BACKGROUND: Transesophageal echocardiogram probe insertion in intubated critically ill patients can be difficult, leading to complications, such as gastric bleeding or lesions in the oropharyngeal mucosa. We hypothesised that the use of a videolaryngoscope would facilitate the first attempt at insertion of the transesophageal echocardiogram probe and would decrease the incidence of complications compared to the conventional insertion technique.
METHODS: In this clinical trial, patients were randomly assigned the insertion of a transesophageal echocardiogram probe using a videolaryngoscope or conventional technique. The primary outcome was the successful transesophageal echocardiogram probe insertion on the first attempt. The secondary outcomes included total success rate, number of insertion attempts, and incidence of pharyngeal complications.
RESULTS: A total of 100 intubated critically ill patients were enrolled. The success rate of transesophageal echocardiogram probe insertion on the first attempt was higher in the videolaryngoscope group than in the conventional group (90% vs. 58%; absolute difference, 32%; 95% CI 16%-48%; p < 0.001). The overall success rate was higher in the videolaryngoscope group than in the conventional group (100% vs. 72%; absolute difference, 28%; 95% CI 16%-40%; p < 0.001). The incidence of pharyngeal mucosal injury was smaller in the videolaryngoscope group than in the conventional group (14% vs. 52%; absolute difference, 38%; 95% CI 21%-55%; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that in intubated critically ill patients required transesophageal echocardiogram, the use of videolaryngoscope resulted in higher successful insertion on the first attempt with lower rate of complications when compared with the conventional insertion technique.
BACKGROUND: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04980976.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) of the neck is highly sensitive and may effectively rule-out cervical spine, cerebrovascular, and aerodigestive injuries after blunt and penetrating trauma. However, CT may be overutilized in the evaluation of hanging or strangulation injuries. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield of CT imaging among patients evaluated for hanging or strangulation mechanisms at a Canadian level-1 trauma center.
METHODS: All adult patients evaluated for hanging or strangulation injuries over an eight-year period were reviewed. The primary outcome was the diagnostic yield of CT imaging for major aerodigestive, cervical spine, cerebrovascular, or neurological injuries. Multiple logistic regression were performed to determine predictive factors for the use of CT imaging and the identification of injury on imaging.
RESULTS: Among 124 patients evaluated for hanging or strangulation injuries during the study period, 101 (80%) were evaluated with CT of the head or neck. A total of 26 injuries were identified in 21 patients (18 anoxic brain injuries, 4 aerodigestive, 3 cerebrovascular, and 1 of cervical spine injury). The overall diagnostic yield of neck CT for cervical injuries was 7.8%, 4.7% for laryngeal-tracheal injuries, 3.5% for carotid and vertebral artery injuries, and 1.1% for cervical spine injury. The diagnostic yield of CT head for anoxic brain injury was 22.8%. Factors predicting the use of CT imaging were abnormal physical exam findings (RR 1.7 95% CI [1.2, 2.3]) and transfer accepted by the trauma team leader (RR 1.3 95% CI [1.1, 1.5]).
CONCLUSIONS: CT imaging is often used in the evaluation of patients presenting with hanging or strangulation mechanisms. Seven cerebrovascular, aerodigestive, or cervical spine injuries were identified on imaging during the study period, representing a diagnostic yield of 7%. No injuries were identified among patient with a normal GCS or physical exam. Factors predicting the use of CT imaging included transfer accepted by the trauma team leader and abnormal physical exam findings. The variable clinical presentation of near-hanging and strangulation injuries and the relatively low diagnostic yield of CT imaging should prompt the development of tools and institutional protocols to guide the evaluation of hanging and strangulation injuries.

BACKGROUND: An impalement-related injury to the oral cavity is common in pediatric patients at emergency department. A computed tomography evaluation is not always suitable in these cases. Herein, we aimed to present oral sonography findings from six pediatric patients presenting with impalement-related injury to the oral cavity.
METHODS: All included patients were younger than 4 years and sustained injuries with a toothbrush, chopstick, water gun, and fork to the tonsils, submandibular gland area, uvula, and under the tongue.
CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound imaging appeared useful in helping diagnose impalement-related injuries lateral to the midline.

Respiratory symptoms and infections are common among athletes. Viral upper respiratory infection symptoms may precede dyspneic symptoms seen in asthmatics or worsen symptoms of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction Knowing how to instruct an athlete on use of inhalers and having an asthma action plan are critical in management of these athletes. Other life-threatening conditions that may be seen are pneumothorax and laryngeal/pharyngeal perforation. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial if an athlete is suspected to have pulmonary compromise. Laryngeal/pharyngeal perforations are a rare cause of issues within the training room but require a high degree of suspicion to be diagnosed and managed properly.

OBJECTIVE: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion with the conventional blind insertion technique may be difficult in anesthetized and intubated patients. The use of a videolaryngoscope may facilitate the insertion of the TEE probe. The aim of this study was to compare the conventional technique with the use of the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope for TEE probe insertion in terms of success rate, duration of insertion, and complications in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.
METHODS: A prospective, randomized study.
METHODS: Training and research hospital.
METHODS: Eighty-six adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery were included.
METHODS: Eighty-six adult patients were randomized into 2 groups: conventional group (n = 43) and McGrath videolaryngoscope group (n = 43). Success rates, duration of insertion, complications, and hemodynamic changes during insertion were recorded.
RESULTS: The success rate of TEE probe insertion at the first attempt was higher in the McGrath videolaryngoscope group (90.5%) than in the conventional group (43.9%) (p = 0.012). The mean duration for successful insertion of the TEE probe at the first attempt was longer in the McGrath videolaryngoscope group (24 s v 11 s) (p = 0.016). The total time for successful insertion of the TEE probe was similar in both groups. Pharyngeal injuries were observed more frequently in the conventional group (17.1% v 2.4%) (p = 0.037). The rate of blood presence on the probe tip in the conventional group was higher than in the McGrath group (21.9% v 4.8%). There were no statistical differences between the 2 groups in systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate before and after TEE insertion.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope for TEE insertion in cardiovascular surgery patients increases the success rate and reduces pharyngeal injuries compared to the conventional technique. The use of the McGrath MAC videolaryngoscope for TEE insertion causes similar hemodynamic changes as in the conventional blind insertion technique.

Penetrating neck injury constitutes 5-10 % of all cases seen in the emergency room. As surgeons we must be prepared to manage these cases. After stabilizing the general condition of the patient the neck injuries are assessed. Management has changed from routine exploration to selective exploration. Injury to aerodigestive tract and vessels are commonly seen.