Rapid sequence intubation of trauma patients in Scotland

Efficacy of Video Laryngoscopy versus Direct Laryngoscopy in the Prehospital Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Placing an endotracheal tube is a life-saving measure. Direct laryngoscopy (DL) is traditionally the default method. Video laryngoscopy (VL) has been shown to improve efficiency, but there is insufficient evidence comparing VL versus DL in the prehospital settings. This study, comprising a systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis, assesses current literature for the efficacy of VL in prehospital settings.

METHODS

PubMed and Scopus databases were searched from their beginnings through March 1, 2022 for eligible studies. Outcomes were the first successful intubation, overall success rate, and number of total DL versus VL attempts in real-life clinical situations. Cochrane's Risk of Bias (RoB) tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were applied to assess risk of bias and study quality; Q-statistics and I2 values were used to assess heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The search yielded seven studies involving 23,953 patients, 6,674 (28%) of whom underwent intubation via VL. Compared to DL, VL was associated with a statistically higher risk ratio for first-pass success (Risk Ratio [RR] = 1.116; 95% CI, 1.005-1.239; P = .041; I2 = 87%). The I2 value for the subgroup of prospective studies was 0% compared to 89% for retrospective studies. In addition, VL was associated with higher likelihood of overall success rate (RR = 1.097; 95% CI, 1.01-1.18; P = .021; I2 = 85%) and lower mean number of attempts (Mean Difference = -0.529; 95% CI, -0.922 to -0.137; P = .008).

CONCLUSION

The meta-analysis suggested that VL was associated with higher likelihood of achieving first-pass success, greater overall success rate, and lower number of intubation attempts for adults in the prehospital settings. This study had high heterogeneity, likely presenced by the inclusion of retrospective observational studies. Further studies with more rigorous methodology are needed to confirm these results.

Effects of an elevated position on time to tracheal intubation by novice intubators using Macintosh laryngoscopy or videolaryngoscopy: randomized crossover trial

Objective

To investigate the time to tracheal intubation using Glidescope videolaryngoscopy (GVL) compared to that of standard laryngoscopy, by using a Macintosh blade (SLM) in a human patient simulator in supine and elevated (ramped) positions.

Methods

In this randomized crossover design, novice intubators (first-year medical students), using both laryngoscopic techniques, attempted tracheal intubation on a human patient simulator with a “normal airway” anatomy (Cormack-Lehane grade I). The simulator was placed in both supine and ramped positions using a commercial mattress system. The mean time to intubation and complications were compared between GVL and SLM in both positions. The percentage of glottic opening (POGO, GVL only) was estimated during intubation in the ramped and supine positions. The primary outcome was time to intubation, and the secondary outcomes included complication rates such as esophageal intubation and dental trauma.

Results

There was no difference in the mean time to intubation in either position (P=0.33). The SLM intubation was significantly faster than GVL (mean difference, 1.5 minutes; P<0.001). The mean POGO score for GVL improved by 8% in the ramped position compared to that in supine position (P=0.018). The esophageal intubation rate for SLM was 15% to 17% compared to 1.3% for GVL; dental trauma occurred in 53% to 56% of GVL, compared to 2% to 6% for SLM (P<0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Novices had shorter intubation times using standard laryngoscopy with a SLM compared to GVL in both supine and ramped positions. GVL resulted in fewer esophageal intubations, but more dental trauma than standard laryngoscopy.

Trauma airway management in emergency departments: a multicentre, prospective, observational study in Japan

OBJECTIVES

Although successful airway management is essential for emergency trauma care, comprehensive studies are limited. We sought to characterise current trauma care practice of airway management in the emergency departments (EDs) in Japan.

DESIGN

Analysis of data from a prospective, observational, multicentre registry-the Japanese Emergency Airway Network (JEAN) registry.

SETTING

13 academic and community EDs from different geographic regions across Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

723 trauma patients who underwent emergency intubation from March 2010 through August 2012.

OUTCOME MEASURES

ED characteristics, patient and operator demographics, methods of airway management, intubation success or failure at each attempt and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 723 trauma patients who underwent emergency intubation were eligible for the analysis. Traumatic cardiac arrest comprised 32.6% (95% CI 29.3% to 36.1%) of patients. Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) was the initial method chosen in 23.9% (95% CI 21.0% to 27.2%) of all trauma patients and in 35.5% (95% CI 31.4% to 39.9%) of patients without cardiac arrest. Overall, intubation was successful in ≤3 attempts in 96% of patients (95% CI 94.3% to 97.2%). There was a wide variation in the initial methods of intubation; RSI as the initial method was performed in 0-50.9% of all trauma patients among 12 EDs. Similarly, there was a wide variation in success rates and adverse event rates across the EDs. Success rates varied between 35.5% and 90.5% at the first attempt, and 85.1% and 100% within three attempts across the 12 EDs.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicentre prospective study in Japan, we observed a high overall success rate in airway management during trauma care. However, the methods of intubation and success rates were highly variable among hospitals.

Glidescope® video-laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

The Glidescope^® video-laryngoscopy appears to provide better glottic visualization than direct laryngoscopy. However, it remains unclear if it translates into increased success with intubation.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases, conference abstracts, and article references. We included trials in humans comparing Glidescope^® video-laryngoscopy to direct laryngoscopy regarding the glottic view, successful first-attempt intubation, and time to intubation. We generated pooled risk ratios or weighted mean differences across studies. Meta-regression was used to explore heterogeneity based on operator expertise and intubation difficulty.

Results

We included 17 trials with a total of 1,998 patients. The pooled relative risk (RR) of grade 1 laryngoscopy (vs ≥ grade 2) for the Glidescope^® was 2.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5 to 2.5]. Significant heterogeneity was partially explained by intubation difficulty using meta-regression analysis (P = 0.003). The pooled RR for nondifficult intubations of grade 1 laryngoscopy (vs ≥ grade 2) was 1.5 (95% CI 1.2 to 1.9), and for difficult intubations it was 3.5 (95% CI 2.3 to 5.5). There was no difference between the Glidescope^® and the direct laryngoscope regarding successful first-attempt intubation or time to intubation, although there was significant heterogeneity in both of these outcomes. In the two studies examining nonexperts, successful first-attempt intubation (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.4) and time to intubation (weighted mean difference −43 sec, 95% CI −72 to −14 sec) were improved using the Glidescope^®. These benefits were not seen with experts.

Conclusion

Compared to direct laryngoscopy, Glidescope^® video-laryngoscopy is associated with improved glottic visualization, particularly in patients with potential or simulated difficult airways.

Managing the difficult airway in craniomaxillofacial trauma

Securing the airway in the patient with craniomaxillofacial trauma can be an extremely difficult challenge for health care practitioners. This article provides several approaches to airway management. Presented here are several options for securing the airway under a variety of conditions and scenarios.

The high-risk airway

There are few conditions in emergency medicine as potentially challenging and high-risk as the difficult or failed airway. The emergency physician must be able to anticipate the difficult or failed airway, recognize associated physiologic deficits, and plan accordingly. Preparation, pretreatment strategies, and selection of alternative airway devices may mitigate the potential morbidity and management failure associated with the high-risk airway. There are a myriad of airway devices new to emergency medicine, which can increase the chance of successful airway management and rescue. Understanding why the airway is potentially difficult and assessing whether oxygenation can be maintained can guide the clinician's strategy and technique for successful management of the high-risk airway.

Challenges and advances in intubation: airway evaluation and controversies with intubation

Management of the airway is the first priority in any patient. Dealing with a difficult airway can be a challenge, whether or not it involves facemask ventilation, an intermediate airway device, laryngoscopy and intubation, or a surgical airway. Various scales predict which patient is likely to have a difficult airway. The goal of rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is to eliminate or mitigate untoward reflex responses to intubation. Although controversy has arisen regarding the various steps in RSI, it remains an essential component of emergency medicine practice.

Incidence of adverse events during prehospital rapid sequence intubation: a review of one year on the London Helicopter Emergency Medical Service

BACKGROUND

To establish the incidence of hypoxemia and hypotension during prehospital rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in trauma patients attended by the London Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and to compare it with historical control data from published studies of both hospital and prehospital RSI.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study during a 12-month period of London HEMS. All mission reports from the period March 1, 2003 to February 28, 2004 were reviewed and all intubations involving the use of drugs were included in the analysis. Measurements of oxygen saturation (SpO2) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were obtained from the printed record produced by the portable monitor.

RESULTS

During the 12-month period 244 RSIs were performed. Completed SpO2 data were available on 175 patients (71.7%), and of those 32 (18.3%) experienced hypoxemia (SpO2 <90%, or >10% fall if initial SpO2 <90%). Completed SBP data were available for 192 patients (79.1%), and of those 25 (13%) experienced hypotension (SBP <90 mm Hg or >10 mm Hg fall if initial SBP <90 mm Hg). No patients developed both hypoxemia and hypotension.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of hypoxemia and hypotension during prehospital RSI performed by London HEMS are relatively low. They are less than that found in previous studies of prehospital RSI and are similar to those reported in studies of in-hospital emergency RSI undertaken in the emergency department or ward setting. We therefore conclude that prehospital RSI has an acceptably low complication rate when performed by appropriately trained personnel.

A Comparison of a Fiberoptic Stylet and a Bougie as Adjuncts to Direct Laryngoscopy in a Manikin-Simulated Difficult Airway

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We compare the effectiveness of an endotracheal tube introducer ("bougie") with a new fiberoptic stylet as an adjunct to direct laryngoscopy in facilitating simulated difficult tracheal intubation in a manikin.

METHODS

Inexperienced laryngoscopists were recruited for this randomized, crossover study. After brief training, participants were randomized to first use either the bougie or fiberoptic stylet as an adjunct to direct laryngoscopy for attempted tracheal intubation of a manikin presenting a fixed, simulated, Cormack-Lehane grade IIIA view. Two attempts at tracheal intubation were allowed, each limited to 60 seconds. The participant then crossed over and used the other device. The same procedure was then repeated on a second manikin presenting a simulated Cormack-Lehane grade IIIB view. Primary outcomes were time to tracheal intubation and successful endotracheal tube placement.

RESULTS

One hundred three study participants performed a total of 533 tracheal intubations for evaluation. For the Cormack-Lehane grade IIIA view, correct placement of the endotracheal tube was achieved in 101 (98%) of the fiberoptic stylet-facilitated and all 103 (100%) of the bougie-facilitated tracheal intubations. The time to successful tracheal intubation was similar for both devices (difference in mean time 1.8 seconds; 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.5 to 6.1 seconds). In the Cormack-Lehane grade IIIB view manikin, use of the fiberoptic stylet significantly increased success rate (fiberoptic stylet 98% versus bougie 9%), and a trend was observed toward a decrease in the mean time required for successful tracheal intubation compared to the bougie (fiberoptic stylet 31.0 seconds versus bougie 45.6 seconds; difference in mean time -14.6 seconds; 95% CI -31.4 to 2.3 seconds).

CONCLUSION

In a manikin model, with inexperienced clinicians, both the bougie and the fiberoptic stylet were effective in facilitating tracheal intubation of a simulated Cormack-Lehane grade IIIA view. For a Cormack-Lehane IIIB view, the fiberoptic stylet was significantly more effective than the bougie in facilitating tracheal intubation. Because a manikin model eliminates some of the barriers to use of fiberoptics in patients, further validation of fiberoptic stylet use is required in human subjects with normal and difficult airways.

Tracheal intubation in the emergency department: the Scottish district hospital perspective

BACKGROUND

Tracheal intubation is the accepted gold standard for emergency department (ED) airway management. It may be performed by both anaesthetists and emergency physicians (EPs), with or without drugs.

OBJECTIVE

To characterise intubation practice in a busy district general hospital ED in Scotland over 40 months between 2003 and 2006.

SETTING

Crosshouse Hospital, a 450-bed district general hospital serving a mixed urban and rural population; annual ED census 58,000 patients.

METHODS

Prospective observational study using data collection sheets prepared by the Scottish Trauma Audit Group. Proformas were completed at the time of intubation and checked by investigators. Rapid-sequence induction (RSI) was defined as the co-administration of an induction agent and suxamethonium.

RESULTS

234 intubations over 40 months, with a mean of 6 per month. EPs attempted 108 intubations (46%). Six patients in cardiac arrest on arrival were intubated without drugs. 29 patients were intubated after a gas induction or non-RSI drug administration. RSI was performed on 199 patients. Patients with trauma constituted 75 (38%) of the RSI group. 29 RSIs (15%) were immediate (required on arrival at the ED) and 154 (77%) were urgent (required within 30 min of arrival at the ED). EPs attempted RSI in 88 (44%) patients and successfully intubated 85 (97%). Anaesthetists attempted RSI in 111 (56%) patients and successfully intubated 108 (97%). Anaesthetists had a higher proportion of good views at first laryngoscopy and there was a trend to a higher rate of successful intubation at the first attempt for anaesthetists. Complication rates were comparable for the two specialties.

CONCLUSIONS

Tracheal intubations using RSI in the ED are performed by EPs almost as often as by anaesthetists in this district hospital. Overall success and complication rates are comparable for the two specialties. Laryngoscopy training and the need to achieve intubation at the first (optimum) attempt needs to be emphasised in EP airway training.

Rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department: 5 year trends

AIM

Airway management is a core aspect of emergency medicine. The technique of rapid sequence intubation (RSI) creates continuing debate between anaesthetists and emergency physicians in the UK, although similar complication rates for emergency department (ED) RSI have been shown for both specialties. This study examined prospectively collected data on every ED RSI performed in a university hospital in Glasgow over 5 years.

METHODS

Data were prospectively recorded for every attempted RSI in the ED on a dedicated form (as used in previous studies) between January 1999 and December 2003. Immediate complications were specifically sought in the questionnaire, as was the immediate destination on leaving the ED. The chi2 test was used for categorical data.

RESULTS

On average, 51 ED RSI were performed annually (range 42-60). Emergency physician RSI for trauma increased from 32% (7/22) in 1999 to 75% (21/28) in 2003 (chi2 = 9.32, df = 1, p = 0.002) and for non-trauma from 62% (18/29) in 1999 to 79% (23/29) in 2003 (chi2 = 2.08, df = 1, p = 0.15). Complication rates for emergency physician RSI decreased from 43% (3/7) to 14% (3/21) for trauma (chi2 = 2.55, df = 1, p = 0.11) and from 28% (5/18) to 4% (1/23) for non-trauma (chi2 = 4.44, df = 1, p = 0.035). This compares with mean complication rates for anaesthetists for trauma of 17% and for non-trauma of 22%. Incidence of hypotension decreased in all groups; however, oxygen desaturation is now the most common complication. The rate of ED RSI prior to computed tomography (CT) scans increased in both the trauma (79% v 42%; chi2 = 7.42, df = 1, p = 0.0065) and non-trauma (48% v 17%; chi2 = 5.85, df = 1, p = 0.016) groups.

CONCLUSION

Emergency physician performed ED RSI is increasingly common but is not associated with overall higher numbers of RSIs being performed in the ED. Effective pre-oxygenation should be emphasised during training.

Best evidence topic report. Rapid sequence induction in the emergency department by emergency medicine personnel

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether there are significant differences in the performance of emergency physicians and anaesthetists when carrying out rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in the emergency department. A total of 407 papers were found of which 12 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that there is little or no difference in the rates of success and complications between emergency department clinicians and anaesthetists performing RSI.

Potential cervical spine injury and difficult airway management for emergency intubation of trauma adults in the emergency department--a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Emergency airway management for trauma adults is practised by physicians from a range of training backgrounds and with differing levels of experience. The indications for intubation and technique employed are factors that vary within EDs and between hospitals.

OBJECTIVES

To provide practical evidence based guidance for airway management in trauma resuscitation: first for the trauma adult with potential cervical spine injury and second the management when a difficult airway is encountered at intubation.

SEARCH STRATEGY AND METHODOLOGY

Full literature search for relevant articles in Medline (1966-2003), EMBASE (1980-2003), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Relevant articles relating to adults and written in English language were appraised. English language abstracts of foreign articles were included. Studies were critically appraised on a standardised data collection sheet to assess validity and quality of evidence. The level of evidence was allocated using the methods of the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.