Risk factors for epistaxis during nasotracheal intubation

We performed a study to confirm which risk factors are significantly associated with epistaxis during nasotracheal intubation. One hundred patients who underwent nasotracheal intubation were included. Risk factors for epistaxis were analysed using the multiple logistic regression analysis with stepwise variable selection method. Epistaxis was most likely to occur if transit of the tube through the nasal passage was difficult (P=0.0001, odds ratio 625, 95% confidence interval 3.14-14.26). On the other hand, age and gender, obesity, smoking, tube size, repeated attempts of intubation, and intubation performed with the aid of Magillforceps were not significantly related with risk of epistaxis. The presence of nasal anatomical abnormalities also did not correlate significantly with epistaxis. Strategies to ensure smooth transit of the tube through the nasal passageways are essential to reduce the incidence of epistaxis.     

Comparison of 4% and 6% topical cocaine solutions for reduction of epistaxis induced by nasotracheal intubation

BackgroundNasotracheal intubation (NTI) provides a good field for surgeons in patients undergoing oromaxillofacial surgery; however, NTI is often complicated by epistaxis. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 4% and 6% topical cocaine solutions in reducing epistaxis during NTI.MethodsA total of 79 patients (16–65 years old) undergoing oromaxillofacial surgery were randomly assigned to two groups treated with either 4% cocaine (n = 39) or 6% cocaine (n = 40). Topical cocaine (1 mL) was sprayed onto the selected nasal cavity prior to NTI. All intubations were performed by an expert anesthesiologist using a GlideScope. The incidence and severity of epistaxis was examined along the nasal cavity up to the nasopharynx using a fiber optic bronchoscope. The hemodynamic responses to stimuli during the peri-NTI period were also recorded.ResultsThe incidence of epistaxis was 43.59% (17/39) in the 4% cocaine group and 50% (20/40) in the 6% cocaine group (p = 0.57). The severity of epistaxis did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.46). High resistance during NTI and epistaxis were closely correlated and the major bleeding sites were located at the nasopharynx. Compared with the 4% cocaine group, treatment with 6% cocaine resulted in a higher heart rate and mean arterial pressure (both p < 0.05). There was no statistically significance difference between the two groups with respect to the hemodynamic responses to NTI.ConclusionThe spraying of either 4% or 6% topical cocaine into the nasal cavity gives comparable effects for intubation-related epistaxis. However, 6% cocaine may increase the hemodynamic responses while being sprayed. Therefore spraying with 4% topical cocaine had advantages with respect to 6% cocaine and is recommended for use prior to NTI.     

Cardiovascular responses to fiberoptic intubation: A comparison of orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation

We compared the cardiovascular responses between nasal and oral intubation with a fiberoptic bronchoscope under the combination of neuroleptic analgesia (NLA) and topical anesthesia. The 16 patients studied were divided into 2 groups: the nasal intubation group (N group: 8 patients) and the oral intubation group (O group: 8 patients). There were significant changes in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures in the N group and in the pressure rate quotient in the O group. Diastolic arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly higher in the N group than in the O group before induction of general anesthesia. The rate pressure product (RPP) was significantly higher in the N group than in the O group at some points during the procedure. The individual RPP in both groups was relatively stable except for one patient in the N group, who had a marked increase in RPP during the procedure. We conclude that, under the combination of NLA and topical anesthesia, the cardiovascular responses to oral fiberoptic intubation are less severe than those to the nasal approach. The oral approach is recommended, especially in patients with coronary artery disease, taking into consideration of the cardiovascular responses to fiberoptic intubation.(Shibata Y, Okamoto K, Matsumoto M, et al.: Cardiovascular responses to fiberoptic intubation: a comparison of orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation. J Anesth 6: 262–268, 1992)     

Thermosoftening treatment of the nasotracheal tube before intubation can reduce epistaxis and nasal damage

We evaluated whether a thermosoftening treatment with warm saline of a nasotracheal preformed tube can improve navigability through the nasal passageways and reduce epistaxis and nasal damage. A total of 150 patients were randomly allocated to three groups: Group I (untreated tube group, n = 50), Group II (35 degrees C treated tube group, n = 50), and Group III (45 degrees C treated tube group, n = 50). In Groups II and III, the tubes were softened at 35 +/- 2 degrees C and 45 +/- 2 degrees C with warm saline, respectively. In Group I the tube was prepared at room temperature (25 +/- 2 degrees C). The incidence of epistaxis and nasal damage in Groups II and III was significantly less than that of Group I (P: < 0.05). Despite the more frequent incidence of smooth passage in Group III, no statistical difference was found among the groups. Logistic regression analysis also confirmed that epistaxis was more likely to be reduced when the tube had been thermosoftened (odds ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval = 1.02, 2.11). We conclude that simple thermosoftening treatment of the nasotracheal tube with warm saline helps to reduce epistaxis and nasal damage. IMPLICATIONS: Thermosoftening treatment of a nasotracheal tube with warm saline before intubation can effectively reduce epistaxis and nasal damage. This technique is safe, easy, and suitable for all types of tubes and does not require additional implements.     

利多卡因雾化吸入用于纤维支气镜引导清醒气管插管患者的效果观察

目的 观察超声雾化吸入2%利多卡因气道表面麻醉用于经鼻纤维支气管镜(FOB)辅助清醒气管插管的临床效果.方法 择期颈椎手术患者42例,随机均分为两组,分别采用超声雾化吸人2%利多卡因行呼吸道表面麻醉(Ⅰ组)和1%丁卡因鼻拭子鼻腔表面麻醉,环甲膜穿刺及喉上神经阻滞的联合局部麻醉(Ⅱ组).记录插管的时间(FNIT),入室后5 min(基础值,T1)、气管导管过鼻腔(T2)、FOB过咽喉(T3)、FOB过声门进气管确认气管隆突位置(T4)、气管导管进入气管(T5)时患者的反应及血流动力学的变化;记录Ⅰ组患者局部麻醉药物的用量及两组患者局部麻醉药的不良反应;术后第1天随访患者对两种方法的评价.结果 与T1时比较,T2～T5时两组患者HR增快;T2～T5时Ⅰ组及T2、T3时Ⅱ组患者MAP均增高;T2～T4时Ⅱ组SPO2明显降低(P<0.05).Ⅰ组患者利多卡因的平均用量为4.86 mg/kg,最大用量为7.64 mg/kg.Ⅰ组患者对所接受的局部麻醉方法评价为((6.71±1.23)分,明显高于Ⅱ组(4.90±1.41)分(P<0.05).结论 超声雾化吸入2%利多卡因可为经鼻FOB清醒插管提供充分的表面麻醉,易于被患者所接受,值得在临床工作中推广.     

A comparison of pretreatment regimens for minimizing the haemodynamic response to blind nasotracheal intubation

The authors determined the cardiovascular effects of blind nasotracheal intubation in four randomized groups of 25 patients each. After induction of anaesthesia with IV thiopentone 4 mg X kg-1, patients in group A received no pretreatment, while patients in group B received IV lidocaine 1.5 mg X kg-1. Three minutes before induction, patients in group C received 0.25 per cent phenylephrine nasal spray (0.2 mg in each nostril); those in group D received ten per cent lidocaine nasal spray (30 mg in each nostril). After intubation, mean arterial pressures (MAP) were highest in group B (IV lidocaine) patients (p less than 0.05), remaining significantly elevated for 5 min. Conversely, within four minutes after intubation, MAP of group D (ten per cent nasal lidocaine spray) patients were below control (p less than 0.05), and lower than those of any other group (p less than 0.05). MAP of group A and C patients increased after intubation, but not as much as in group B patients (p less than 0.05). There were no adverse effects from the lidocaine nasal spray. Ten per cent lidocaine nasal spray is a safe and effective way to minimize the MAP increases which typically accompany blind nasotracheal intubation in lightly anaesthetized patients.     

Inhaled lidocaine for prevention of hemodynamic changes in laryngoscopy and intubation

This study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of lidocaine aerosol pretreatment in attenuating hemodynamic (HD) responses secondary to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in patients undergoing surgery for intracranial space occupying lesions (ICSOL). A semiclosed breathing system was improvised to generate aerosol of consistent density. Five percent lidocaine was nebulized in two different dosages (0.2 and 0.1 ml/kg in groups A and B, respectively); group C (control) received aerosol of normal saline. The average aerosol-treatment time was 24, 12, and 16 min in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Changes in heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). In group A, tracheal intubation did not cause significant HD changes. In group B, a significant increase was observed in each HD parameter which, when compared with control, was less severe. Lidocaine toxicity, regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, or aspiration did not occur in any patient. Patients accepted the procedure well. This study found efficacy of the technique to be related to duration of aerosol treatment.     

A comparison of pre treatment regimens for minimizing the haemodynamic response to blind nasotracheal intubation

The authors determined the cardiovascular effects of blind nasotracheal intubation in four randomized groups of 25 patients each, After induction of anaesthesia with IV thiopentone 4 mg-kg-1, patients in group A received no pretreatment, while patients in group B received IV iidocaine 1.5 mg-kg-1. Three minutes before induction, patients in group C received 0 25 per cent phenylephrine nasal spray (0.2 mg in each nostril); those in group D received ten per cent Iidocaine nasal spray (30 mg in each nostril). After intubation, mean arterial pressures (MAP) were highest in group B (IV Iidocaine) patients (p < 0.05), remaining significantly elevated for 5 min. Conversely, within four minutes after intubation, MAP of group D (ten per cent nasal Iidocaine spray) patients were below control (p < 0.05), and lower than those of any other group (p < 0.05). MAP of group A and C patients increased after intubation, but not as much as in group B patients (p < 0.05). There were no adverse effects from the lidocaine nasal spray. Ten per cent lidocaine nasal spray is a safe and effective way to minimize the MAP increases which typically accompany blind nasotracheal intubation in lightly anaesthetized patients.     

A simple technique to reduce epistaxis and nasopharyngeal trauma during nasotracheal intubation in a child with factor IX deficiency having dental restoration

Epistaxis and airway trauma are often associated with nasotracheal intubation. We describe a patient with Factor IX deficiency who required nasotracheal intubation. An inexpensive, nonproprietary, rapid technique was used to reduce the trauma of intubation.     

Blind nasotracheal intubation for patients with penetrating neck trauma

BACKGROUND: Early airway management is advocated for patients with penetrating neck trauma who have any signs of airway compromise. This study examined the clinical course of patients with penetrating neck trauma who received prehospital blind nasotracheal intubation, including successful intubation rates, and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients admitted to the emergency department for penetrating neck trauma was conducted from January 1, 1993 to July 1, 2001 at the Denver Health Medical Center. Patients were identified from the trauma registry, and data were collected using standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The study identified 240 patients with penetrating neck trauma. Overall mortality was 8.3%. Among the 240 patients, 89 (37%) required airway management, and 40 (17%) underwent prehospital management with blind nasotracheal intubation. The success rate for prehospital intubation using the blind nasotracheal method was 90%. The mean number of attempts was 1.16 (range, 1-4), and the mortality in this group was 5%. CONCLUSION: The patients managed with blind nasotracheal intubation did not experience complications related to the choice of airway management. Despite prior warnings in the literature, the results of this study suggest that blind nasotracheal intubation may well be a valuable tool for the management of patients with penetrating neck trauma.