BCD group, and FOB group. We recorded the successful placement of AEBs at first attempt, placement time, malposition of AEBs in supine and lateral decubitus position, the bronchus injury score, and other complications.The successful placement of AEB for the first attempt was 22/26, 25/26, and 26/26 patients in GEB, BCD, and FOB groups, respectively. The placement times in GEB and BCD groups were longer than those in the FOB group (P < 0.05). AEB malposition occurred in 1/26, 2/26, 1/26 patients after lateral decubitus position, and AEBs were repositioned in 5/26, 3/26, 1/26 patients by FOB due to poor lung isolation in GEB, BCD, and FOB groups, respectively. There was no difference for the bronchus injury scores and other complications among 3 groups (P > 0.05).Bougie and cricoid displacing-guided blind insertion of AEB seems to be a novel method, which is an effective and safe alternative when FOB was unavailable.

An innovative way to reinsert dislodged Arndt blocker using urological glide wire

The Arndt blocker is positioned in the desired bronchus using a wire loop which couples the blocker with a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB). The wire loop once removed cannot be reinserted in 5F and 7F blockers making repositioning of the blocker difficult. A 34-year-old female was to undergo left thoracotomy followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The left lung was isolated with a 7F Arndt bronchial blocker. During one-lung ventilation, the wire loop was removed for oxygen insufflation. There was loss of lung isolation during the procedure and dislodgement of the blocker was confirmed by FOB. The initial attempts to reintroduce the blocker into the left main bronchus failed. An alternative technique using a glide wire was attempted which resulted in successful reintroduction of the Arndt blocker. The 0.032 inch zebra glide wire may be effectively used to reposition a dislodged Arndt blocker if the wire loop has been removed.

Teaching basic lung isolation skills on human anatomy simulator: attainment and retention of lung isolation skills

Background

Lung isolation skills, such as correct insertion of double lumen endobronchial tube and bronchial blocker, are essential in anesthesia training; however, how to teach novices these skills is underexplored. Our aims were to determine (1) if novices can be trained to a basic proficiency level of lung isolation skills, (2) whether video-didactic and simulation-based trainings are comparable in teaching lung isolation basic skills, and (3) whether novice learners’ lung isolation skills decay over time without practice.

Methods

First, five board certified anesthesiologist with experience of more than 100 successful lung isolations were tested on Human Airway Anatomy Simulator (HAAS) to establish Expert proficiency skill level. Thirty senior medical students, who were naive to bronchoscopy and lung isolation techniques (Novice) were randomized to video-didactic and simulation-based trainings to learn lung isolation skills. Before and after training, Novices’ performances were scored for correct placement using pass/fail scoring and a 5-point Global Rating Scale (GRS); and time of insertion was recorded. Fourteen novices were retested 2 months later to assess skill decay.

Results

Experts’ and novices’ double lumen endobronchial tube and bronchial blocker passing rates showed similar success rates after training (P >0.99). There were no differences between the video-didactic and simulation-based methods. Novices’ time of insertion decayed within 2 months without practice.

Conclusion

Novices could be trained to basic skill proficiency level of lung isolation. Video-didactic and simulation-based methods we utilized were found equally successful in training novices for lung isolation skills. Acquired skills partially decayed without practice.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12871-015-0169-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

One lung ventilation strategies for infants and children undergoing video assisted thoracoscopic surgery

The advantages of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in children have led to its increased usage over the years. VATS, however, requires an efficient technique for one lung ventilation. Today, there is an increasing interest in developing the technique for lung isolation to meet the anatomic and physiologic variations in infants and children. This article aims to provide an updated and comprehensive review on one-lung ventilation strategies for infants and children undergoing VATS. Search of terms such as ‘One lung ventilation for infants and children’, ‘Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery for infants and children’, and ‘Physiologic changes during one lung ventilation for infants and children’ were used. The search mechanics and engines for this review included the following: Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) eLibrary, PubMed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. During the search the author focused on significant current and pilot randomized control trials, case reports, review articles, and editorials. Critical decision making on what device to use based on the age, weight, and pathology of the patient; and how to use it for lung isolation are discussed in this article. Furthermore, additional information regarding the advantages, limitations, techniques of insertion and maintenance of each device for one lung ventilation in infants and children were the highlights in this article.

Lung separation in the morbidly obese patient

Lung separation techniques in the morbidly obese patient undergoing thoracic or esophageal surgery may be at risk of complications during airway management. Access to the airway in the obese patient can be a challenge because they have altered airway anatomy, including a short and redundant neck, limited neck extension and accumulation of fat deposition in the pharyngeal wall contributing to difficult laryngoscopy. Securing the airway is the first priority in these patients followed by appropriate techniques for lung separation with the use of a single-lumen endotracheal tube and a bronchial blocker or another alternative is with the use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube. This review is focused on the use of lung isolation devices in the obese patient. The recommendations are based upon scientific evidence, case reports or personal experience. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy must be used to place and confirm proper placement of a single-lumen endotracheal tube, bronchial blocker or double-lumen endotracheal tube.

Clinical review: Independent lung ventilation in critical care

Independent lung ventilation (ILV) can be classified into anatomical and physiological lung separation. It requires either endobronchial blockade or double-lumen endotracheal tube intubation. Endobronchial blockade or selective double-lumen tube ventilation may necessitate temporary one lung ventilation. Anatomical lung separation isolates a diseased lung from contaminating the non-diseased lung. Physiological lung separation ventilates each lung as an independent unit. There are some clear indications for ILV as a primary intervention and as a rescue ventilator strategy in both anatomical and physiological lung separation. Potential pitfalls are related to establishing and maintaining lung isolation. Nevertheless, ILV can be used in the intensive care setting safely with a good understanding of its limitations and potential complications.