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The laryngeal tube suction II (LTS II) is a supraglottic airway device (SAD) with a gastric drainage tube and enhanced seal properties as compared with other SADs. Therefore, its use has been proposed in situations with an elevated risk of aspiration.To compare the safety and efficacy of airway management and controlled mechanical ventilation when using either an LTS II or an endotracheal tube for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.Randomised, controlled, blinded and single-centre study.Academic tertiary care centre in Leipzig from April 2014 to May 2015.It was planned to include 100 patients but the study was stopped after 50 patients following an interim analysis. These 50 patients were randomised to either the LTS II group or the endotracheal tube group. All male patients aged more than 18 years for elective laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were eligible. Exclusion criteria included a BMI more than 30, American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or greater, a history of gastroesophageal reflux or other factors known to increase the risk of aspiration and a known difficult airway.All patients received general anaesthesia. Airway management was with either a LTS II or an endotracheal tube, according to the randomisation.The primary endpoint was successful insertion of the particular airway device during anaesthesia for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.In 15 of the 28 patients randomised to LTS II, the device had to be removed and an endotracheal tube inserted, mainly because of an airway leak (n = 10) or swelling of the tongue (n = 3). Ventilation was successful in all patients (n = 22) randomised to endotracheal tube. Quality of ventilation was rated better in the endotracheal tube group.Our data suggest that LTS II should not be the preferred method of airway management in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.DRKS00008985 (German Clinical Trials Register).

Background Removal of a functioning King laryngeal tube (LT) prior to establishing a definitive airway increases the risk of a "can't intubate, can't oxygenate" scenario. We previously described a technique utilizing video laryngoscopy (VL) and a bougie to intubate around a well-seated King LT with the balloons deflated; if necessary, the balloons can be rapidly re-inflated and ventilation resumed. Objective Our objective is to provide preliminary validation of this technique. Methods Emergency physicians performed all orotracheal intubations in this two-part study. Part 1 consisted of a historical analysis of VL recordings from emergency department (ED) patients intubated with the King LT in place over a two-year period at our institution. In Part 2, we analyzed VL recordings from paired attempts at intubating a cadaver, first with a King LT in place and then with the device removed, with each physician serving as his or her own control. The primary outcome for all analyses was first-pass success. Results There were 11 VL recordings of ED patients intubated with the King LT in place (Part 1) and 11 pairs of cadaveric VL recordings (Part 2). The first-pass success rate was 100% in both parts. In Part 1, the median time to intubation was 43 s (interquartile range [IQR] 36–60 s). In Part 2, the median time to intubation was 23 s (IQR 18–35 s) with the King LT in place and 17 s (IQR 14–18 s) with the King LT removed. Conclusions Emergency physicians successfully intubated on the first attempt with the King LT in situ . The technique described in this proof-of-concept study seems promising and merits further validation.

Introduction: The multicenter Pragmatic Airway Resuscitation Trial (PART) demonstrated better adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes with initial laryngeal tube (LT) insertion than endotracheal intubation (ETI) airway management. While emphasized in clinical practice, the effect of advanced airway insertion first-pass success (FPS) upon outcomes after OHCA is unknown. We sought to determine the direct and indirect mediating effects of LT and ETI FPS upon adult OHCA in a secondary analysis of PART. HYPOTHESES: 1) FPS associated with adult OHCA outcomes. 2) FPS mediates (explains) the association between airway type (LT vs. ETI) and adult OHCA outcomes. Methods: We defined FPS as successful LT insertion or ETI on the first attempt as reported by EMS personnel. We examined the outcomes return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 72-hour survival, hospital survival, and hospital survival with favorable neurologic function (MRS ≤3). Using multivariable GEE, we determined the association between FPS and outcomes after OHCA, adjusting for age, sex, witnessed arrest status, bystander CPR, initial rhythm, and trial randomization. Using the method of Baron and Kenny, we used mediation analysis to explain the contribution of FPS towards differences in OHCA outcomes between LT and ETI. Results: Of 3,004 patients enrolled in the trial, 1,423 received LT, 1,227 received ETI, 354 received bag-valve-mask ventilation only. FPS was: LT 90.3% and ETI 51.5%. FPS was associated with increased ROSC (adjusted OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.04-1.78) and 72h survival (1.45; 1.20-1.74) but not hospital survival (0.94; 0.67-1.31) or hospital survival with favorable neurologic function (0.70; 0.40-1.23). FPS had a strong mediating effect on the OHCA outcome differences between LT and ETI; 72h survival (74% mediated); ROSC (53% mediated); hospital survival (52% mediated); hospital survival with favorable neurologic status (35% mediated). Conclusion: In adult with OHCA, airway insertion FPS is associated with increased ROSC and 72h survival. Differences in OHCA outcomes between LT and ETI are largely explained by differences in FPS. EMS personnel should emphasize FPS in the advanced airway management of OHCA.

Aim An effective airway management is pivotal for treating hypoxia and to ensure reoxygenation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This matched-pair analysis from the German Resuscitation Registry (GRR) investigates the outcomes of various methods of airway management used on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Methods 89,220 OHCA patients were reported between 01/01/2007 and 12/31/2017. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, the resulting 19,196 patient's data were analyzed. Endpoints were return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), hospital admission, 24-h survival, hospital discharge, and discharge with cerebral performance categories 1,2 (CPC1,2). Three categories of airway management were defined: endotracheal tube (“ETT”), laryngeal tube (“LT_only”), and laryngeal to endotracheal tube exchange (“LTEX”). The groups were matched with respect to age, gender, aetiology or location of OHCA, witnessing or CPR by lay people, initial rhythm, and use of epinephrine and amiodarone. Results “ETT” versus “LT_only” was associated with higher short- and long-term outcome rates and better neurological recovery (CPC_1.2: 7.7 vs. 5.8%, OR = 1.35, 95%-CI = 1.09–1.67, n = 5552). “LTEX” versus “LT_only” showed significantly higher ROSC- and 24-h survival rate (33.7 vs. 21.8%, OR = 1.82, 95%-CI = 1.51–2.2, n = 2302). “LTEX” versus “ETT” revealed significantly higher ROSC- and 24-h survival rate (34.6 vs. 30.4%, OR = 1.21, 95%-CI = 1.03–1.42, n = 2608). Conclusion “ETT” was associated with higher survival rates and better neurological outcomes in comparison to “LT_only”. The strategy of “LTEX” versus “LT_only” or “ETT” was only associated with better short-term outcomes. Our observational registry data suggests that endotracheal intubation by physician staffed EMS is the optimal airway strategy for OHCA in our system.

Background The use of supraglottic airway devices (SADs) is becoming more widespread. However, there is little evidence to show which device is best in an emergent clinical scenario. Objective We compared both fiberoptic-guided and blind tracheal intubation through the Intubating Laryngeal Tube Suction-Disposal (iLTS-D), the AuraGain™, and the i-gel® in an airway manikin. Methods Thirty residents were included in a randomized trial to perform both fiberoptic-guided and blind tracheal intubation using the iLTS-D, the AuraGain, and the i-gel. The main endpoint was the total time taken to achieve successful fiberoptic intubation through the SAD. Additional endpoints included total time for blind intubation, SAD insertion time, tracheal tube insertion time, intubation success rate, fiberoptic view, and maneuvers performed to achieve tracheal intubation. Results All participants performed fiberoptic intubation using all three SADs on the first attempt. The total time to fiberoptic tracheal intubation using the i-gel, AuraGain, and iLTS-D was 42 s, 56 s, and 56 s, respectively. The blind tracheal intubation success rate was 80% with the iLTS-D, 43% with the i-gel, and 0% with the AuraGain. The total time for blind tracheal intubation through the i-gel and the iLTS-D was 29 s and 40 s, respectively. Laryngeal view grades were significantly poorer with the iLTS-D compared to the other devices. The iLTS-D required significantly more maneuvers to achieve successful tracheal intubation. Conclusions In an airway manikin, the iLTS-D, AuraGain, and i-gel appear to be reliable devices for airway rescue and fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubation. The iLTS-D is recommended for blind tracheal intubation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the education retention effect of endotracheal and laryngeal tube intubation using a manikin study. Methods: The study consisted of measuring intubation time, intubation success rate, and confidence of intubation after education. The evaluation o...

Background Access to patients can be restricted in emergency situations. A variety of techniques and devices are available for use in patients who require oxygenation in a restricted-access situation. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is one ventilation technique that is superior to others. Materials and methods Fifty-four emergency medical services providers including emergency medical technicians, paramedics and physicians were asked to use a bag-valve mask (BVM), a laryngeal mask airway (LMA), and a laryngeal tube (LT) to ventilate a full-scale manikin sitting upright in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle. Access to the manikin was gained through the side window and from the backseat. Results There were significant differences in time to first successful ventilation between the two approaches for access to the airway. The fastest median time to ventilation was obtained with the BVM (7 and 8 s), followed by the LT (13 and 14 s) and the LMA (15 s for both types of access). Overall success rates were 97.2% for the BVM, 96.3% for the LMA, and 100% for the LT. Most participants needed two attempts for each device. There were no significant differences between participants depending on the level of qualification or professional experience. The BVM was rated the lowest and the LT was rated the highest for ease of use. Conclusion Supraglottic airway devices appear to offer advantages in restricted-access situations.

BACKGROUND Emergency airway management can be particularly challenging in patients entrapped in crashed cars because of limited access. The aim of this study was to analyse the feasibility of four different airway devices in various standardized settings utilized by paramedics and emergency physicians. METHODS Twenty-five paramedics and 25 emergency physicians were asked to perform advanced airway management in a manikin entrapped in a car's left front seat, with access to the patient through the opened driver's door or access from the back seat. Available airway devices included Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopes, as well as laryngeal mask airway (LMA) Supreme and the Laryngeal Tube. The primary endpoints were successful placement, along with attempts needed to do so, and time for successful placement. The secondary endpoints included Cormack-Lehane grades and rating of the difficulty of the technique with the different devices. RESULTS The overall intubation and placement success rates were equal for the Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopes as well as the LMA Supreme and Laryngeal Tube, with access from the back seat being superior in terms of placement time and ease of use. Supraglottic airway devices required half of the placement time and were easier to use compared with endotracheal tubes (with placement times almost >30 s). Paramedics and emergency physicians achieved equal overall successful placement rates for all devices. CONCLUSION Both scenarios of securing the airway seem suitable in this manikin study, with access from the back seat being superior. Although all airway devices were applicable by both groups, paramedics and emergency physicians, supraglottic device placement was faster and always possible at the first attempt. Therefore, the LMA Supreme and the Laryngeal Tube are attractive alternatives for airway management in this context if endotracheal tube placement fails. Furthermore, supraglottic device placement, while the patient is still in the vehicle, followed by a definitive airway once the patient is extricated would be a worthwhile alternative course of action.

Background Chest compressions and ventilation are lifesaving tasks during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Besides oxygenation, endotracheal intubation (ETI) during CPR is performed to avoid aspiration of gastric contents. If intubation is difficult or impossible, supraglottic airway devices are utilized. We tested six different airway devices regarding their potential to protect against regurgitation and aspiration during CPR in a randomized experimental human cadaver study. Methods Five-hundred ml of 0.01% methylene-blue-solution were instilled into the stomach of 30 adult human cadavers via an oro-gastric tube. The cadavers were then randomly assigned to one of six groups, resulting in 5 cadavers in each group. Airway management was performed with either bag-valve ventilation, Laryngeal Tube, EasyTube, Laryngeal Mask (Classic), I-Gel, or ETI. Thereafter 5 min of CPR were performed according to the 2010 Guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council. Pulmonary aspiration was defined as the presence of methylene-blue-solution below the vocal cords or the ETI cuff as assessed by fiber-optic bronchoscopy. Results Thirty cadavers were included (14 females, 16 males). Aspiration was detected in three out of five cadavers receiving bag-valve ventilation and in two out of five intubated with LMA or I-Gel. In cadavers intubated with the LT, aspiration occurred in one out of five cases. No aspiration could be detected in cadavers intubated with ETI and EasyTube. Conclusion This study provides experimental evidence that, during CPR, ETI offers superior protection against regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents than supraglottic airway devices or bag-valve ventilation.

Background: The endotracheal tube (ETT) is considered the gold standard in emergency airway management, although supraglottic airway devices, especially the laryngeal tube (LT), have recently gained in importance. Although regarded as an emergency device in case of failure of endotracheal intubation in most systems, we investigated the dynamics of the use of the LT in a metropolitan ambulance service without any regulations on the choice of airway device. Methods: A retrospective, observational study on all patients from the Municipal Ambulance Service, Vienna in need of advanced airway management over a 5-year period. Differences between years were compared; influencing factors for the use of the LT were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: In total 5,175 patients (mean age 62 ± 20 years, 36.6% female) underwent advanced airway management. Of these, 15.6% received the LT. LT use increased from 20 out of 1,001 (2.0%) in 2009 to 292 of 1,085 (26.9%) in 2013 (p < 0.001). The in...

Airway management is an important component of resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The optimal approach to advanced airway management is unknown. The Pragmatic Airway Resuscitation Trial (PART) will compare the effectiveness of endotracheal intubation (ETI) and Laryngeal Tube (LT) insertion upon 72-hour survival in adult OHCA. Encompassing United States Emergency Medical Services agencies affiliated with the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC), PART will use a cluster-crossover randomized design. Participating subjects will include adult, non-traumatic OHCA requiring bag-valve-mask ventilation. Trial interventions will include 1) initial airway management with ETI and 2) initial airway management with LT. The primary and secondary trial outcomes are 72-hour survival and return of spontaneous circulation. Additional clinical outcomes will include airway management process and adverse events. The trial will enroll a total of 3,000 subjects. Results of PART may guide the selection of advanced airway management strategies in OHCA.

Background: The most vital element in providing functional respiration is the airway. The present study was conducted to determine the pattern of usage of supraglottic airway devices among anesthesiologists. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 62 Pediatric anesthesiologists of both genders. Their qualification, area of practice, type of institution, experience and average daily cases were assessed. Complications arising from use of SGAD were also recorded. Results: 20 were practicing in rural and 42 in urban, 25 were MD, 20 were DA and 17 had fellowship, 26 were in college, 16 were private practitioner and 20 were in other. 32 had > 5years of experience and 32 had daily >5 patient consultation. The difference was significant (P

Airway management in trauma is a crucial skill, because patients are at risk of aspiration, hypoxia, and hypoventilation, all of which may be fatal in the setting of increased intracranial pressure. The King Laryngeal Tube reusable supraglottic airway (King Systems, Noblesville, IN) allows for temporary management of a difficult airway but poses a challenge when an attempt is made to exchange the device for an endotracheal tube, often managed by emergency tracheostomy. We describe a novel fiberoptic, video laryngoscope-assisted approach to intubation in a difficult trauma airway with an in situ King Laryngeal Tube.

IMPORTANCE: Emergency medical services (EMS) commonly perform endotracheal intubation (ETI) or insertion of supraglottic airways, such as the laryngeal tube (LT), on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The optimal method for OHCA advanced airway management is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a strategy of initial LT insertion vs initial ETI in adults with OHCA. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Multicenter pragmatic cluster-crossover clinical trial involving EMS agencies from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium. The trial included 3004 adults with OHCA and anticipated need for advanced airway management who were enrolled from December 1, 2015, to November 4, 2017. The final date of follow-up was November 10, 2017. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-seven EMS agencies were randomized in 13 clusters to initial airway management strategy with LT (n = 1505 patients) or ETI (n = 1499 patients), with crossover to the alternate strategy at 3- to 5-month intervals. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was 72-hour survival. Secondary outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital discharge, favorable neurological status at hospital discharge (Modified Rankin Scale score ≤3), and key adverse events. RESULTS: Among 3004 enrolled patients (median [interquartile range] age, 64 [53-76] years, 1829 [60.9%] men), 3000 were included in the primary analysis. Rates of initial airway success were 90.3% with LT and 51.6% with ETI. Seventy-two hour survival was 18.3% in the LT group vs 15.4% in the ETI group (adjusted difference, 2.9% [95% CI, 0.2%-5.6%]; P = .04). Secondary outcomes in the LT group vs ETI group were return of spontaneous circulation (27.9% vs 24.3%; adjusted difference, 3.6% [95% CI, 0.3%-6.8%]; P = .03); hospital survival (10.8% vs 8.1%; adjusted difference, 2.7% [95% CI, 0.6%-4.8%]; P = .01); and favorable neurological status at discharge (7.1% vs 5.0%; adjusted difference, 2.1% [95% CI, 0.3%-3.8%]; P = .02). There were no significant differences in oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal injury (0.2% vs 0.3%), airway swelling (1.1% vs 1.0%), or pneumonia or pneumonitis (26.1% vs 22.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among adults with OHCA, a strategy of initial LT insertion was associated with significantly greater 72-hour survival compared with a strategy of initial ETI. These findings suggest that LT insertion may be considered as an initial airway management strategy in patients with OHCA, but limitations of the pragmatic design, practice setting, and ETI performance characteristics suggest that further research is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02419573

Background High-quality chest compressions are imperative for Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation (CPR). International CPR guidelines advocate, that chest compressions should not be interrupted for ventilation once a patient’s trachea is intubated or a supraglottic-airway-device positioned. Supraglottic-airway-devices offer limited protection against pulmonary aspiration. Simultaneous chest compressions and positive pressure ventilation both increase intrathoracic pressure and potentially enhances the risk of pulmonary aspiration. The hypothesis was, that regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration is more common during continuous versus interrupted chest compressions in human cadavers ventilated with a laryngeal tube airway. Methods Twenty suitable cadavers were included, and were positioned supine, the stomach was emptied, 500 ml of methylene-blue-solution instilled and laryngeal tube inserted. Cadavers were randomly assigned to: 1) continuous chest compressions; or, 2) interrupted chest compressions for ventilation breaths. After 14 minutes of the initial designated CPR strategy, pulmonary aspiration was assessed with a flexible bronchoscope. The methylene-blue-solution was replaced by 500 ml barium-sulfate radiopaque suspension. 14 minutes of CPR with the second designated ventilation strategy was performed. Pulmonary aspiration was then assessed with a conventional chest X-ray. Results Two cadavers were excluded for technical reasons, leaving 18 cadavers for statistical analysis. Pulmonary aspiration was observed in 9 (50%) cadavers with continuous chest compressions, and 7 (39%) with interrupted chest compressions (P = 0.75). Conclusion Our pilot study indicate, that incidence of pulmonary aspiration is generally high in patients undergoing CPR when a laryngeal tube is used for ventilation. Our study was not powered to identify potentially important differences in regurgitation or aspiration between ongoing vs. interrupted chest compression. Our results nonetheless suggest that interrupted chest compressions might better protect against pulmonary aspiration when a laryngeal tube is used for ventilation.

Background Emergency airway management (AM) is a major key for successful resuscitation of critically ill non-traumatic (CINT) patients. Details of the AM of these patients in German emergency departments (ED) are unknown. This observational study describes epidemiology, airway techniques, success rates and complications of AM in CINT ED patients in the resuscitation room (RR). Methods Data was collected prospectively on adult CINT patients admitted to the RR of a single German university ED September 2014 to August 2015. Patient characteristics, out-of-hospital and in-hospital RR AM, complications and success rates were recorded using a self-developed airway registry form. Results During the study period 34,303 patients were admitted to the ED, out of those 21,074 patients for non-trauma emergencies. Suffering from severe acute life-threatening problems, 532 CINT patients were admitted to the RR. 150 (28.2%) CINT patients had received out-of-hospital AM. In 16 of these cases (10.7%) the inserted airway needed to be changed after RR admission (unrecognized oesophageal intubation: n = 2, laryngeal tube exchange: n = 14). 136 (25.6%) CINT patients without out-of-hospital AM received RR AM immediately after admission. The first-pass and overall success rate in the RR were 71 and 100%, respectively, and multiple intubation attempts were necessary in 29%. A lower Cormack/Lehane (C/L) grade was associated with less intubation attempts (C/L1/2 vs. 3/4: 1.2 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 1.2, p = 0.0002). Complication rate was 43%. Conclusions OcEAN demonstrates the challenges of AM in CINT patients in a German ED RR. We propose a nation-wide ED airway registry to better track outcomes in the future. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13049-019-0599-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Prehospital airway management in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is widely recommended by international guidelines for the management of trauma. Early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia (EOVAP) is a common occurrence in this population and can worsen mortality and functional outcome. Objectives In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to evaluate the association between different prehospital airway management variables and the occurrence of EOVAP. Secondarily we evaluated the correlation between EOVAP and mortality and neurological outcome. Methods The study retrospectively evaluated 223 patients admitted from 2010 to 2017 in our trauma intensive care unit for severe TBI. The population was divided into three groups on the basis of the airway management technique adopted (bag mask ventilation, laryngeal tube, orotracheal intubation). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using the occurrence of EOVAP as the dependent variable, to investigate potential associations with prehospital airway management. Results A total of 131 episodes (58.7%) of EOVAP were registered in the study population (223 patients). Laryngeal tube and orotracheal intubation were used in patients with significantly lower Glasgow Coma Scale score on scene and a higher Face Abbreviated Injury Scale; advanced airway management significantly increased the total rescue time. The prehospital airway management technique adopted, prehospital type of sedation or use of muscle relaxants, type of transport, and rescue times were not associated with the occurrence of EOVAP. Conclusions Prehospital airway management does not have a significant impact on the occurrence of EOVAP in severe TBI patients. Similarly, it does not have a significant impact on mortality or long-term neurological outcome despite increasing duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit, and hospital stay.

In the recent years, new airway preservation and maintenance equipment are used through general anesthesia, such as Laryngeal tube suctions (LTS) and classic laryngeal mask airways (c.LMA). We compared their function in airway preservation and maintenance of patients through general anesthesia using controlled ventilation. This study is based on a randomized clinical trial where 83 patients aged between 16 to 65 were selected in a supine position with class I and II A.S.A. Patients were classified in two categories; LT.S (43 patients) and c.LMA (40 patients) groups by 4 block randomization method. Both groups were anesthetized with the same method (general anesthesia). After that, one of the mentioned equipment was placed for each group and their ventilation qualities, placement speeds, peak airway pressures, leak airway pressures, and complications were compared. The estimated ventilation qualities, using two SPO2 and ETCO2 indicators, indicated no significant difference between two groups.. Leak and peas airway pressure in LT.S group was statistically higher than cLMA group in each zero, three, and five minute times. Among the estimated values of complications, sore throat, dysphonia, and observance of blood on the device in LT.S group revealed higher values than cLMA group. Conclusively, both the LT.S and cLMA devices could be used as safe airway equipment. However, peak and leak airway pressures and complications of LT.S group were higher than cLMA group.

The use of supraglottic airway devices such as the King LTS-D laryngeal tube has increased in the prehospital setting because of their relative ease of successful insertion, even in the hands of inexperienced providers. However, these devices have their own associated complications. In patients with a known or suspected difficult airway, supraglottic airway device exchanges should occur under controlled conditions using an airway exchange catheter, preferably under direct visualization with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. We report unanticipated difficulties with supraglottic airway exchange caused by a kinked King LTS-D laryngeal tube.

The King LT(S)-D™ laryngeal tube (King LT) has gained popularity as a bridge airway for pre-hospital airway management. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the use of the King LT and its associated airway outcomes at a single Level 1 trauma centre. The data on all adult patients presenting to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota with a King LT in situ from July 1, 2007 to October 10, 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Data collected and descriptively analyzed included patient demographics, comorbidities, etiology of respiratory failure, airway complications, subsequent definitive airway management technique, duration of mechanical ventilation, and status at discharge. Forty-eight adult patients met inclusion criteria. The most common etiology for respiratory failure requiring an artificial airway was cardiac arrest [28 (58%) patients] or trauma [9 (19%) patients]. Four of the nine trauma patients had facial trauma. Surgical tracheostomy was the definitive airway management technique in 14 (29%) patients. An airway exchange catheter, direct laryngoscopy, and video laryngoscopy were used in 11 (23%), ten (21%), and ten (21%) cases, respectively. Seven (78%) of the trauma patients underwent surgical tracheostomy compared with seven (18%) of the medical patients. Adverse events associated with King LT use occurred in 13 (27%) patients, with upper airway edema (i.e., tongue engorgement and glottic edema) being most common (19%). In this study of patients presenting to a hospital with a King LT, the majority of airway exchanges required an advanced airway management technique beyond direct laryngoscopy. Upper airway edema was the most common adverse observation associated with King LT use.

In den aktuellen Leitlinien sind supraglottische Atemwegshilfen wie Larynxtuben zur Sicherstellung der Oxygenierung bei Patienten mit unerwartet-schwierigem Atemweg fest etabliert. Mit dem Intubationslarynxtubus Suction Disposable (iLTS-D) steht nunmehr ein neuartiger Larynxtubus zur Verfugung, der fur eine sekundare Intubation konstruiert wurde. In einer Pilotstudie wurde der iLTS-D im klinischen Alltag hinsichtlich Praktikabilitat und Effektivitat evaluiert. Der iLTS-D wurde bei 30 konsekutiven erwachsenen Patienten ohne Hinweise auf einen schwierigen Atemweg, die sich einem HNO-arztlichen Elektiveingriff in Intubationsnarkose unterzogen, angewandt. Nach Narkoseeinleitung wurden der iLTS-D platziert und die korrekte Ventilation uberpruft. Es erfolgten nun die Relaxation und die Intubation mithilfe eines flexiblen Bronchoskops uber den iLTS-D. Im letzten Schritt wurde bei liegendem Endotrachealtubus der iLTS-D entfernt. Die Datenerhebung erfolgte anonymisiert im Rahmen der internen Qualitatssicherung. Die Publikation der Daten wurde durch die Ethikkommission genehmigt. Die Einfuhrung des iLTS-D und eine suffiziente Ventilation waren bei allen Patienten in 17 s (Median; Spannweite 12–90 s) moglich, wobei bei 4 Patienten eine Lagekorrektur des iLTS-D vorgenommen werden musste. Die endotracheale Intubation gelang bei 29 der 30 Patienten [ein Versuch: n = 23, 2 Versuche: n = 6, Intubation(ITN)-Dauer 32 s (Median; Spannweite 18–187 s)]. Bei 5 Patienten konnten bronchoskopisch zunachst keine laryngealen Strukturen identifiziert werden. Wahrend in 2 Fallen nach blinder osophagealer Fehlintubation und Lagekorrektur des iLTS-D eine tracheale Intubation unter Sicht gelang, wurde bei 2 weiteren Patienten eine blinde tracheale Intubation uber den iLTS-D durchgefuhrt. Ein Patient konnte konventionell mithilfe der direkten Laryngoskopie intubiert werden. Die Zeitdauer zur Entfernung des iLTS-D nach erfolgter Intubation betrug im Median 20 s (Spannweite 15–80 s). Geringfugige Blutauflagerungen auf dem iLTS-D wurden bei 3 Patienten beobachtet. Bis auf einen Fall traten alle beobachteten Probleme wahrend der ersten 10 Patienten auf. Zusammenfassend konnten wir in einer ersten klinischen Untersuchung zeigen, dass der iLTS-D bei Patienten ohne Pradiktoren fur einen schwierigen Atemweg und in der Hand von Anwendern ohne Vorerfahrung mit diesem Hilfsmittel stets eine suffiziente Ventilation erlaubte und einen hohen Intubationserfolg aufwies. Um diese ersten Ergebnisse zu untermauern, sind jedoch weitere Untersuchungen, insbesondere bei Patienten mit schwierigem Atemweg, erforderlich.