A method for ventilating patients during laryngoscopy

A method of ventilating patients during laryngoscopy was described in 40 patients. The technique used a combination of a small endotracheal tube and a high pressure oxygen jet with general anesthesia. A plastic chest tube 3.5 mm internal diameter (I.D.) was used as an endotracheal tube. The patients were ventilated with intermittent high pressure oxygen jet (50 p.s.i.) using a 1.5 mm I.D. intravenous plastic catheter introduced into the end of the endotracheal tube. Three holes were made in the proximal end of the endotracheal tube to permit air entrainment which was measured. Anesthesia was obtained with sodium thiamylal and In-novar®. Muscular relaxation was maintained with succinylcholine. Arterial blood gases were monitored and showed adequate ventilation in the majority of the patients. In 18 patients the endotracheal pressure was measured. In two instances the pressure was elevated (35 cm H₂O). No postoperative complications occurred. This technique was useful, safe, and well accepted by the surgeons. The authors consider that this technique avoids the disadvantages of conventional endotracheal anesthesia as well as those of the ventilating laryngoscope. It is contraindicated in patients with poor lung and chest wall compliance, particularly the obese. Subsequent to this study, 85 additional patients were similarly anesthetized without complications.     

Recurrent blockage of the sucker during otological surgery: a simple solution

We present a unique device for unblocking the sucker during otological surgery. This device can be made cheaply, from parts already available in most hospitals, and is reliable and effective.     

A comparison of ocular protective measures during carbon dioxide laser laryngoscopy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of various eye protection measures during carbon dioxide laser laryngoscopy. DESIGN: A standard medical mannequin was equipped with indicator paper over the eyes and subjected to multiple passes of direct carbon dioxide laser beam contact at 400-mm focal length with powers ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 W during simulated laser microlaryngoscopy. Several different eye protection materials, including silk tape, paper tape, cloth tape, occlusive dressing, and eye pads, were used to cover the eyes and tested for their degree of protection against the laser beam. Thermal injuries were quantified and compared among these protective materials. SETTING: Academic medical center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Degree of eye protection against the laser beam injury on a scale of 0 to 4. RESULTS: The carbon dioxide laser beam at both 2.5 and 4.0 W produced considerable thermal damage to the indicator paper in the absence of any protective barrier. Among the adhesive protective barriers, moistened cloth tape was the most effective adhesive material against laser beam-induced thermal damage (P<.001). Silk tape and paper tape offered poor protection. Moist eye pads, although not adhesive and therefore unable to maintain eye closure, were very effective barriers against the laser beam. Dry paper tape and dry eye pads were imminently flammable. CONCLUSION: A combination of moistened cloth tape to maintain eye closure coupled with placement of well- moistened cotton-based eye pads over the tape provides excellent eye protection during carbon dioxide laser laryngoscopy.     

Ventilation during laryngoscopy in chronic obstructive lung disease

Many patients requiring direct examination of the upper airway and gastrointestinal tract under general anesthesia have chronic obstructive lung disease, yet virtually no work has been done to assess the adequacy of their ventilation during laryngoscopy and in the early postoperative period. This study demonstrates that, using the Carden tube, their blood gases are well maintained even when areas outside the endolarynx, such as the upper esophagus, are examined. The Carden tube is shown to be easy to insert and remove as well as permitting a superior view of the larynx. Also, this study pinpoints the period of maximum danger of respiratory failure as occurring postoperatively in the recovery room. This should be independent of the method of ventilation employed at surgery and indicates the need for cocainization of the vocal cords before extubation, as well as careful, early postoperative monitoring. The problems of ventilation during direct examination of the upper airway and gastrointestinal tract are discussed and alternative methods evaluated.     

Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction: From clinical examination to continuous laryngoscopy during exercise

The diagnosis of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) should be suspected when exercise triggers inspiratory stridor. EILO is common in adolescent populations and has a significant impact on sports. Identification of laryngeal obstruction during continuous laryngoscopy during exercise (CLE) is the gold standard diagnostic tool for this disorder, which is not widely known in France. The challenge faced by otolaryngologists is to identify, among patients referred by pulmonologists or sports physicians, those with exercise-induced inspiratory symptoms or poorly controlled exercise-induced asthma, in whom a diagnosis of EILO is strongly suspected. Laryngoscopy at rest may reveal a laryngeal, glottic or supraglottic abnormality predictive of obstruction at increased inspiratory airflow. When pulmonary function tests are normal or in the case of failure of treatment of exercise-induced asthma, the otolaryngologist must complete the examination by a CLE test to confirm the diagnosis of EILO and identify the site of obstruction. This examination is well tolerated, minimally invasive and allows identification of the site of airflow obstruction, allowing specific conservative or surgical treatment. This technical note describes in detail clinical examination and CLE testing in patients with suspected EILO.     

Airway obstruction and high-frequency jet ventilation during laryngoscopy.

High-frequency jet ventilation has been reported as an effective method of ventilation during laryngoscopy, but may expose the patient to the risks of barotrauma or alveolar hypoventilation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the determining factors of pulmonary complications under high-frequency jet ventilation in 83 patients undergoing laryngoscopy for upper airway cancer. Pulmonary distention was mainly influenced by upper airway obstruction score (p = .0001), while patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) did not suffer from gas trapping. Impaired gas exchange was predicted by increased weight (p = .0001), smaller injector diameter (p = .02), and lower airway obstruction (p = .001). Hypercapnia occurred in both upper and lower airway obstruction, while hypoxemia was principally observed in COPD patients. Emphasis is placed on monitoring by pulse oximetry, end-expiratory pressure, and PCO2 measurement, especially in patients with obesity, COPD, or upper airway obstruction.     

Continuous laryngoscopy exercise test: a method for visualizing laryngeal dysfunction during exercise

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the diagnostic feasibility and patient acceptance of a new developed diagnostic test for exercise induced upper airway flow limitation. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case control study including evaluation of contemporary ergo-spirometry and laryngoscopy continuously performed during exercise. METHODS: Twelve nonsymptomatic controls and four young females with documented dyspnea and noisy breathing during exercise were studied. All subjects exercised to exhaustion on a treadmill while attached to a fully equipped ergo-spirometry unit and a fiberoptic laryngoscope linked to a video camera and a sound recorder. RESULTS: The test situation was well tolerated. Two control subjects had a minor inspiratory synchronous medial motion of the aryepiglottic folds without limitation of laryngeal airflow. In the four symptomatic subjects, exercise induced inspiratory synchronous medial motion of the dorsal part of the aryepiglottic folds as well as vocal cord adduction and inspiratory stridor was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: The continuous laryngoscopy exercise test was easy to perform, well tolerated, and can be implemented in future diagnostic work-up programs of laryngeal dysfunction.