Cloud-based fusion imaging improves operative metrics during fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair

ObjectiveEndovascular treatment of complex aortic pathology has been associated with increases in procedural-related metrics, including the operative time and radiation exposure. Three-dimensional fusion imaging technology has decreased the radiation dose and iodinated contrast use during endovascular aneurysm repair. The aim of the present study was to report our institutional experience with the use of a cloud-based fusion imaging platform during fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR).MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained aortic database was performed to identify all patients who had undergone FEVAR with commercially available devices (Zenith Fenestrated; Cook Medical Inc, Bloomington, IN) between 2013 and 2020 and all endovascular aneurysm repairs performed using Cydar EV Intelligent Maps (Cydar Medical, Cambridge, UK). The Cydar EV cohort was reviewed further to select all FEVARs performed with overlay map guidance. The patient demographic, clinical, and procedure metrics were analyzed, with a comparative analysis of FEVAR performed without and with the Cydar EV imaging platform. Patients were excluded from comparative analysis if the data were incomplete in the dataset or they had a documented history of prior open or endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.ResultsDuring the 7-year study period, 191 FEVARs had been performed. The Cydar EV imaging platform was implemented in 2018 and used in 124 complex endovascular aneurysm repairs, including 69 consecutive FEVARs. A complete dataset was available for 137 FEVARs. With exclusion to select for de novo FEVAR, a comparative analysis was performed of 53 FEVAR without and 63 with Cydar EV imaging guidance. The cohorts were similar in patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and aortic aneurysm characteristics. No significant difference was noted between the two groups for major adverse postoperative events, length of stay, or length of intensive care unit stay. The use of Cydar EV resulted in nonsignificant decreases in the mean fluoroscopy time (69.3 ± 28 minutes vs 66.2 ± 33 minutes; P = .598) and operative time (204.4 ± 64 minutes vs 186 ± 105 minutes; P = .278). A statistically significant decrease was found in the iodinated contrast volume (105 ± 44 mL vs 83 ± 32 mL; P = .005), patient radiation exposure using the dose area product (1,049,841 mGy/cm² vs 630,990 mGy/cm²; P < .001) and cumulative air kerma levels (4518 mGy vs 3084 mGy; P = .02) for patients undergoing FEVAR with Cydar EV guidance.ConclusionsAt our aortic center, we have observed a trend toward shorter operative times and significant reductions in both iodinated contrast use and radiation exposure during FEVAR using the Cydar EV intelligent maps. Intelligent map guidance improved the efficiency of complex endovascular aneurysm repair, providing a safer intervention for both patient and practitioner.     

An ultrasound needle insertion guide in a porcine phantom model

We compared nerve blockade with and without the Infiniti^TM needle guide in an ultrasound in‐plane porcine simulation. We recruited 30 anaesthetists with varying blockade experience. Using the guide, the needle tip was more visible (for a median (IQR [range]) of 67 (56–100]) % of the time; and invisible for 2 (1–4 [0–19]) s) than when the guide was not used (respectively 23 (13–43 [0–80]) % and 25 (9–52 [1–198]) s; both p < 0.001). The corresponding block times were 8 (6–10 [3–28]) s and 32 (15–67 [5–225]) s, respectively; p < 0.001. The needle guide reduced the block time and the time that the needle was invisible, irrespective of anaesthetist experience.     

Outcomes after endovascular versus open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair: A population-based study

ObjectiveWe sought to determine the early and late outcomes of endovascular versus open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.MethodsWe performed a multicenter population-based study across the province of Ontario, Canada, from 2006 to 2017. The primary end point was mortality. Secondary end points were time to first event of a composite of mortality, permanent spinal cord injury, permanent dialysis, and stroke, the individual end points of the composite, patient disposition at discharge, hospital length of stay, myocardial infarction, and secondary procedures at follow-up.ResultsA total of 664 adults undergoing surgical repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (endovascular: n = 303 [45.5%] vs open: n = 361 [54.5%]) were identified using an algorithm of administrative codes validated against the operative records. Propensity score matching resulted in 241 patient pairs. Endovascular repairs increased during the study and currently comprise more than 50% of total repairs. In the matched sample, open repair was associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital death (17.4% vs 10.8%, P = .04), complications (26.1% vs 17.4%, P = .02), discharge to rehabilitation facilities (18.7% vs 10.0%, P = .02), and longer length of stay (12 [7-21] vs 6 [3-13] days, P < .01). Long-term mortality was not significantly different (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-1.50), nor were the other secondary end points, with the exception of secondary procedures, which were higher in the endovascular group (hazard ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.54-4.55). At 8 years, overall survival was 41.3% versus 44.6% after endovascular and open repair (P = .62).ConclusionsEndovascular repair was associated with improved early outcomes but higher rates of secondary procedures after discharge. Long-term survival after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair is poor and independent of repair technique.     

3D影像融合技术用于腔内介入治疗主动脉病变

目的 分析3D影像融合技术用于腔内介入治疗主动脉病变的价值。方法 回顾性分析18例接受3D影像融合引导腔内介入治疗主动脉病变患者。于Siemens Artis Pheno工作站以Syngo-X-workshop软件将术前主动脉CT血管造影（CTA）与术中锥形束CT （CBCT）图像进行融合,分别于T10~L3椎体水平进行冠状位、矢状位及轴位3个维度的配对融合,将最终形成的3D融合影像投射至实时数字减影血管造影（DSA）影像中,用于导引主动脉腔内介入操作。记录治疗用时、碘对比剂用量及射线剂量等。结果 18例中,腹主动脉瘤7例、主动脉穿透性溃疡5例、胸主动脉夹层4例、胸主动脉瘤2例;对11例行腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术（EVAR）、7例行胸主动脉腔内修复术（TEVAR）,均获得成功,技术成功率100%;治疗用时（124.28±55.95） min,碘对比剂用量（178.89±37.87） ml,辐照时间（20.21±13.20） min,CBCT辐射剂量（225.17±60.10） mGy,总辐射剂量（815.68±439.10） mGy。7例术前合并肾功能不全,术后24 h、出院前及术后1、3个月血肌酐值与术前比较差异均无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。结论 3D影像融合技术用于腔内介入治疗主动脉病变安全、可行。     

Evaluation of a large‐scale donation of Lifebox pulse oximeters to non‐physician anaesthetists in Uganda

Pulse oximetry is widely accepted as essential monitoring for safe anaesthesia, yet is frequently unavailable in resource‐limited settings. The Lifebox pulse oximeter, and associated management training programme, was delivered to 79 non‐physician anaesthetists attending the 2011 Uganda Society of Anaesthesia Annual Conference. Using a standardised assessment, recipients were tested for their knowledge of oximetry use and hypoxia management before, immediately following and 3–5 months after the training. Before the course, the median (IQR [range]) test score for the anaesthetists was 36 (34–39 [26–44]) out of a maximum of 50 points. Immediately following the course, the test score increased to 41 (38–43 [25–47]); p < 0.0001 and at the follow‐up visit at 3–5 months it was 41 (39–44 [33–49]); p = 0.001 compared with immediate post‐training test scores, and 75/79 (95%) oximeters were in routine clinical use. This method of introduction resulted in a high rate of uptake of oximeters into clinical practice and a demonstrable retention of knowledge in a resource‐limited setting.     

The traffic light bougie: a study of a novel safety modification

Use of a bougie is not without risk, and insertion too far may cause airway injury. We designed a new bougie with a ‘traffic light’ system to indicate depth of insertion. Forty anaesthetists were randomly assigned to insert either a conventional single‐coloured bougie or a novel traffic light bougie. Depth of insertion was measured before and after railroading a tracheal tube. Participants were not informed as to the purpose of the colouring system. The median (IQR [range]) insertion depth of the traffic light bougie was 22 (21–24 [19–27]) cm and for the conventional bougie was 28 (21–32 [20–35]) cm (p = 0.011). Median (IQR [range]) insertion depth after railroading for the traffic light bougie was 25 (25–28 [21–34]) cm and for the conventional bougie was 30.5 (27–35 [23–40]) cm (p = 0.003). This simple colouring system appears to allow intuitive use and significantly reduced the depth of bougie insertion. This system could be also used with other airway exchange devices to improve safety.     

Comparison of forces acting on maxillary incisors during tracheal intubation with different laryngoscopy techniques: a blinded manikin study

Dental trauma is a common complication of tracheal intubation. As existing evidence is insufficient to validly assess the impact of different laryngoscopy techniques on the incidence of dental trauma, the force exerted onto dental structures during tracheal intubation was investigated. An intubation manikin was equipped with hidden force sensors in all maxillary incisors. Dental force was measured while 104 anaesthetists performed a series of tracheal intubations using direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade, and videolaryngoscopy with a C-MAC^®, or the hyperangulated GlideScope^® or KingVision^® laryngoscopes in both normal and difficult airway conditions. A total of 624 tracheal intubations were analysed. The median (IQR [range]) peak force of direct laryngoscopy in normal airways was 21.1 (14.0–32.8 [2.3–127.6]) N and 29.3 (17.7–44.8 [3.3–97.2]) N in difficult airways. In normal airways, these were lower with the GlideScope and KingVision hyperangulated laryngoscopes, with a reduction of 4.6 N (p = 0.006) and 10.9 N (p < 0.001) compared with direct laryngoscopy, respectively. In difficult airways, these were lower with the GlideScope and KingVision hyperangulated laryngoscopes, with a reduction of 9.8 N (p < 0.001) and 17.6 N (p < 0.001) compared with direct laryngoscopy, respectively. The use of the C-MAC did not have an impact on the median peak force. Although sex of anaesthetists did not affect peak force, more experienced anaesthetists generated a higher peak force than less experienced providers. We conclude that hyperangulated videolaryngoscopy was associated with a significantly decreased force exerted on maxillary incisors and might reduce the risk for dental injury in clinical settings.     

Fibrinogen concentrate vs. fresh frozen plasma for the management of coagulopathy during thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery: a pilot randomised controlled trial

Major vascular surgery is frequently associated with significant blood loss and coagulopathy. Existing evidence suggests hypofibrinogenaemia develops earlier than other haemostatic deficiencies during major blood loss. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of an infusion of fibrinogen concentrate to prevent and treat hypofibrinogenaemia during surgery resulted in satisfactory haemostasis, removing or reducing the need for blood component transfusion. Twenty patients undergoing elective extent-4 thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were randomly allocated to receive either fresh frozen plasma or fibrinogen concentrate to treat hypofibrinogenaemia during surgery. Coagulation was assessed during and after surgery by point-of-care and laboratory testing, respectively, and treatment was guided by pre-defined transfusion triggers. Despite blood losses of up to 11,800 ml in the patients who received the fibrinogen concentrate, none required fresh frozen plasma during surgery, and only two required platelet transfusions. The median (IQR [range]) allogeneic blood component administration during surgery and in the first 24 h postoperatively was 22.5 (14–28 [2–41]) units in patients allocated to fresh frozen plasma vs. 4.5 (3–11[0–17]) in patients allocated to fibrinogen concentrate (p = 0.011). All patients in both groups were assessed by the surgeon to have satisfactory haemostasis at the end of surgery. Mean (SD) postoperative fibrinogen concentrations were similar in patients allocated to fresh frozen plasma and fibrinogen concentrate (1.6 (0.3) g.l⁻¹ vs. 1.6 (0.2) g.l⁻¹; p = 0.36) but the mean (SD) international normalised ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time ratio were lower in patients allocated to fresh frozen plasma (1.1 (0.1) vs. 1.8 (0.3); p < 0.0001 and 1.1 (0.2) vs. 1.7 (0.5); p = 0.032, respectively). Fibrinogen concentrate may be used as an alternative to fresh frozen plasma in the treatment of coagulopathy during thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.     

Prediction of organ‐specific complications following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair using cardiopulmonary exercise testing

This study aimed at assessing whether measures of aerobic fitness can predict postoperative cardiac and pulmonary complications, 30‐day mortality and length of hospital stay following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. We prospectively collected cardiopulmonary exercise testing data over two years for 130 patients. Upon multivariate analysis, a decreased anaerobic threshold (OR (95% CI) 0.55 (0.37–0.84); p = 0.005) and open repair (OR (95% CI) 6.99 (1.56–31.48); p = 0.011) were associated with cardiac complications. Similarly, an increased ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (OR (95% CI) 1.18 (1.05–1.33); p = 0.005) and open repair (OR (95% CI) 14.29 (3.24–62.90); p < 0.001) were associated with pulmonary complications. Patients who had an endovascular repair had shorter hospital and critical care lengths of stay (p < 0.001). Measures of fitness were not associated with 30‐day mortality or length of hospital stay. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing variables, therefore, seem to predict different postoperative complications following abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, which adds value to their routine use in risk stratification and optimisation of peri‐operative care.     

Fibreoptic vs videolaryngoscopic (C‐MAC® D‐BLADE) nasal awake intubation under local anaesthesia

Numerous indirect laryngoscopes have been introduced into clinical practice and their use for tracheal intubation under local anaesthesia has been described. However, a study comparing indirect laryngoscopic vs fibreoptic intubation under local anaesthesia and sedation appears lacking. Therefore, we evaluated both techniques in 100 patients with an anticipated difficult nasal intubation time for intubation the primary outcome. We also assessed success rate, glottic view, Ramsey score, and patients' and anaesthetists' satisfaction. The median (IQR [range]) time for intubation was significantly shorter with the videolaryngoscope with 38 (24–65 [11–420]) s vs 94 (48–323 [19–1020]) s (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in the success rate of intubation (96% for both techniques; p > 0.9999) and satisfaction of the anaesthetists and patients. We conclude that in anticipated difficult nasal intubation a videolaryngoscope represents an acceptable alternative to fibreoptic intubation.     

Impact of endovascular repair on open aortic aneurysm surgical training.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an endovascular stent-graft program on vascular training in open aortic aneurysm surgery. METHODS: The institutional and vascular surgery fellow experience in aortic aneurysm repair during a 6-year period was reviewed. The 3-year period before introduction of endovascular repair was compared with the 3-year period after introduction of endovascular repair. All patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs were entered prospectively into a vascular registry and retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the changing patterns in aortic aneurysm treatment and surgical training. RESULTS: Between July 1994 and June 2000, a total of 588 patients with AAA or thoracoabdominal aneurysms were treated at Stanford University Medical Center. There were 296 (50%) open infrarenal AAA repairs, 87 (15%) suprarenal AAA repairs, 47 (8%) thoracoabdominal aneurysm repairs, and 153 (26%) endovascular stent-grafts. The total number of aneurysms repaired per year by vascular fellows before the endovascular program was 71.3 +/- 4.9 (range, 68-77) and increased to 124.7 +/- 35.6 (range, 91-162) after introduction of endovascular repair (P <.05). This increase was primarily caused by the addition of endovascular stent-graft repairs by vascular fellows (51.0 +/- 29.0/year [range, 23-81]). There was no change in the number of open infrarenal aortic aneurysm repairs per year, 53.0 +/- 6.6 (range, 48-56) before endovascular repair versus 47.0 +/- 1.7 (range, 46-49) after (P = not significant). There was a significant increase in the number of suprarenal AAA repairs per year by vascular fellows, 10.0 +/- 1.0 (range, 9-11) before endovascular repair compared with 19.0 +/- 6.5 (range, 13-26) after (P <.05). There was no change in the number of thoracoabdominal aneurysm repairs per year between the two groups, 8.0 +/- 3.0 (range, 4-11) before endovascular repair compared with 7.6 +/- 2.3 (range, 5-9) after. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of an endovascular aneurysm stent-graft program significantly increased the total number of aneurysms treated. Although the number of open aneurysm repairs has remained the same, the complexity of the open aneurysm experience has increased significantly for vascular fellows in training.     

Validation of long‐term survival prediction for scheduled abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with an independent calculator using only pre‐operative variables

We observed survival after scheduled repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm in 1096 patients for a median (IQR [range]) of 3.0 (1.5–5.8 [0–15]) years: 943 patients had complete data, 250 of whom died. We compared discrimination and calibration of an external model with the Kaplan–Meier model generated from the study data. Integrated Brier misclassification scores for both models at 1–5 postoperative years were 0.04, 0.08, 0.11, 0.13 and 0.16, respectively. Harrel's concordance index at 1–5 postoperative years was 0.73, 0.71, 0.68, 0.67 and 0.66, respectively. Groups with median 5‐year predicted mortality of 40% (n = 251), 18% (n = 414) and 8% (n = 164) had lower observed mortality than 114 patients with 70% predicted mortality, hazard ratio (95% CI): 0.58 (0.37–0.76), p = 0.0031; 0.30 (0.19–0.48), p = 1.7 × 10^?12 and 0.19 (0.13–0.27), p = 1.3 × 10^?10, respectively, test for trend p = 5.6 × 10^?15. Survival predicted by the external calculator was similar to the Kaplan–Meier estimate.     

Delirium after transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the femoral or apical route

We thought that delirium might be less frequent after transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the femoral artery compared with via the cardiac apex. We reviewed 210 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation between January 2009 and October 2014. The proportion (95% CI) of patients who suffered delirium in the 3 days after valve implantation were: 10 (3–16%) in 105 patients who had transfemoral implantation; and 35 (25–45%) in 105 patients who had transapical implantation, p = 0.0001. The variables that independently associated with postoperative delirium were age, male sex and the transapical approach. The median (IQR [range]) hospital stay was 7 (5–13 [2–41]) days and 10 (7–15 [2–64]) days, respectively, p = 0.004. Future trials should focus on different peri‐operative management strategies to reduce delirium rates after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, particularly in older men having implantations via the cardiac apex.     

A randomised controlled trial comparing the GlideScope® and the Macintosh laryngoscope for double‐lumen endobronchial intubation

Double‐lumen endobronchial tubes are the most common method of achieving lung isolation and one‐lung ventilation during thoracic anaesthesia and surgery. We compared the clinical performance of the Macintosh laryngoscope and the GlideScope^® during endobronchial intubation with a double‐lumen tube. Seventy patients with no predictors for difficult laryngoscopy were allocated randomly to the Macintosh laryngoscope or GlideScope. The time taken for endobronchial intubation with the Macintosh laryngoscope was significantly shorter compared with that taken for the GlideScope, median (IQR [range]) 33 (22–52 [11–438]) s vs 70 (39–129 [21–242]) s, respectively, p = 0.0013. There was no statistical difference in the rate of success at the first attempt (91% vs 83%, respectively). On a numerical rating scale (scored from 0 to 10), the 30 anaesthetists who took part in the study rated endobronchial intubation overall as easier using the Macintosh compared with the GlideScope, 2 (1–3 [0–8]) vs 3 (2–6 [0–10]), respectively, p = 0.003. Postoperative voice changes were also less common in the Macintosh group (8 (22%) vs 17 (58%), p = 0.045). Anaesthetists found the GlideScope more difficult to use than the Macintosh laryngoscope and endobronchial intubation took longer; therefore, we cannot recommend its routine use with double‐lumen tubes in patients who are predicted to have a normal airway.     

A pilot randomised controlled trial of the management of systolic blood pressure during endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke

It is unknown whether systolic blood pressure augmentation during endovascular thrombectomy improves clinical outcomes. This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to assess the feasibility of differential systolic blood pressure targeting during endovascular thrombectomy procedures for anterior circulation ischaemic stroke. Fifty-one eligible patients fulfilling the national criteria for endovascular thrombectomy were randomly assigned to receive either standard or augmented systolic blood pressure management from the start of anaesthesia to recanalisation of the target vessel. Systolic blood pressure targets for the standard and augmented groups were 130–150 mmHg and 160–180 mmHg, respectively. The study achieved all feasibility targets, including a recruitment rate of 3.5 participants per week and median (IQR [range]) of mean systolic blood pressure separation between groups of 139 (135–143 [115–154]) vs. 167 (150–175 [113–188]) mmHg, p < 0.001. Data completeness was 99%. Independent functional recovery at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale 0, 1 or 2) was achieved in 30 (59%) patients, which is consistent with previously published data. There were no safety concerns with trial procedures. In conclusion, a large randomised controlled efficacy trial of standard vs. augmented systolic blood pressure management during endovascular thrombectomy is feasible.     

A comparison of fibreoptic‐guided tracheal intubation through the Ambu®Aura‐i™, the intubating laryngeal mask airway and the i‐gel™: a manikin study

We compared the Aura‐i ^? , intubating laryngeal mask airway and i‐gel ^? as conduits for fibreoptic‐guided tracheal intubation in a manikin. Thirty anaesthetists each performed two tracheal intubations through each device, a total of 180 intubations. The median (IQR [range]) time to complete the first intubation was 40 (31–50 [15–162]) s, 37 (34–48 [25–75]) s and 28 (22–35 [14–59]) s for the Aura‐i, intubating laryngeal mask airway and i‐gel, respectively. Tracheal intubation through the i‐gel was the quickest (p < 0.01). Resistance to railroading of the tracheal tube over the fibrescope was significantly greater through the Aura‐i compared with the intubating laryngeal mask airway and the i‐gel (p = 0.001). There were no failures to intubate through the intubating laryngeal mask airway or the i‐gel but six intubation attempts through the Aura‐i were unsuccessful, in five owing to a railroading failure and in one owing to accidental oesophageal intubation. We conclude that the Aura‐i does not perform as well as the intubating laryngeal mask airway or the i‐gel as an adjunct for performing fibreoptic‐guided tracheal intubation.     

Automated tracheal intubation in an airway manikin using a robotic endoscope: a proof of concept study

Robotic endoscope-automated via laryngeal imaging for tracheal intubation (REALITI) has been developed to enable automated tracheal intubation. This proof-of-concept study using a convenience sample of participants, comprised of trained anaesthetists and lay participants with no medical training, assessed the performance of a robotic device for the insertion of a tracheal tube into a manikin. A prototype robotic endoscope device was inserted into the trachea of an airway manikin by seven anaesthetists and seven participants with no medical training. Each individual performed six device insertions into the trachea in manual mode and six in automated mode. The anaesthetists succeeded with 40/42 (95%) manual insertions (median (IQR [range]) 17 (12–26 [4–132]) s) and 40/42 (95%) automated insertions (15 (13–18 [7–25]) s). The non-trained participants succeeded in 41/42 (98%) manual insertions (median (IQR [range]) 18 (13–21 [8–133]) s) and 42/42 (100%) automated insertions (16 (13–23 [10–58])] s). The duration of insertion did not differ between groups. An effect of increasing experience was observed in both groups in manual mode. A Likert scale for ‘ease of use’ (0 = very difficult to 10 = very easy) showed similar results within the two groups; the mean (SD) was 5.9 (2.1) for the anaesthetists and 6.9 (1.3) for the non-trained participants. We have successfully performed the first automated tracheal device insertion in a manikin with comparable results in a convenience sample of anaesthetists and lay participants with no medical training.     

A randomised comparison of InnoScope and Macintosh laryngoscope in simulated difficult tracheal intubation in manikins

We conducted a crossover randomised study to evaluate the performance of a novel optical stylet, the InnoScope, for tracheal intubation in simulated normal and difficult airways. Twenty‐five anaesthetists attempted tracheal intubation on a SimMan 3G simulator using the InnoScope first followed by the Macintosh laryngoscope or vice versa. Three airway scenarios were tested: (1) normal airway; (2) difficult airway with swollen pharynx; and (3) limited neck movement. In each scenario, the laryngeal view, duration of and success rate for tracheal intubation were recorded. Compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope, the use of InnoScope increased the percentage of glottic opening seen by 17% in normal airway, 23% in the difficult airway and 32% with limited neck movement, p < 0.01. Despite this better laryngeal view, successful tracheal intubation achieved with the InnoScope (88.0%) was lower than that for the Macintosh laryngoscope (98.7%), p = 0.008. Using the InnoScope, tracheal intubation during the first attempt was only successful in 48% of cases with difficult airway. In this scenario, the median (interquartile range [range]) duration of tracheal intubation was significantly longer with the InnoScope (53 (20–100 [15–120]) s) compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope (27 (20–62 [15–120]) s), p = 0.01. We conclude that an improved laryngeal view with the use of the InnoScope did not translate into better conditions for tracheal intubation.     

Combined fenestrated-branched endovascular repair of the aortic arch and the thoracoabdominal aorta

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to evaluate patients who underwent extensive endovascular aortic stent graft coverage (from the aortic arch to abdominal aorta) in terms of early and midterm clinical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective multicenter study was undertaken. All patients were treated with extensive endovascular aortic stent graft coverage with fenestrated and branched endografts at three experienced endovascular centers.ResultsBetween 2012 and 2017, there were 33 patients (22 male [67%]) treated with a combination of fenestrated-branched stent grafts in the aortic arch and the thoracoabdominal aorta. Most of the patients (20/33 [61%]) had fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (fb-EVAR) of the thoracoabdominal aorta as a second-stage procedure after thoracic arch (fb-Arch) repair, 10 had fb-Arch repair as the first procedure, and three patients had a single-stage procedure. The mean age was 67 ± 13 years, and the mean interval between procedures was 13 ± 12 months. For fb-Arch repair, 20 fenestrated and 13 branched devices were used; for fb-EVAR, 23 fenestrated, 5 branched, and 5 composite devices were used. The use of spinal drainage was more common in fb-EVAR (20/33 [61%]). Technical success was 100%. Mean hospital stay was 15 ± 13 days for fb-Arch repair and 12 ± 9 days for fb-EVAR. Two patients died in the hospital after fb-EVAR, resulting in a 30-day mortality of 6% (2/33). No deaths occurred during the fb-Arch repair component or in the single-stage cases. Four patients developed spinal cord injury (12%), 1 had permanent paraplegia (3%), and 2 patients had a neurologic event (1 stroke [3%] and 1 transient ischemic attack [3%]). Six patients (18%) died during a mean follow-up of 23 ± 17 months. The survival at 12 months after the second procedure was 72%, and the freedom from any reintervention was 82%. The 12-month freedom from reintervention was 87% for fb-Arch repair and 81% for fb-EVAR.ConclusionsExtensive endovascular coverage of the aorta for aortic disease seems to be a feasible procedure in experienced centers, with acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality. Spinal cord ischemia appears acceptable despite extensive aortic coverage.     

A comparison of airway dimensions,measured by acoustic reflectometry and ultrasound before and after general anaesthesia

Changes in airway dimensions can occur during general anaesthesia and surgery for a variety of reasons. This study explored factors associated with postoperative changes in airway dimensions. Patient airway volume was measured by acoustic reflectometory and neck muscle diameter by ultrasound echography in the pre‐ and post‐anaesthetic periods in a total of 281 patients. Neck circumference was also assessed during these periods. A significant decrease in median (IQR [range]) total airway volume (from 63.8 (51.8–75.7 [14.7–103]) ml to 45.9 (33.5–57.2 [6.4–96.3]) ml, p < 0.0001), and a significant increase in muscle diameter (from 4.3 (3.3–5.6 [2.2–9.0]) mm to 5.8 (4.7–7.3 [2.8–1.3]) mm, p < 0.0001) and neck circumference (from 34.0 (32.5–37.0 [29.5–49.0]) cm to 35.0 (33.5–38.0 [30.5–50.5]) cm, p < 0.0001) were observed. It may be possible that changes in airway volume and neck circumference were influenced by surgical duration or peri‐operative fluid management (ρ) = ?0.31 (95% CI ?0.24 to ?0.01), p = 0.0301, ?0.17 (?0.23 to ?0.06), p = 0.0038, 0.23 (0.12–0.34), p < 0.0001, and 0.16 (0.05–0.27), p = 0.0062, respectively). The intra‐oral space can significantly decrease and neck thickness increase after general anaesthesia, and might increase the risk of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation if airway management is required after extubation following general anaesthesia.