Awake intubation using lightwand technique under conscious sedation with remifentanil

We experienced two cases of difficult airway due to deformities in the oral cavities. The first patient was a 62-year-old woman with a large benign soft palate tumor and the second was a 64-year-old woman with macroglossia secondary to acromegaly. Both patients were evaluated difficult to ventilate via face mask and presenting serious risks for tracheal intubation under general anesthesia. The tracheal intubation was planned using the lightwand (Trachilight) under conscious sedation with continuous administration of remifentanil. Remifentanil (0.1-0.25 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) maintained the patients' spontaneous ventilation and increased their tolerance to the pain and discomfort caused by insertion of the lightwand. In both patients, remifentanil mildly suppressed the coughing reflex as well as the autonomic responses to stimuli to the airway. Tracheal intubation was managed successfully in both cases and the operations were completed under general anesthesia. Although the patients were aware of being intubated, they could not recall the procedures postoperatively. The awake intubation technique using the lightwand under conscious sedation with remifentanil can be safely applied to a patient with difficult airway.     

Dexmedetomidine infusion for sedation during awake intubation

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that has been used clinically for its analgesic and sedative effects. We report a case of awake intubation with DEX. A 38-year-old male patient with 130 kg in weight, 170 cm in height and with a body mass index of 45 presented with thoracic myelopathy and progressive bladder and bowel control difficulties. Posterior decompression for thoracic myelopathy was planned. He was placed on the operating table with application of routine monitors. DEX infusion was commenced at 5 mcg x kg(-1) x hr(-1) over 10 minutes. Additional DEX at 0.1 mcg x kg(-1) was given 3 times because the patient still felt anxious. During DEX administration, topical anesthesia in the oropharynx, hypopharynx and glottis was achieved using lidocaine 8% spray. The patient was intubated without coughing, movement of limbs or respiratory depression. At the start of laryngoscopy, the patient had a Ramsay sedation score of 6. It was found by pharmacokinetic simulation analysis that the plasma concentration of DEX at intubation was 5.6 ng x ml(-1). We concluded that DEX is a reasonable medication during awake intubation, although further investigations with regard to its safety are required.     

A case of endotracheal intubation in prone position utilizing PENTAX-Airwayscope for morbidly obese patient

We experienced the airway management of a morbidly obese patient in prone position utilizing PENTAX-Airwayscope (AWS) which is a novel airway device for endotracheal intubation. A 29-year-old man, who was 150 kg in weight and 51.9 kg x m(-2) in body mass index, was scheduled for the discectomy for lumbar disc herniation. After the topical anesthesia with lidocaine spray, the patient lay on his stomach by himself on the table. Following the induction of general anesthesia with ketamine and dexmedetomidine in prone position, an anatomically curved blade (INTLOCK) was inserted to his oral cavity first, then the body of AWS was attached. With the patient breathing spontaneously, we successfully inserted the reinforced endotracheal tube. After the maintenance of anesthesia with continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine, ketamin and remifentanil, the patient awoke clearly without pain and endotracheal tube was removed safely in the prone position. Although the prone position is not the standard position for endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia, our technique could be performed in emergency situations.     

Cardiovascular responses and lidocaine absorption in fiberoptic-assisted awake intubation

Local anesthetic toxicity and cardiovascular stress during fiberoptic-assisted awake tracheal intubation were assessed prospectively in 20 patients with airway management problems. Cardiovascular responses, dose of lidocaine, its systemic absorption, and patient comfort were measured. A standardized topical anesthesia protocol of 4% lidocaine aerosol, topical 2% lidocaine viscous gel, and direct perbronchoscopic laryngeal application was used. Awake intubation produced no significant elevation of blood pressure or pulse rate either during the topical application or after the intubation. Despite a large total dose of topical lidocaine (5.3 +/- 2.1 mg/kg), the mean peak arterial plasma lidocaine concentration was low (0.6 +/- 2.1 micrograms/ml). Patient comfort assessment showed that nine patients had no discomfort, whereas 11 had minimal discomfort. Supplementary sedation used was minimal (fentanyl, 1.4 +/- 0.6 micrograms/kg, and diazepam, 1.9 +/- 1.8 mg). This method of producing topical anesthesia for awake tracheal intubation is recommended as a safe, easy, and comfortable method of managing patients with airway difficulties.     

A pitfall of AirWay Scope--an experience of distinctive airway edema after palatal laceration caused by irWay Scope

Pentax AirWay Scope (AWS) is a new videolaryngoscope which allows indirect visualization of the vocal cords and provides a better laryngeal view compared with the conventional Macintosh laryngoscope. We report a female patient who developed distinctive upper airway edema after palatal laceration at the time of insertion of the AWS. She was scheduled for tympanoplasty. After anesthesia induction, there was technical difficulties in tracheal intubation with Macintosh laryngoscope (her Cormack grade was rated as 3), and we used the AWS, but could not obtain an appropriate view on the monitor. When the device was removed, we detected bleeding derived from the right palatal laceration. Following the aspiration of the blood, we could barely achieve tracheal intubation with a flexible fiberscope without hypoxemic episode. The upper airway including the arytenoid and vocal cords were distinctively edematous after the operation. Then, the tracheal tube was left for three days after the operation, to secure the airway until the reduction of airway edema. On the postoperative day 4, following the fibroscopic confirmation that the airway edema was reduced, the patient was extubated successfully. AWS should be used more carefully, especially at the time of insertion along the palate.     

清醒气管插管气道局部麻醉技术的研究进展

对于术前评估为困难气道的患者应当采用清醒镇静表面麻醉下实施气管插管。实施清醒气管插管的关键技术是完善的气道局部麻醉。清醒气管插管是麻醉科医师必须掌握的技能之一。本文通过回顾近十年的文献,旨为麻醉科医师提供清醒气管插管气道局部麻醉技术相关理论参考。     

Le glottiscope AWS-Pentax™, alternative à la fibroscopie dans deux cas d’intubation difficile prévue du brûlé grave

Intubating patients with facial burn is difficult to most anesthesiologists. Awake flexible fiberoptic intubation is the gold standard for management of anticipated difficult tracheal intubation. However, serious facial burn and dysmorphic syndrome can make fiberoptic intubation more difficult or impossible. We report the use of awake oral intubation using the Pentax-Airway Scope (AWS) in two major burn patients with facial injury, in whom awake fiberoptic intubation was impossible. As shown in morbidly obese patient and in patients with unstable necks, AWS could be useful to facilitate tracheal intubation in awake, facial burn patients presenting with a potentially difficult airway. Awake AWS intubation seems as a potential alternative to awake fiberoptic intubation.     

Awake tracheal intubation through the intubating laryngeal mask airway in a patient with halo traction

PURPOSE: To report a case of awake tracheal intubation through the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) in a patient with halo traction. Clinical features: A 16-yr-old, 40 kg, boy with atlanto-occipital instability and halo traction was scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia. The head of the patient was fixed in a position of flexion and extension was impossible. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed that pharyngeal and laryngeal axes were aligned, but that the oral axis was in an extreme divergent plane. The tongue and oropharynx were anesthetized with 10% lidocaine spray and bilateral superior laryngeal nerve blockade was performed. Under sedation, awake orotracheal intubation via ILMA was successful. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy has been recommended for awake tracheal intubation in such patients. Other techniques, such as use of the Bullard laryngoscope have been described also but awake tracheal intubation through the ILMA in patients with a halo device in situ has seldom been reported in the medical literature. CONCLUSION: Airway management of patients with cervical spine instability includes adequate preoperative evaluation of the airway and choosing the appropriate intubation technique. We suggest that the ILMA may be an adequate alternative for awake tracheal intubation in patients with an unstable cervical spine and cervical immobilization with a halo device.     

Anesthesia for laser surgery of a tracheal tumor involving the carina: preservation of spontaneous breathing using remifentanil

We describe anesthetic management of a patient with airway stenosis due to a tracheal tumor involving the carina. A 68-year-old man developed dyspnea and was scheduled for YAG laser surgery under general anesthesia. Awake fiberoptic intubation was selected for anesthesia induction, and percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) was ready to be established prior to induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil (0.05 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and propofol (2 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)), and spontaneous breathing was preserved throughout the surgical procedure. The operation was completed successfully without any adverse events, and PCPS was not used. In this patient, preservation of spontaneous breathing using remifentanil was found to be useful for airway management.     

Awake videolaryngoscopy-assisted tracheal intubation of the morbidly obese

Awake videolaryngoscopy may be useful for the tracheal intubation of the morbidly obese. This prospective, observational study enrolled 50 patients undergoing bariatric surgery. After sedation and topical anaesthesia of the airway, awake tracheal intubation was attempted, assisted by videolaryngoscopy, and terminated if there was severe gagging, coughing, or inadequate laryngeal view. After three attempts the procedure was considered a failure. Twenty-seven intubations were successful on the first attempt, fifteen on the second, six on the third and two were not successful, giving a success rate of 96% (95% CI 86-100%). In one failure, inserting the tracheal tube caused severe gagging in spite of an adequate view of the larynx, and the trachea was intubated with the videolaryngoscope after induction of anaesthesia. The second failure was due to gagging, with subsequent tracheal intubation successful using fibreoptic bronchoscopy. When managing the morbidly obese airway, awake tracheal intubation using videolaryngoscopy may be considered.     

Awake intubation under sedation using target-controlled infusion of dexmedetomidine: five case reports

We used target-controlled infusion (TCI) of dexmedetomidine (DEX) for awake intubation under sedation in 5 patients who had a risk of pulmonary aspiration or difficult airway. Dexmedetomidine level was escalated stepwise until the patients developed tolerance to laryngoscopy. The target DEX concentrations at the time of intubation were 2.10–5.95 ng/ml and were higher than those clinically used for sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Chin lift was applied in 1 case, and therefore no assisted ventilation was required and pulse oxygen saturation was maintained at >98% throughout the procedure. Simple pharmacological interventions for blood pressure changes induced by increased target plasma DEX concentrations were needed in 4 cases. However, hemodynamics was stable, and no cardiovascular drug was needed after tracheal intubation. Conditions at laryngoscopy were excellent in all cases, and conditions at tracheal intubation were good except in 1 case. Reflex to intubation was preserved in all cases, and coughing was observed in all cases. The patients had no memory of discomfort and/or intubation. Although further investigations are needed, this method may be useful for awake intubation under sedation.     

Awake tracheal intubation using the Airtraq® laryngoscope: a case series

The Airtraq^® laryngoscope (AL) is a new single use indirect laryngoscope designed to facilitate tracheal intubation in anaesthetised patients either with normal or difficult airway anatomy. It is designed to provide a view of the glottis without alignment of the oral, pharyngeal and tracheal axes. We report four cases of successful awake tracheal intubation using the AL. The first case is a patient with severe ankylosing spondylitis and the other three cases with anticipated difficult airway. An awake intubation under sedation and topical airway anaesthesia was chosen. We consider that the AL can be used effectively to accomplish an awake intubation in patients with a suspected or known difficult airway and may be a useful alternative where other methods for awake intubation have failed or are not available.     

Use of the intubating laryngeal mask airway to facilitate awake orotracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine disorders.

Airway management in patients with unstable cervical spines remains a challenge for anesthesia providers. Because neurologic evaluations may be required following tracheal intubation and positioning for the surgical procedure, an awake intubation technique is desirable in this patient population. In this report, we describe the use of an intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) to facilitate awake tracheal intubation in two patients with cervical spine disorders. After topical local analgesia, the ILMA was inserted easily, and a tracheal tube was passed through the glottic opening without complications. Thus, the ILMA may be an acceptable alternative to the fiberoptic bronchoscope for awake tracheal intubation.     

Use of the pentax-AWS in a patient with Cormack 3a difficult airway

Pentax-AWS (AWS) (Pentax, Japan) is a rigid video laryngoscope with built-in 2.4 inch color CCD monitor paired with a disposal blade. It is developed for management of both normal and difficult airways. We used AWS in a 68-year-old male patient with known (Cormack grade 3a) difficult airway. Patient was sedated with fentanyl and midazolam to the level of Ramsay score 3. Patient's oral cavity was sprayed with 8% lidocaine. ETT placed on side channel of the AWS was connected to respiratory circuit via Bodai suction safe connector. Oxygen 6 l x min(-1) was adminisitered to prevent both desaturation of patient and fogging of blade during intubation procedure. Excessive saliva in the oropharynx was effectively removed with 14 Fr suction catheter through ETT via Bodai suction safe connector". Visualization of the patient's vocal cords was achieved easily (with POGO score 70%). The AWS's suction channel was alternatively used for topical anesthesia route with 10 Fr suction tube, and 4% lidocaine was injected onto the vocal cords. Tracheal intubation was successful uneventfully, and the patient's airway was secured without any postoperative complication.     

Pentax-AWS improves laryngeal view compared with Macintosh blade during laryngoscopy and facilitates easier intubation

BACKGROUND: The PENTAX-AWS (AWS), combined with PBLADE is a novel tracheal intubation device which allows indirect visualization of the vocal cords without the alignment of the oral, pharyngeal axes required for direct laryngoscopy. Intubation procedure can be monitored on a built-in CCD monitor. METHODS: We compared the laryngeal view obtained with the Macintosh laryngoscope with that obtained with the AWS in 100 patients scheduled for elective anesthesia. Laryngeal view was determined by Cormack & Lehane classification modified by Cook, first using the Macintosh laryngoscope with the patient's head and neck in the sniffing position, followed by the AWS with the head and neck in a neutral position. The time taken to pass the endotracheal tube, the incidence of tube impingement on the arytenoids and the total number of intubation attempts were also recorded. RESULTS: The best laryngeal view obtained with the Macintosh laryngoscope in 100 cases were Grade I: 65, IIa: 16, IIb: 8, IIIa: 6, IIIb: 5, IV: 0. With AWS, the laryngeal views obtained were all grade I. The total time to pass the tube with the AWS was 19.5 +/- 7.9 s and the number of intubation attempts was 1.05 +/- 0.2. The Cormack grade obtained with the Macintosh laryngoscope did not affect the AWS view. The tube touched the right arytenoid in 5 cases but successful intubation was achieved by adjusting the blade direction. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the PENTAX-AWS provides a better laryngeal view than the Macintosh laryngoscope and facilitates easier intubation under vision in a higher proportion of patients.     

A case of awake intubation using Pentax-airway scope combined with surface airway anesthesia for two obese patients with cervical spondylosis and for the author himself

We report successful awake intubation using AWS combined with surface anesthesia of the upper airway via nebulizer. The two cases are suitable for awake intubation due to difficult airway. After inhaled lidocaine 4% and nebulized 4 ml, while giving fentanyl i. v, we performed awake intubation. As a preparatory step to the procedure described above, awake intubation was tested on the author himself with only surface anesthesia. The patients and author did not buck during intubation. The present case shows that it is possible to perform awake intubate safely with less stress with the combination of AWS and surface airway anesthesia via nebulizer.     

Successful nasal intubation using airway scope with gum elastic bougie in a case of difficult airway

AWS (Airway Scope, Pentax, Tokyo), a new videolaryngoscope, was originally designed to facilitate oral laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. We describe a successful case of nasal intubation with a combination of AWS and GEB (gum elastic bougie). A 50-year-old man with a past history of difficult intubation was scheduled to undergo subtotal esophagectomy. As the patient was scheduled to be ventilated overnight after the operation in the intensive care unit, nasal intubation with a combination of AWS and GEB was planed. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol 100 mg, fentanyl 200 microg and vecuronium 7 mg and endotracheal tube was inserted through the nostril. Oral insertion of AWS showed full view of the glottis and nasal insertion of GEB was easily advanced into the trachea through an endotracheal tube, allowing tracheal intubation while utilizing GEB as a stylet. No complication occured in this case. In conclusion, nasal intubation using AWS combination with GEB is useful for patients with difficult airways and is easy to perform.     

Anesthesia of the airway by aspiration of lidocaine

PURPOSE: Lidocaine instilled onto to the back of the tongue of a supine subject and aspirated has been reported to provide effective topical anesthesia of the airway. The purpose of this study was to observe endoscopically the fate of lidocaine so instilled and document the efficacy of anesthesia for awake fibreoptic intubation. METHODS: In Part I of the study, a fibreoptic bronchoscope was positioned in the pharynx of three volunteers lying supine and the route followed by tinted lidocaine solution instilled onto the back of the protruded tongue during mouth breathing was observed. In Part 2, the airway of 39 patients requiring awake fibreoptic intubation was anesthetized by having them gargle twice with 5 ml lidocaine 2%, followed by instillation of 0.2 ml-kg(-1) or 20 ml lidocaine 1.5% (whichever was less) onto the dorsum of their tongues as described above. The efficacy of anesthesia was scored by the patient reaction (coughing or gagging) to instrumentation in the pharynx, at the glottis, and in the trachea; to passage of the tracheal tube into the trachea; and to the presence of the tube in the trachea. RESULTS: Lidocaine instilled on to the back of the tongue was swallowed initially but ultimately pooled in the pharynx and was aspirated. In all patients the trachea was intubated without requiring supplemental lidocaine, and all but one patient tolerated the tracheal tube in situ. CONCLUSION: A combination of lidocaine gargles and lidocaine instilled on to the back of the tongue and aspirated provides effective anesthesia of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea for awake fibreoptic intubation.     

The Pentax-AWS((R)) rigid indirect video laryngoscope: clinical assessment of performance in 320 cases

The Pentax-AWS airway scope system is a rigid indirect video laryngoscope with integrated tube guidance. Laryngoscopy and intubation are visualised using a built in LCD monitor which displays the view obtained by a CCD camera mounted in the tip of the laryngoscope. We describe its clinical performance in 320 patients. The Pentax-AWS significantly improved the laryngeal view compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope. Forty-six patients (14%) who were classified as Cormack Lehane glottic view grade 3 or 4 using the Macintosh laryngoscope were classified as grade 1 (45 cases) or 2a (1 case) using the Pentax-AWS airway scope. Laryngeal views measured by percentage of glottic opening score were improved significantly using the Pentax-AWS. Intubation using the Pentax-AWS was successful in all cases, 96% at the first and 4% at the second attempt. The mean (SD) time required to place the tracheal tube was 20 (10) s. The Cormack Lehane grade obtained with the Macintosh blade did not affect the total time to correctly position the tube using the Pentax-AWS. Intubation difficulty scale (score = 0 in 305 patients, score = 1 in 14 and score = 2 in one patient) indicates that tracheal intubation was performed easily in most cases. The Pentax-AWS not only improves the laryngeal view, but its tube guide also facilitates rapid, easy and reliable tracheal intubation under vision. It can be useful in routine anesthesia care and may be advantageous in the situation of unanticipated difficult intubation.     

Airway management with dexmedetomidine for difficult airway

BACKGROUND : Dexmedetomidine has the advantage of producing sedation accompanying patient's cooperation without respiratory depression. We managed the airways of 10 cases with suspected difficult tracheal intubation under sedation with dexmedetomidine. METHODS : A dexmedetomidine loading dose of lmcg x kg(-1) IV was administered over 10 minutes and with supplementation until satisfactory sedation was obtained, followed by infusion of 0.2-0.7mcg x kg(-1) x hr(-1). During loading dose administration, the upper airway was anesthetized topically. RESULTS : Five cases were intubated fiberscopically, and 3 obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) cases received direct laryngoscopy to exclude "cannot intubate, cannot ventilate (CICV)". One case with a large laryngeal tumor had tracheostomy, and another case with recurred pharyngeal cancer was intubated through the permanent tracheotomy site. All the cases were well sedated (Ramsay sedation scale 2-4) and cooperative during the procedure. No respiratory depression nor airway obstruction occurred even in the OSAS cases. In one case hypertension and elevated heart rate were noted transiently during loading dose administration. Another case had postinduction hypotension treated with a small dose of vasopressor. All cases had no uncomfortable recall. CONCLUSIONS : Dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective sedative for awake difficult airway management, for example, fiberscopic intubation, tracheostomy and direct laryngoscopy, though some attention must be paid to circulatory changes.