Airway management of patients with traumatic brain injury/C-spine injury

Glasgow Coma Scale Intubation Thresholds and Outcomes of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: The Need for Tailored Practice Management Guidelines

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to re-evaluate the GCS threshold for intubation in patients presenting to the ED with a traumatic brain injury to optimize outcomes and provide evidence for future practice management guidelines.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the ACS-TQIP-Participant Use File (PUF) 2015-2019 for adult trauma patients 18 years and older who experienced a blunt traumatic head injury and received computerized tomography. Multivariable regressions were performed to assess associations between outcomes and GCS intubation thresholds of 5, 8, and 10.

RESULTS

In patients with a GCS ≤5, there were no differences in mortality (GCS ≤5: 26.3% vs GCS >5: 28.3%, adjusted P = .08), complication rates (GCS ≤5: 9.1% vs GCS >5: 10.3%, adjusted P = .91), or ICU length of stay (GCS ≤5: 5.4 vs GCS >5: 4.7, adjusted P = .36) between intubated and non-intubated patients. Intubated patients at GCS thresholds ≤8 (26.2% vs 19.1%, adjusted P < .0001) and ≤10 (25.6% vs 15.8%, adjusted P < .0001) had significantly higher mortality rates than non-intubated patients. Intubation at all GCS thresholds >5 resulted in higher rates of complications, H-LOS, and ICU-LOS when compared to non-intubated patients with the same GCS score.

CONCLUSION

A GCS ≤5 was the threshold at which intubation in TBI patients conferred an additional benefit in disposition without worsened outcomes of mortality, H-LOS, or ICU-LOS. Trauma societies and hospital institutions should consider revisiting existing guidelines and protocols concerning the appropriate GCS threshold for safer intubation and better outcomes among these patient population.

Endotracheal Intubation of Difficult Airways in Emergency Settings: A Guide for Innovators

Over 400,000 Americans are intubated in emergency settings annually, with indications ranging from respiratory failure to airway obstructions to anaphylaxis. About 12.7% of emergency intubations are unsuccessful on the first attempt. Failure to intubate on the first attempt is associated with a higher likelihood of adverse events, including oxygen desaturation, aspiration, trauma to soft tissue, dysrhythmia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest. Difficult airways, as classified on an established clinical scale, are found in up to 30% of emergency department (ED) patients and are a significant contributor to failure to intubate. Difficult intubations have been associated with longer lengths of stay and significantly greater costs than standard intubations. There exists a wide range of airway management devices, both invasive and noninvasive, which are available in the emergency setting to accommodate difficult airways. Yet, first-pass success rates remain variable and leave room for improvement. In this article, we review the disease states most correlated with intubation, the current landscape of emergency airway management technologies, and the market potential for innovation. The aim of this review is to inspire new technologies to assist difficult airway management, given the substantial opportunity for translation due to two key-value signposts of medical innovation: the potential to decrease cost and the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

Controversies and evidence gaps in the early management of severe traumatic brain injury: back to the ABCs

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for around 30% of all trauma-related deaths. Over the past 40 years, TBI has remained a major cause of mortality after trauma. The primary injury caused by the injurious mechanical force leads to irreversible damage to brain tissue. The potentially preventable secondary injury can be accentuated by addressing systemic insults. Early recognition and prompt intervention are integral to achieve better outcomes. Consequently, surgeons still need to be aware of the basic yet integral emergency management strategies for severe TBI (sTBI). In this narrative review, we outlined some of the controversies in the early care of sTBI that have not been settled by the publication of the Brain Trauma Foundation’s 4th edition guidelines in 2017. The topics covered included the following: mode of prehospital transport, maintaining airway patency while securing the cervical spine, achieving adequate ventilation, and optimizing circulatory physiology. We discuss fluid resuscitation and blood product transfusion as components of improving circulatory mechanics and oxygen delivery to injured brain tissue. An outline of evidence-based antiplatelet and anticoagulant reversal strategies is discussed in the review. In addition, the current evidence as well as the evidence gaps for using tranexamic acid in sTBI are briefly reviewed. A brief note on the controversial emergency surgical interventions for sTBI is included. Clinicians should be aware of the latest evidence for sTBI. Periods between different editions of guidelines can have an abundance of new literature that can influence patient care. The recent advances included in this review should be considered both for formulating future guidelines for the management of sTBI and for designing future clinical studies in domains with clinical equipoise.

Effects of External Laryngeal Manipulation on Cervical Spine Motion during Videolaryngoscopic Intubation under Manual In-Line Stabilization: A Randomized Crossover Trial

We hypothesized that external laryngeal manipulation would reduce cervical spine motion during video laryngoscopic intubation under manual in-line stabilization by reducing the force required to lift the videolaryngoscope. In this randomized crossover trial, 27 neurointerventional patients underwent two consecutive videolaryngoscopic intubation attempts under manual in-line stabilization. External laryngeal manipulation was applied to all patients in either the first or second attempt. In the second attempt, we tried to reproduce the percentage of glottic opening score obtained in the first attempt. Primary outcomes were cervical spine motion during intubation at the occiput-C1, C1–C2, and C2–C5 segments. The intubation success rate (secondary outcome measure) was recorded. Cervical spine motion during intubation at the occiput-C1 segment was significantly smaller with than without external laryngeal manipulation (7.4° ± 4.6° vs. 11.5° ± 4.8°, mean difference −4.1° (98.33% confidence interval −5.8° to −2.3°), p < 0.001), showing a reduction of 35.7%. Cervical spine motion during intubation at the other segments was not significantly different with versus without external laryngeal manipulation. All intubations were achieved successfully regardless of the application of external laryngeal manipulation. External laryngeal manipulation is a useful method to reduce upper cervical spine motion during videolaryngoscopic intubation under manual in-line stabilization.

Lidocaine-eluting endotracheal tube effectively attenuates intubation related airway response

Background

Lidocaine (LDC) is a local anesthetic widely used to relieve intubation-related airway responses. However, low drug concentration and short effective duration of LDC is inadequate to provide a satisfactory anesthetic effect on the surface of the airway. The present study sought to develop a LDC-delivery endotracheal tube (ETT) to achieve high local drug concentration and sustained drug release with the aim of attenuating an intubation-related airway response.

Methods

ETTs and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) discs were coated with different molecular weight (MW) poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA: 50/50; MW: 3,000, 6,000, and 10,000) loaded with LDC by airbrush spray. The morphology of LDC-eluting coatings was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. In vitro drug release was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. An in vivo study was performed to investigate the differences in plasma LDC concentration, intubation tolerance, and tracheal tissue injury in rabbits undergoing intubation of blank, LDC-spray, or LDC-coated ETTs.

Results

Approximate 5 mg/cm² coatings (containing 2.5 mg/cm² LDC) were deposited onto the PVC discs and ETTs. While even distribution and smooth surfaces were generated in PLGA3000 + LDC and PLGA6000 + LDC coatings, PLGA10000 + LDC formed uneven and gullied coatings. Burst release within the first 4 h and sustained release for at least 5 days was achieved in vitro in PLGA + LDC coatings and the in vivo study demonstrated higher plasma LDC concentration and longer drug release duration in LDC-coated ETTs compared with LDC-spray. LDC-coated ETTs significantly improved intubation tolerance in rabbits, as measured by less general anesthetic consumption and longer tube tolerance duration in contrast to blank ETTs with or without LDC spray. Histology assessment showed less mucosal edema area in the PLGA3000 + LDC and PLGA6000 + LDC groups compared to the control, LDC-spray, and PLGA10000 + LDC groups. Among the different MW PLGAs, PLGA6000 presented optimal morphological characteristics, drug release, and anesthetic effect.

Conclusions

ETTs coated with PLGA + LDC effectively attenuate an intubation-related airway response via increasing local drug concentration and extending drug action duration, which demonstrates a potential therapeutic benefit for patients undergoing intubation.

Sedation for Rapid Sequence Induction and Intubation of Neurologically Injured Patients

There are subtle physiologic and pharmacologic principles that should be understood for patients with neurologic injuries. These principles are especially true for managing patients with traumatic brain injuries. Prevention of hypotension and hypoxemia are major goals in the management of these patients. This article discusses the physiology, pitfalls, and pharmacology necessary to skillfully care for this subset of patients with trauma. The principles endorsed in this article are applicable both for patients with traumatic brain injury and those with spinal cord injuries.

Randomized crossover trial comparing cervical spine motion during tracheal intubation with a Macintosh laryngoscope versus a C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscope in a simulated immobilized cervical spine

BACKGROUND

Maintaining cervical immobilization is essential during tracheal intubation in patients with unstable cervical spines. When using the Macintosh laryngoscope for intubation in patients with cervical immobilization, substantial neck extension is required for visualization of the glottis. However, the C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope may require less neck extension due to its acute angulation. We hypothesized that C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscopic intubation would result in less cervical spine movement than Macintosh laryngoscopic intubation. We compared the effects of C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscopic intubation and Macintosh laryngoscopic intubation in terms of cervical spine motion during intubation in patients with simulated cervical immobilization.

METHODS

In this randomized crossover study, the cervical spine angle was measured at the occiput-C1, C1-C2, and C2-C5 segments before and during tracheal intubation with either a C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope or Macintosh laryngoscope in 20 patients, with application of a neck collar for simulated cervical immobilization. Cervical spine motion was defined as the change in angle measured before and during tracheal intubation.

RESULTS

The cervical spine motion at the occiput-C1 segment was measured at 12.1 ± 4.2° and 6.8 ± 5.0° during Macintosh laryngoscopic and C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscopic intubation, respectively, corresponding to a 44% reduction in cervical spine motion when using the latter device (mean difference, - 5.3; 98.33% CI: - 8.8 to - 1.8; p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two intubation devices at the C1-C2 segment (- 0.6; 98.33% CI: - 3.4 to 2.2; p = 0.639) or C2-C5 segment (0.2; 98.33% CI: - 6.0 to 6.4; p = 0.929).

CONCLUSIONS

The C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope causes less upper cervical spine motion than the Macintosh laryngoscope during tracheal intubation of patients with simulated cervical immobilization.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on June 26, 2018 ( NCT03567902 ).

High-Risk Airway Management in the Emergency Department: Diseases and Approaches, Part II

BACKGROUND

Successful airway management is critical to the practice of emergency medicine. Thus, emergency physicians must be ready to optimize and prepare for airway management in critically ill patients with a wide range of physiologic challenges. Challenges in airway management commonly encountered in the emergency department are discussed using a pearl and pitfall discussion in this second part of a 2-part series.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review presents an evidence-based approach to airway and patient management during endotracheal intubation in challenging cases commonly encountered in the emergency department.

DISCUSSION

Adverse events during emergent airway management are common with postintubation cardiac arrest, reported in as many as 1 in 25 intubations. Many of these adverse events can be avoided by proper identification and understanding the underlying physiology, preparation, and postintubation management. Those with high-risk features including trauma, elevated intracranial pressure, upper gastrointestinal bleed, cardiac tamponade, aortic stenosis, morbid obesity, and pregnancy must be managed with airway expertise.

CONCLUSIONS

This narrative review discusses the pearls and pitfalls of commonly encountered physiologic high-risk intubations with a focus on the emergency clinician.

Comparison of C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscope and McCoy laryngoscope efficacy for nasotracheal intubation in simulated cervical spinal injury: a prospective randomized comparative study

BACKGROUND

Immobilization with cervical spine worsens endotracheal intubation condition. Though various intubation devices have been demonstrated to perform well in oral endotracheal intubation, limited information is available concerning nasotracheal intubation (NTI) in patients with cervical spine immobilization. The present study compared the performance of the C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope with the McCoy laryngoscope for NTI in patients with simulated cervical spine injuries.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, study done in a tertiary hospital. Ninety-five patients requiring NTI were included in data analysis: McCoy group (group M, n = 47) or C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope group (group C, n = 48). A Philadelphia neck collar was applied before anesthetic induction to immobilize the cervical spine. Single experienced anesthesiologist performed NTI. The primary outcome was duration of intubation divided by three steps: nose to oropharynx; oropharynx into glottic inlet; and glottic inlet to trachea. Secondary outcomes included glottic view as percentage of glottis opening (POGO) score and Cormack-Lehance (CL) grade, modified nasal intubation-difficulty scale (NIDS) rating, hemodynamic changes before and after intubation, and complications.

RESULTS

Total intubation duration was significantly shorter in group C (39.5 ± 11.4 s) compared to group M (48.1 ± 13.9 s). Group C required significantly less time for glottic visualization and endotracheal tube placement in the trachea. More patients in group C had CL grade I and higher POGO scores (P <  0.001, for both measures). No difficulty in NTI (modified NIDS = 0) was more in group C than group M. Hemodynamic changes and incidence of complications were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSION

The C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope is an effective tool for NTI in a simulated difficult airway, which improves glottic visualization and shortens intubation time relative to those with McCoy laryngoscope.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Research Information Service of the Korea National Institute of Health, Identification number: KCT 0004535, Registered December 10, 2019, Retrospectively registered, http://cris.nih.go.kr.

Cervical Spine Motion During Tracheal Intubation Using an Optiscope Versus the McGrath Videolaryngoscope in Patients With Simulated Cervical Immobilization: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Study

BACKGROUND

In patients with an unstable cervical spine, maintenance of cervical immobilization during tracheal intubation is important. In McGrath videolaryngoscopic intubation, lifting of the blade to raise the epiglottis is needed to visualize the glottis, but in patients with an unstable cervical spine, this can cause cervical spine movement. By contrast, the Optiscope, a rigid video-stylet, does not require raising of the epiglottis during tracheal intubation. We therefore hypothesized that the Optiscope would produce less cervical spine movement than the McGrath videolaryngoscope during tracheal intubation. The aim of this study was to compare the Optiscope with the McGrath videolaryngoscope with respect to cervical spine motion during intubation in patients with simulated cervical immobilization.

METHODS

The primary outcome of the study was the extent of cervical spine motion at the occiput-C1, C1-C2, and C2-C5 segments. In this randomized crossover study, the cervical spine angle was measured before and during tracheal intubation using either the Optiscope or the McGrath videolaryngoscope in 21 patients with simulated cervical immobilization. Cervical spine motion was defined as the change in angle at each cervical segment during tracheal intubation.

RESULTS

There was significantly less cervical spine motion at the occiput-C1 segment using the Optiscope rather than the McGrath videolaryngoscope (mean [98.33% CI]: 4.7° [2.4-7.0] vs 10.4° [8.1-12.7]; mean difference [98.33% CI]: -5.7° [-7.5 to -3.9]). There were also fewer cervical spinal motions at the C1-C2 and C2-C5 segments using the Optiscope (mean difference versus the McGrath videolaryngoscope [98.33% CI]: -2.4° [-3.7 to -1.2]) and -3.7° [-5.9 to -1.4], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The Optiscope produces less cervical spine motion than the McGrath videolaryngoscope during tracheal intubation of patients with simulated cervical immobilization.

Trauma Airway Management: Induction Agents, Rapid Versus Slower Sequence Intubations, and Special Considerations

Trauma patients who require intubation are at higher risk for aspiration, agitation/combativeness, distorted anatomy, hemodynamic instability, an unstable cervical spine, and complicated injuries. Although rapid-sequence intubation is the most common technique in trauma, slow-sequence intubation may reduce the risk for failed intubation and cardiovascular collapse. Providers often choose plans with which they are most comfortable. However, developing a flexible team-based approach, through recognition of complicating factors in trauma patients, improves airway management success.

Nursing Management of Adults with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review

Effective nursing management strategies for adults with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) are still a remarkable issue and a difficult task for neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neuronurses. A list of justified indications and scientific rationale for nursing management of these patients are continuously evolving. The objectives of the study are to analyze the pertinently available research and clinical studies that demonstrate the nursing management strategies for adults with STBI and to synthesize the available evidence based on the review. A comprehensive literature search was made in following databases such as Google Scholar, Cochrane, J-Gate, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect for retrieving the related studies. In the included studies, data were extracted and evaluated according to the objective. Narrative analysis was adopted to write this review. Patients with STBI have poor prognosis and require quality care for maximizing patients' survival. With a thorough knowledge and discernment of care of such patients, nurses can improve these patients' neurological outcomes.

A survey of a population of anaesthesiologists from South India regarding practices for rapid sequence intubation in patients with head injury

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Evidence and utility of the individual steps of the rapid sequence induction and tracheal intubation protocols have been debated, especially in the setting of traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this survey was to determine preferences in the current approach to rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in head injury patients among a population of anaesthesiologists from South India.

METHODS

A questionnaire was E-mailed to all the members of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists' South Zone Chapter to ascertain their preferences, experience and comfort level with regard to their use of rapid sequence intubation techniques in adult patients with head injury. Participants were requested to indicate their practices for RSI technique for a head-injured patient upon arrival at the Emergency Medical Services department of their hospital.

RESULTS

The total response rate was 56.9% (530/932). Of the total respondents, 35% of the clinicians used cricoid pressure routinely, most respondents (68%) stated that they pre-oxygenate the patients for about 3 min prior to RSI, thiopentone (61%) and propofol (34%) were commonly used prior to intubation. Rocuronium was the muscle relaxant of choice for RSI among the majority (44%), compared to succinylcholine (39%). Statistical analyses were performed after the initial entry onto a spreadsheet. Data were summarised descriptively using frequency distribution.

CONCLUSION

In a rapid sequence intubation situation, the practice differed significantly among anaesthesiologists. Owing to disagreements and paucity of evidence-based data regarding the standards of RSI, it is apparent that RSI practice still has considerable variability in clinical practice.

Head Injury- A Maxillofacial Surgeon's Perspective

Injuries and violence are one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. A substantial portion of these injuries involve the maxillofacial region. Among the concomitant injuries, injuries to the head and cervical spine are amongst those that demand due consideration on account of their life threatening behaviour. Studies have shown that facial fractures have a strong association with traumatic brain injury. Knowledge of the types and mechanisms of traumatic brain injury is crucial for their treatment. Many a times, facial fractures tend to distract our attention from more severe and often life threatening injuries. Early diagnosis of these intracranial haemorrhage leads to prompt treatment which is essential to improve the outcome of these patients. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon should be able to suspect and diagnose head injury and also provide adequate initial management.