Pediatric tracheal dimensions on computed tomography and its correlation with tracheostomy tube sizes

The global impact of scoliosis on tracheal abnormalities and ventilation needs in pediatric patients with tracheostomy tubes

PURPOSE

To describe the effects of scoliosis severity on the trachea in patients with a tracheostomy tube.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients 21 years and younger with a tracheostomy and scoliosis between 2001 and 2019 was conducted at a single tertiary pediatric hospital. Patients with spine curvature from C6 - T3 (tracheal limits) were divided into two groups based on curvatures that were either greater than or equal to 30° (Group A) or less than 30° (Group B).

RESULTS

Among the 59 patients who met the inclusion criteria, median age at tracheostomy tube placement was 1.45 years, median tracheostomy duration was 10.26 years, and 75 % were ventilator dependent. Group A encompassed 22 patients, and Group B included 37 patients. There were no significant differences in the following outcomes between Groups A and B: obstructed carina view (p = 0.095), tracheal irritation (p = 0.270), tracheal curvature (p = 0.113), inadequate tracheostomy tube fit (p = 0.323), tracheomalacia (p = 0.765), custom tracheostomy tube use (p = 0.113), or ventilator dependence (p = 0.109).

CONCLUSION

Most tracheostomy patients with scoliosis were ventilator dependent. Spine curvatures of 30° or greater from C6 to T3 did not significantly influence view of the carina, tracheal irritation, tracheal curvature, and tracheostomy tube fit. Further work is needed to analyze the effects of scoliosis on tracheal abnormalities with greater power and to determine the best tracheostomy tube fit via in-office tracheoscopy evaluations.

Effect of varying cuff sizes with identical inner diameter on endotracheal intubation in critically ill adults: A sealed tracheal controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to determine the impact of different cuff diameters on the cuff pressure of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) when the trachea is adequately sealed.

METHODS

In the present single-center clinical trial, adult patients who underwent cardiothoracic surgery were assigned to use ETTs from 2 brands (GME and GZW). The primary endpoint comprised of the following: cuff diameter, inner diameter of the ETT, manufacturer, and the number of subjects with tracheal leakage when the cuff pressure was 30 cm H2O.

RESULTS

A total of 298 patients were assigned into 2 groups, based on the 2 distinct brands of ETTs: experimental group (n = 122, GME brand) and control group (n = 176, GZW brand). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. However, the cuff diameter was significantly smaller in the control group, when compared to the experimental group (P = .001), and the incidence of tracheal leakage was significantly higher in the control group (P = .001). Furthermore, the GME brand ETT had a significantly larger cuff diameter, when compared to the GZW brand ETT.

CONCLUSION

The cuff size would mismatch the tracheal area in clinical practice. Therefore, chest computed tomography is recommended to routinely evaluate the tracheal cross-sectional area during anesthesia, in order to ensure the appropriate cuff size selection.

Update on pediatric tracheostomy

Pediatric tracheostomy has been widely performed since the 1800s, and in recent years, with advances in neonatal medicine, it has been performed at younger ages, starting at 0. In addition, advances in surgical techniques and postoperative tube management have reduced complications. This review will discuss the entire process of pediatric tracheostomy, starting with the history of tracheostomy and ending with indications, contraindications, techniques (slit, Björk, EXIT), complications, tube management, and decannulation. Pediatric tracheostomy patients require long-term care and management as they grow after the surgery itself, so otolaryngologists and pediatric tracheostomists are particularly involved in tube management and decannulation. We believe that sharing this information with all healthcare professionals will lead to better care for children with tracheostomies.

Prediction of endotracheal tube size in pediatric patients: Development and validation of machine learning models

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to construct and validate machine learning models for endotracheal tube (ETT) size prediction in pediatric patients.

METHODS

Data of 990 pediatric patients underwent endotracheal intubation were retrospectively collected between November 2019 and October 2021, and separated into cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tube subgroups. Six machine learning algorithms, including support vector regression (SVR), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), gradient boosting tree (GBR), decision tree (DTR) and extreme gradient boosting tree (XGBR), were selected to construct and validate models using ten-fold cross validation in training set. The optimal models were selected, and the performance were compared with traditional predictive formulas and clinicians. Furthermore, additional data of 71 pediatric patients were collected to perform external validation.

RESULTS

The optimal 7 uncuffed and 5 cuffed variables were screened out by feature selecting. The RF models had the best performance with minimizing prediction error for both uncuffed ETT size (MAE = 0.275 mm and RMSE = 0.349 mm) and cuffed ETT size (MAE = 0.243 mm and RMSE = 0.310 mm). The RF models were also superior in predicting power than formulas in both uncuffed and cuffed ETT size prediction. In addition, the RF models performed slightly better than senior clinicians, while they significantly outperformed junior clinicians. Based on SVR models, we proposed 3 novel linear formulas for uncuffed and cuffed ETT size respectively.

CONCLUSION

We have developed machine learning models with excellent performance in predicting optimal ETT size in both cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal intubation in pediatric patients, which provides powerful decision support for clinicians to select proper ETT size. Novel formulas proposed based on machine learning models also have relatively better predictive performance. These models and formulas can serve as important clinical references for clinicians, especially for performers with rare experience or in remote areas.

Accuracy of predictive equations in guiding tracheal intubation depth in children: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Accurate insertion depth of endotracheal tube (ETT) in children has been predicted using the demographic variables, such as age, weight, and height. Middle finger length showed good correlation with ETT depth measurement in children aged 4-14 years.

AIMS

The primary objective was to correlate the actual ETT insertion depth with the depth derived from middle finger length, age, weight, and height formulae in children aged 1-4 years. The secondary objective was to find the most accurate formula for prediction of ETT insertion depth.

METHODS

This prospective parallel group study was done in 50 american society of anesthesiologists 1 or 2 children aged 1-4 years undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. Children with difficult airway, finger anomalies, or syndromic associations were excluded. Age, weight, height, and middle finger length of all children were measured. Depth of orally inserted uncuffed ETT and tracheal length was measured by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The actual ETT depth was correlated with the depth calculated from different formulae.

RESULTS

The mean middle finger length was 4.42 ± 0.50 cm, age was 2.64 ± 1.07 years, weight was 12.28 ± 2.84 kg, and height was 82.89 ± 16.23 cm. The mean tracheal length was 6.42 ± 0.96 cm. The mean depth of ETT was actual depth (12.89 ± 1.09 cm), middle finger depth (13.23 ± 1.53cm; p = .001; 95%CI 0.12-0.50), age-based depth 1(3.31 ± 0.53 cm; 95%CI 0.37-1.44; p = .001), weight-based depth (14.14 ± 1.42 cm; 95% CI 0.10-0.51; p = .004), and height-based depth (13.73 ± 0.94 cm; 95% CI 0.15-0.77; p = .004). Middle finger length and age-based formulae showed higher number of accurate placements (58% each). Weight- (74%) and height (64%)-derived formulae gave a higher number of distal ETT placements.

CONCLUSION

Formulas based on the demographic variables and middle finger length showed good correlation with the actual ETT depth in children aged 1-4 years. The percentage of accurate ETT depth placements was higher with middle finger length and age-based formulae.

An Analysis of Tracheostomy Complications in Pediatric Patients With Scoliosis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESISAL

To analyze tracheostomy-related complications in pediatric patients with scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients with tracheostomy and scoliosis was performed at a single institution. The charts were reviewed for variables including difficulties with tracheostomy tube changes, poor positioning of tube, abnormal appearance of trachea, and emergency room visits and admissions for complications. Decannulation rates were also identified.

RESULTS

About 102 patients met inclusion criteria, 96 (94.1%) had scoliosis involving the thoracic spine, and 4 had scoliosis involving the cervical spine; 13 (12.8%) patients had documented poor positioning on tracheoscopy; 31 patients (30.3%) had at least one emergency room visit or admission for complications, such as accidental decannulation or bleeding from the tracheostomy; 19 (18.6%) patients required at least one tube change due to poor positioning, with 7 (6.9%) requiring multiple changes; 18 (17.7%) had reported difficulties with home tube changes. Custom length tubes were required in 9 patients (8.8%). The level of scoliosis was not associated with any of these complications. Abnormalities of the trachea, such as tortuosity, obstructive granulomas, or tracheomalacia, were seen in 35 patients (34.3%) on bronchoscopy. Scoliosis repair was performed in 18 patients (17.65%), of which two achieved decannulation. Ten patients (9.8%) overall were decannulated.

CONCLUSION

A portion of patients with scoliosis who are tracheostomy-dependent have anatomical abnormalities of the trachea and poor positioning of the tracheostomy tube. Decannulation rates are also lower in this population compared to the literature. Further work is required to elucidate if scoliosis predisposes patients toward tracheostomy-related complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Prediction of Left Double-Lumen Tube Size by Measurement of Cricoid Cartilage Transverse Diameter by Ultrasound and CT Multi-Planar Reconstruction

Background: Currently, there is no uniform standard for selecting the left double lumen tubes (LDLT). Advantages, such as safety and convenience of the ultrasonic technology, and measurement accuracy, make it more widely applied in the clinical anesthesia, and computed tomography (CT) multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) technology will certainly provide a more accurate measurement. For better application for thoracic surgery choice LDLT, relieving the injury to patients, and reducing the complications, this study will compare the two approaches. Methods: The first part, 120 cases of patients were selected according to the height and gender; recording the patient's optimum LDLT and measurement the transverse diameter of the cricoid cartilage (TD-C) by ultrasound and CT MPR, and then obtained the TD-C range measurement by ultrasound and CT MPR corresponding to different types of LDLT. The second part, total of 102 patients were divided into the ultrasound group and the CT MPR group. In the ultrasound group, TD-C was measured by ultrasound, the corresponding size for intubation was selected based on the conclusions derived from the first part. In the CT MPR group, TD-C was measured by CT MPR, the corresponding size of LDLT based on the conclusions derived from the first part. Results: In the first part, 120 patients were no significant difference in the basic characteristics (P > 0.05). The accuracy of selecting the LDLT by conventional experience, namely height and gender was 58.3%. Ultrasonic measurement TD-C range was as follows: 32 Fr <15.88, 35 Fr: 15.88-16.80, 37 Fr: 16.75-17.81, and 39 Fr > 17.80. CT MPR measurement TD-C range was as follows: 32 Fr <15.74, 35 Fr: 15.74-16.65, 37 Fr: 16.56-17.68, and 39 Fr > 17.65. In the second part, there was no significant difference in the basic characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The accuracy of intubation in the ultrasound group was 90.2% and the corresponding in the CT MPR group was 94.1% (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The accuracy of selecting the LDLT based on TD-C is significantly higher than conventional experience; it can significantly reduce the post-operative complications and there was no statistical significance in the accuracy of LDLT selected for TD-C measurement by ultrasound vs. CT, and both of them could be safely used for the evaluation before intubation under anesthesia in thoracic surgery.

Update on Pediatric Tracheostomy: Indications, Technique, Education, and Decannulation

Purpose of Review

Tracheostomy in a child demands critical pre-operative evaluation, deliberate family education, competent surgical technique, and multidisciplinary post-operative care. The goals of pediatric tracheostomy are to establish a safe airway, optimize ventilation, and expedite discharge. Herein we provide an update regarding timing, surgical technique, complications, and decannulation, focusing on a longitudinal approach to pediatric tracheostomy care.

Recent Findings

Pediatric tracheostomy is performed in approximately 0.2% of inpatient stays among tertiary pediatric hospitals. Mortality in children with tracheostomies ranges from 10–20% due to significant comorbidities in this population. Tracheostomy-specific mortality and complications are now rare. Recent global initiatives have aimed to optimize decision-making, lower surgical costs, reduce the length of intensive care, and eliminate perioperative wound complications. The safest road to tracheostomy decannulation in children remains to be both patient and provider dependent.

Summary

Recent literature provides guidance on safe, uncomplicated, and long-term tracheostomy care in children. Further research is needed to help standardize decannulation protocols.

Comparison of tracheoscopy and portable chest X-Ray in the evaluation of infant tracheostomy tube position

OBJECTIVE

To compare tracheoscopy and chest radiograph measurements of tracheostomy tube position in infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Otolaryngology Department at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All cases of pediatric patients who underwent tracheotomy at less than 1 year of age from 2014 to 2019 were reviewed. Patients were included if they had both intraoperative measurement of tracheostomy tube position relative to the carina by tracheoscopy and postoperative chest radiograph. Documented intraoperative findings were compared to measurements made on chest radiograph by an attending radiologist blinded to the intraoperative measurements.

RESULTS

The study included 66 patients; 30 patients (14:16, M:F) had available data. The mean distance from the distal tracheostomy tube to the carina measured by tracheoscopy was 8.88 mm (range, 3.5-20 mm) and measured radiographically was 11.71 mm (range, 2.4-23.3 mm). The mean difference between the measurements was 2.82 mm (p-value = 0.016). Ninety percent (n = 27) of patients had measurements that differed by greater than 2 mm; 53% (n = 16) had measurements that differed by 5 mm and 1% (n = 3) had measurements differing by greater than 10 mm.

CONCLUSION

In the infant population, significant discrepancy was found between direct tracheoscopy and chest radiograph measurements of the tracheostomy tube position. Measurements obtained by chest radiographs tend to overestimate the relative distance of the distal tracheostomy tube to the carina as compared to that of tracheoscopy. Clinical decisions regarding changes to tracheostomy tube sizes should mostly rely on tracheoscopy performed with the patient supine.