Successful one-lung ventilation using the VivaSight-EB bronchial blocker tube for an emergency lung injury. A simulation pilot data

INTRODUCTION: The ability to perform endotracheal intubation is one of the basic skills that paramedics should demonstrate. However, in some cases where lung or bronchial injuries have occurred, it may be necessary to separate the lung by attaching a bronchial blocker and ventilating single lung. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bronchial protection with VivaSight-EB bronchial blocker tube and one-lung ventilation by paramedics in conditions of simulated lung injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a prospective randomized cross-over simulation trial in which 27 paramedics took part. In the study, paramedics performed endotracheal intubation with ETView SL and then introduced a VivaSight-EB bronchial blocker and one-lung ventilation. The bronchial protection procedure took place in two scenarios: (A) normal airway; (B) difficult airway. VivaSight-EB bronchial blocker introduction time (T1) and one-lung ventilation time (T2) and the efficacy of the procedure were analysed. RESULTS: The efficacy of endotracheal intubation with ETView SL tube was 100% during both Scenario A and Scenario B. The efficacy of endotracheal intubation with ETView SL tube was 100%. The effectiveness of the first attempt to protect the bronchi with a bronchial blocker was 26% for both scenarios and the total effectiveness of bronchial protection was 100% in both cases. Time T1 for endotracheal intubation was 18sec for Scenario A (IQR; 16.5–25) and 20 sec for Scenario B (IQR; 17–25). The time to perform one-lung ventilation (Time T2) in scenarios A and B was 43 sec (IQR; 38–62.5) vs. 43.5 sec (38–65). CONCLUSIONS: The simulation study confirmed the research hypothesis that the paramedics were able to perform one-lung ventilation using the ETView-Blocker® bronchial blocker tube after a short training

Efficacy of double-lumen intubation performed by paramedics on patients with lung damage. Experimental, pilot simulation trial

INTRODUCTION: The airway management and the implementation of optimal oxygen therapy in trauma patients, especially unconscious ones, is a key element of prehospital management. However, in cases of trauma lung or bronchial rupture, both lungs ventilation may not be advisable. In such cases, intubation with a double-lumen endotracheal tube may be helpful, allowing to provide one-lung ventilation. The aim of the experimental study was to assess the impact of short training in intubation using double-lumen tubes on the effectiveness of intubation performance and one-lung ventilation by paramedics in a simulated trauma patient setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, observational, randomized experimental trial. The study involved 30 paramedics. The participants had to perform tracheal intubation using Double Lumen Tube VivaSight-DL (VS-DL; ETView Ltd.; Misgav, Israel) under normal airway conditions. The effectiveness of the first intubation attempt, the time of intubation and the Cormack-Lehane scale were evaluated. RESULTS: The effectiveness of the first attempt at intubation with a double-lumen tube was 90% and the total effectiveness of intubation was 100%. The median time of the procedure was 63 (IQR; 38–72.5) seconds. CONCLUSIONS: In the simulation study, the paramedics were able to intubate using a double tube after a short training

VivaSight single-lumen tube as an intubation method. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised simulation trials

INTRODUCTION: Endotracheal intubation is one of the basic procedures performed in emergency medicine in patients with respiratory insufficiency, inability to maintain airway patency, or apnoea. Rapid performance of the procedure and implementation of ventilation are among the basic principles of rescue procedures. The primary aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the VivaSight SL tube-mounted camera with a standard endotracheal single-lumen tube and direct laryngoscope for endotracheal intubation based on randomised controlled trials of simulation or cadaver trials. The analysis was based on the hypothesis that the use of videolaryngoscopy based on VivaSight SL tube increases the effectiveness of endotracheal intubation, reducing the risk of ineffectiveness of the first intubation attempt and the risk of adverse events, such as dental compression.  MATERIAL AND METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases for randomised, controlled trials and observational studies from 1985 until October 2019, without language restrictions. Grey literature, clinicaltrials.gov, and reference lists of articles were hand searched. We conducted a meta-analysis with random-effects models to evaluate time to intubation, first-pass success rates, overall success rates, dental compression, and glottic view.  RESULTS: The search located 12 eligible studies. The time of intubation using VivaSight was significantly shorter than that of direct laryngoscopy (MD = –11.29 [–13.10, –9.49], p < 0.001). The efficacy of the first intubation attempt was higher for VivaSight than for DL (96.0% vs. 61.7%; RR = 1.62 [1.40, 1.88], p < 0.001). The meta-analysis showed that the total efficacy of VivaSight intubation compared to direct laryngoscopy was statistically significantly higher (100% vs. 88.9%, RR = 1.11 [1.02, 1.20]; p = 0.02). The glottis visibility assessed as Cormack-Lehane grade I or II was better in VivaSight intubation compared to direct laryngoscopy (100% vs. 90.9%, RR = 1.05 [0.99, 1.12]; p = 0.08).  CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that the VivaSight SL provided better glottic visualisation and shorter intubation time, with improved success rates during different simulated intubation scenarios

Elective lung resection increases spatial QRS-T angle and QTc interval

Background: Lung resection changes intra-thoracic anatomy, which may affect electrocardiographic results. While postoperative cardiac arrhythmias have been recognized after lung resection, no study has documented changes in vectorcardiographic variables in patients undergoing this surgery. The purpose of this study was to analyse changes in spatial QRS-T angle (spQRS-T) and corrected QT interval (QTc) after lung resection.Methods: Adult patients undergoing elective lung resection under general anaesthesia were studied. The patients were allocated into four groups: those undergoing (1) left lobectomy (LL); (2) left pneumonectomy (LP); (3) right lobectomy (RL); and (4) right pneumonectomy (RP). The spQRS-T angle and QTc interval were measured one day before surgery (baseline) and 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery.Results: Seventy-one adult patients (47 men and 24 women) aged 47–80 (65 ± 7) years were studied. In the study group as a whole, lung resection was associated with significant increases in spQRS-T (p < 0.001) and QTc (p < 0.05 at 24 and 48 h and p < 0.01 at 72 h). The greatest changes were noted in patients undergoing LP. Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) was noted in 6.4% of patients studied, in whom the widest spQRS-T angle and the most prolonged QTc intervals were also noted.Conclusions: Lung resection widens the spQRS-T angle and prolongs the QTc interval, especially in patients undergoing LP. While postoperative AF was a relatively rare complication after lung resection in this study, it was associated with the widest spQRS-T angles and most prolonged QTc intervals

How should we teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation? Randomized multi-center study

Background: A 2017 update of the resuscitation guideline indicated the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback devices as a resuscitation teaching method. The aim of the study was to compare the influence of two techniques of CPR teaching on the quality of resuscitation performed by medical students. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, simulation study and involved 115 first year students of medicine. The participants underwent a basic life support (BLS) course based on the American Heart Association guidelines, with the first group (experimental group) performing chest compressions to observe, in real-time, chest compression parameters indicated by software included in the simulator, and the second group (control group) performing compressions without this possibility. After a 10-minute resuscitation, the participants had a 30-minute break and then a 2-minute cycle of CPR. One month after the training, study participants performed CPR, without the possibility of observing real-time measurements regarding quality of chest compression. Results: One month after the training, depth of chest compressions in the experimental and control group was 50 mm (IQR 46–54) vs. 39 mm (IQR 35–42; p = 0.001), compression rate 116 CPM (IQR 102–125) vs. 124 CPM (IQR 116–134; p = 0.034), chest relaxation 86% (IQR 68–89) vs. 74% (IQR 47–80; p = 0.031) respectively. Conclusions: Observing real-time chest compression quality parameters during BLS training may improve the quality of chest compression one month after the training including correct hand positioning, compressions depth and rate compliance

An assessment of the effectiveness of regional analgesia after VATS measured by an objective method for assessing testosterone, cortisol, α-amylase, sIgA, and β-endorphin levels — a randomised controlled trial

Introduction: Thoracic surgeries are associated with intense postoperative pain. General opioid analgesia is still the main anaesthetic method. Due to the large number of opioid-induced side effects, alternative methods of pain relief are sought. One of them is the use of balanced analgesia, which consists of regional analgesia, non-opioid painkillers, and small doses of opioids. Material and methods: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of preoperative thoracic paravertebral block (ThPVB) in the treatment of postoperative pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) by measuring hormone levels in blood serum or saliva. It was a randomised, open-label study conducted in a single university hospital setting between May 2018 and September 2019. In total, 119 patients were scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracic surgery. Performed interventions included: preoperative thoracic paravertebral block with 0.5% bupivacaine, followed by postoperative oxycodone combined with nonopioid analgesics. Follow-up period comprised first 24 hours and one, two, and six months after surgery. Main outcomes were measured by pain intensity assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the levels of the following hormones: testosterone, cortisol, α-amylase activity, sIgA, and β-endorphin. Results: A total of 119 patients were randomised into two groups and, of these, 49 were subsequently excluded from the analysis. The final analysis included 37 patients from the study group and 33 from the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the analysed parameters the relative change T1–T0. There was a tendency towards statistical significance in the relative change T2–T0 in testosterone levels. At rest, no statistically significant differences were found between groups and time in the percentage of patients with NRS ≥ 1. During cough, the percentage of patients with NRS ≥ 1 was higher at T1 and T2 time points in the ThPVB group. Of the factors considered, only α-amylase levels statistically significantly increased the chance for higher NRS score after a month [OR = 1.013; 95% PU: 1.001–1.025; p < 0.01]. Conclusions: ThPVB is effective and safe for patients undergoing VATS. It can be an effective alternative for general anaesthesia using high doses of opioids

Video laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation of adult patients with suspected/ confirmed COVID-19. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Study objective: During a pandemic, medical personnel while in contact with patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 should wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) for aerosol-generating procedures to reduce the risk of infection. Most studies of intubation in level C PPE conditions have been relatively small. Our aim is to quantify the available data on success rates in order to provide an evidence-based benchmark to gauge performance in the published literature.   Methods: A structured literature search was performed with PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The electronic database search was supplemented by searching Google Scholar and by back-searching the reference lists of identified studies for suitable articles. Data were evaluated and extracted by two independent reviewers on the basis of qualitative and quantitative variables of interest. Q statistic and I2 statistics were used to assess the heterogeneity between the studies.   Results : Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included. The use of PPE during intubation as compared with intubation without PPE reduced intubation efficacy (90.0% vs. 97.9%; RR = 0.94; 95%CI: 0.90–0.99; p < 0.001) and increased the procedure time (MD = 7.73; 95%CI: 4.98–10.47; p < 0.001). Direct laryngoscopy compared with video laryngoscopes offered similar intubation success rate (93.6% vs. 92.3%; RR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.97–1.02; p = 0.66) and shorter intubation time (MD = 63; 95%CI: -0.77–12.03; p = 0.08). However, subgroup analysis showed that intubation with Macintosh blade video laryngoscopes was more effective than that with direct laryngoscopes (98.1% vs. 96.4%; RR = 1.00; 95%CI: 0.97–1.03; p = 0.90).   Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that PPE reduces the effectiveness of endotracheal intubation. The use of direct laryngoscopy for intubating patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 by an intubator wearing level C PPE is associated with overall intubation time reduction and an increase in intubation success rate compared with video laryngoscopes. However, the findings suggest that Macintosh blade video laryngoscopes during endotracheal intubation with PPE may be an alternative to direct laryngoscopes. Video laryngoscopy can be helpful for less experienced personnel