The aim of this case series report is to provide a new topical view of styletubation (video intubating stylet technique) in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgeries. In contrast to various conventional direct laryngoscopes (DLs), videolaryngoscopes (VLs) have been applied in such obese populations with potentially difficult airway complications. The safety and effectiveness of VLs have been repeatedly studied, and the superiority of VLs has then been observed in and advocated for routine use. In this article, among our vast use experiences with styletubation (more than 54,998 patients since 2016) for first-line routine tracheal intubation, we present the unique experience to apply the styletubation technique in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Consistent with the experiences applied in other patient populations, we found the styletubation technique itself to be swift (the time to intubate from 5 s to 24 s), smooth (first-attempt success rate: 100%), safe (no airway complications), and easy (high subjective satisfaction). The learning curve is steep, but competency can be enhanced if technical pitfalls can be avoided. We, therefore, propose that the styletubation technique can be feasibly and routinely applied as a first-line airway modality in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

UNASSIGNED: Intubation with Macintosh requires flexing the lower cervical spine and extending the atlanto-occipital joint to create a \"line of sight.\" Primary aim of study was to compare the extent of cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy using conventional Macintosh laryngoscope and Airtraq.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 25 patients of either sex between the age group of 18 and 60 years, having American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status of Grade-I and Grade-II, scheduled for elective surgery under image control requiring general anesthesia and intubation were enrolled. A baseline image of the lateral cervical spine including the first four cervical vertebrae was taken by an image intensifier. After administration of general anesthesia, laryngoscopy was first performed using a Macintosh laryngoscope and a second X-ray image of the lateral cervical spine was taken. The second laryngoscopy using a Airtraq laryngoscope was done and the third image of the lateral cervical spine was taken. Angles between occiput and C1; C1 and C2; C2 and C3; C3 and C4; and occiput and C4 were calculated. Atlanto-occipital distance (AOD) was calculated as the distance between occiput and C1.
UNASSIGNED: Macintosh showed greater cervical movement as compared with Airtraq but a significant difference in the movement was observed at C2-C3 and C0-C4. Baseline mean AOD was 2.21 ± 1.25 mm, after Macintosh and Airtraq laryngoscopy was found to be 1.13 ± 0.60 and 1.6 ± 0.78 mm, respectively, and was found to be significant (P < 0.05).
UNASSIGNED: We conclude that Airtraq allows intubation with less movement of the upper cervical spine makes Airtraq preferred equipment for intubation in patients with a potential cervical spine injury.

Introduction  The criteria for the removal of the tracheostomy tube (decannulation) vary from center to center. Some perform an endoscopic evaluation under anesthesia or computed tomography, which adds to the cost and discomfort. We use a simple two-part protocol to determine the eligibility and carry out the decannulation: part I consists of airway and swallowing assessment through an office-based flexible laryngotracheoscopy, and part II involves a tracheostomy capping trial. Objective  The primary objective was to determine the safety and efficacy of the simplified decannulation protocol followed at our center among the patients who were weaned off the mechanical ventilator and exhibited good swallowing function clinically. Methods  Of the patients considered for decannulation between November 1st, 2018, and October 31st, 2020, those who had undergone tracheostomy for prolonged mechanical ventilation were included. The efficacy to predict successful decannulation was calculated by the decannulation rate among patients who had been deemed eligible for decannulation in part I of the protocol, and the safety profile was defined by the protocol\'s ability to correctly predict the chances of risk-free decannulation among those submitted to part II of the protocol. Results  Among the 48 patients included (mean age: 46.5 years; male-to-female ratio: 3:1), the efficacy of our protocol in predicting the successful decannulation was of 87.5%, and it was was safe or reliable in 95.45%. Also, in our cohort, the decannulation success and the duration of tracheotomy dependence were significantly affected by the neurological status of the patients. Conclusion  The decannulation protocol consisting of office-based flexible laryngotracheoscopy and capping trial of the tracheostomy tube can safely and effectively aid the decannulation process.

This study aimed to compare the video laryngoscope views facilitated by curved blades 3 and 4 with an exploration of the relationship between these views and patient height. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, this study enrolled adults scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia. Intubation procedures were recorded, and the percentage of glottic opening was measured before tube insertion. Multivariate analysis validated the impact of various factors, including blade size and patient height, on the percentage of glottic opening scores. A total of 192 patients were included. The median percentage of glottic opening scores for curved blades 3 and 4 were 100 and 83, respectively (p < 0.001). The unstandardized coefficient indicated a significant negative impact of blade 4 on the percentage of glottic opening scores (-13, p < 0.001). In the locally estimated scatterplot smoothing analysis, blade 3 exhibited a steady rise in glottic opening scores with increasing height, whereas blade 4 showed a peak followed by a decline around 185 cm. The unstandardized coefficient of height showed no significant association (0, p = 0.819). The study observed superior laryngoscopic views with blade 3 compared to blade 4. However, no significant association was found between laryngoscopic views and patient height.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an overload on the health care system on a global scale. Because the disease affects the respiratory system, patients may require ventilator equipment for breathing, and consequently, numerous tracheal intubations have been performed. The video laryngoscope is a medical device that aids this procedure. It is used by anesthesiologists to visualize the anatomical structures of the larynx during tube insertion. Unfortunately, many hospitals worldwide are unable to afford sufficient units of this medical device. To satisfy the high demand, low-cost alternatives employing three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques have been developed for health care professional\'s use. With the intention of ensuring the efficiency, reproducibility, and security of the 3D-printed laryngoscope, this article presents a novel model with versions for pediatric and adult use, which was developed under the supervision of a medical team. The mechanical performance of 3D-printed prototypes (of the proposed models) was evaluated using mechanical assays, and the results indicated a satisfactory safety factor.

Videolaryngoscopes (VLs) have emerged as a safety net offering several advantages over direct laryngoscopy (DL). The aim of this study is to expand on our previous study conducted in 2016, to deduce which VL is most preferred by clinicians and to highlight any changes that may have occurred over the past 7 years. An extensive systematic literature review was performed on Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Database of Controlled Studies for articles published between September 2016 and January 2023. This review highlighted similar results to our study in 2016, with the CMAC being the most preferred for non-channelled laryngoscopes, closely followed by the GlideScope. For channelled videolaryngoscopes, the Pentax AWS was the most clinically preferred. This review also highlighted that there are minimal studies that compare the most-used VLs, and thus we suggest that future studies directly compare the most-used and -preferred VLs as well as the specific nature of blades to attain more useful results.

Recently, a non-commercial oxygenation laryngoscope was able to maintain apneic oxygenation during simulated intubation efforts. Since that prototype was 3 mm wider than a standard Macintosh laryngoscope blade, the intubation performance of this device may differ from standard blades. A new prototype of an oxygenation laryngoscope was developed, consisting of a standard-size Macintosh blade and a fixed oxygen supply line to the side. Actually, it is unclear at which point of this blade the oxygen supply line should end to facilitate the best possible oxygen supply for apneic oxygenation.
In this simulation study using a standardized human airway manikin, the efficacy of apneic oxygenation by oxygen insufflation using standard and modified Macintosh blades was compared: a standard Macintosh blade without oxygen supply line as control, one with an additional oxygen supply line ending proximal near the handle, one with the line ending at the middle of the blade, and one with the line ending near the tip. A preoxygenated test lung was connected to an oximeter with a flow rate of 200ml/min, simulating oxygen consumption of a male adult, and to the trachea of an anatomically correctly shaped airway manikin. Apneic oxygenation was performed and oxygen content was measured over a 20-minutes observation period. Experiments were repeated five times for each laryngoscope blade.
Oxygen percentage in the test lung dropped from 100 ± 0% at the start of the experiment to 53 ± 1.5% in the room air control group (p < 0.001 compared to all other groups), and to 74 ± 2.5% in the proximal oxygen line group, whereas oxygen percentage remained at 100% in both the medium and distal oxygen line groups (p = 1 between these groups; p < 0.001 between all other groups).
In this simulation study with a preoxygenated airway manikin, the use of a modified Macintosh laryngoscope blade with oxygen line attached at the tip or at the middle were able to maintain apneic oxygenation without measurable drop of oxygen content over 20 min. Proximal placement of the oxygen supply line still showed an advantage against room air, however it did not completely prevent room air from entering the airway.
Not applicable.

Nasogastric tube syndrome (NGTS) induced by a nasointestinal ileus tube is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication. NGTS often becomes serious and progresses to acute upper airway obstruction caused by bilateral vocal cord paralysis or laryngeal infection. Early detection and proper treatment of NGTS are necessary. We describe the case of a 78-year-old patient with this syndrome induced by a nasointestinal ileus tube. At administration, ileus was suspected based on physical examination and thoracoabdominal X-ray findings. A nasointestinal ileus tube was placed through the left nasal cavity. Three days after tube placement, hoarseness and wheezing were found during nutrition support team rounds. Upper airway obstruction was suspected and evaluated immediately with flexible laryngoscopy by an otolaryngologist. The nasointestinal ileus tube was removed. The symptoms decreased with prompt proper management. Immediate removal of the tube and early recognition of symptoms are the first steps in the treatment for this syndrome, in addition to the initiation of steroid, proton pump inhibitor, and antibiotic therapy. The cause of NGTS is thought to be continuous pressure on the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. NGTS should be considered in patients with either nasogastric or nasointestinal ileus tubes. Early diagnosis and proper management of NGTS are important.

UNASSIGNED: Videolaryngoscopes with varying characteristics with regard to angulation of blades and video configurations are now available. However, the contribution of each of these in improving ease of intubation is quite different. We evaluated the role of video camera in the performance of laryngoscopy by using the universal serial bus (USB) videolaryngoscope in patients with predicted difficult airway.
UNASSIGNED: Sixty patients in the age group of 25 to 65 years having Mallampati grade III or IV were randomly allocated to two groups. All patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status grade I or II and planned for elective surgical procedure under general anesthesia. USB videolaryngoscope or Macintosh laryngoscope was used for intubation as per group allotted. Comparison of time of endotracheal intubation was our primary outcome measure and it was calculated from the time the laryngoscope tip passes the incisors to the initial appearance of capnography wave. Rate of successful intubation, number of attempts needed for successful tube placement, optimisation manoeuvres used, changes in haemodynamic parameters and airway injuries were evaluated as secondary outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: Time for intubation was shorter in the Macintosh group than the USB group (P = 0.024). The incidence of successful intubation was similar in both groups (P = 0.079). USB group required lesser number of attempts for tube placement (P = 0.047). The incidence of airway injuries was similar in both the groups.
UNASSIGNED: USB videolaryngoscope reduces the number of attempts required for successful endotracheal intubation compared to Macintosh laryngoscope though it increases the time for intubation in patients with predicted difficult airway.

UNASSIGNED: The procedures of introducing an airway by intubation are associated with increased risk of aerosolisation of SARS-CoV-2 virus, posing a high risk to the personnel involved. Newer and novel methods such as the intubation box have been developed to increase the safety of healthcare workers during intubation.
UNASSIGNED: In this study, 33 anaesthesiologist and critical care specialists intubated the trachea of the airway manikin (US Laerdal Medical AS™) 4 times using a King Vision® videolaryngoscope and TRUVIEW PCD™ videolaryngoscope (with and without an intubation box as described by Lai). Intubation time was primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were first-pass intubation success rate, percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score and peak force to maxillary incisors.
UNASSIGNED: Intubation time and the number of times a click was heard during tracheal intubation were considerably higher in both groups when an intubation box was used (Table 1). When comparing the two laryngoscopes, the King Vision® videolaryngoscope enabled much less time to intubate than did the TRUVIEW laryngoscope, both with and without the intubation box. (P<0.001) In both laryngoscope groups, first-pass successful intubation was higher without the intubation box, although the difference was statistically insignificant. POGO score was not affected by intubation box but a higher score was observed with King Vision® laryngoscope (Tables 1,2).
UNASSIGNED: This study indicates that use of an intubation box makes intubation difficult and increases the time needed to perform it. King Vision® videolaryngoscope results in lesser intubation time and better glottic view as compared to TRUVIEW laryngoscope.