A randomised preliminary study to compare the performance of fibreoptic bronchoscope and laryngeal mask airway CTrach (LMA CTrach) for visualisation of laryngeal structures at the end of thyroidectomy

Techniques of detecting recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in patients undergoing thyroid surgery: Pearls and pitfalls

Though permanent vocal cord palsy consequent to recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is rare following thyroidectomies, its consequences are grave enough for it to be the most feared complication postoperatively. Anesthesiologists and surgeons take various precautions to prevent its occurrence and employ various methods for its early detection. They include direct visualization of the nerve intraoperatively, use of intraoperative nerve monitoring, and post-extubation visualization of vocal cord mobility by use of direct or indirect methods. In the present narrative review, we aim to discuss the clinical evidence pertaining to the various methods adopted for the prevention and early detection of RLN palsy during thyroidectomy.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Macintosh Laryngoscope Versus Airtraq Videolaryngoscope for Visualization of Laryngeal Structures at the End of Thyroidectomy: A Randomized Control Study

To compare the efficacy of conventional Macintosh laryngoscope with Airtraq videolaryngoscope for visualization of laryngeal structures to rule out recurrent laryngeal nerve injury at the end of thyroidectomy. This randomized double-blind control study was conducted following IEC-Human approval, prospective CTRI registration and written informed consent from participants. Patients of either sex, aged 18-65 years, ASA grade I/II, scheduled for thyroidectomy under GA were included. Group DL underwent direct laryngoscopy using Macintosh blade whereas group VL underwent laryngoscopy using Airtraq® videolaryngoscope. CL(Cormack-Lehane) grade of laryngeal view, time taken to achieve optimal view, haemodynamic parameters, Patient reactivity score(PRS) and complications were noted. Unpaired t-test, chi-square test were used. A total of 73 patients were included for study with 38 in group DL and 35 in group VL. The grade of laryngeal view was found to be significantly better with Airtraq® VL compared to Macintosh laryngoscope without the application of BURP (p < 0.05). In the DL group, 34.2% (n = 13) had a CL grade I, 36.8% (n = 14) had CL grade 2A, 13.2% had CL grade 2B (n = 5) and 15.8% (n = 6) had CL Grade 3 at the end of thyroidectomy. On the contrary, in the VL Group, 71.5% (n = 25) of the participants had a CL Grade I; whereas, 20% (n = 7) had a CL Grade 2A, 5.7% (n = 2) had CL grade 2B and 2.8% (n = 1) of participants had CL grade 3. The mean "time taken to achieve optimal view' was comparable between the two groups (DL = 39.16 ± 105.53 s vs. VL = 38.89 ± 20.69 s) (p = 0.988).The haemodynamic parameters, Patient reactivity score and complications were comparable between the two groups. The performance of Airtraq® videolaryngoscope, a channelled VL is better than conventional Macintosh laryngoscope in terms of the optimal glottic view obtained to rule out recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy at the end of thyroidectomy.

New Devices, Innovative Technologies, and Non-Standard Techniques for Airway Management: A Narrative Review

A wide range of airway devices and techniques have been created to enhance the safety of airway management. However, airway management remains a challenge. All techniques are susceptible to failure. Therefore, it is necessary to have and know the greatest number of alternatives to treat even the most challenging airway successfully. The aim of this narrative review is to describe some new devices, such as video laryngeal masks, articulated stylets, and non-standard techniques, for laryngeal mask insertion and endotracheal intubation that are not applied in daily practice, but that could be highly effective in overcoming a difficulty related to airway management. Artificial intelligence and 3D technology for airway management are also discussed.

Endoscopic airway equipment part 2: equipment overview

Endoscopic devices designed for intubation include indirect optical and video laryngoscopes, rigid fibreoptic and video stylets, flexible and rigid bronchoscopes, and optic-enabled intubating supraglottic airways. Various types of surgical operating telescopes can also be used in specific circumstances. It is crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different devices and blade types in order to match the device to the clinical challenge.