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ABSTRACT: To compare hands-off time (HOT) in simulated advanced life support (ALS) following European Resuscitation Council (ERC) 2005 guidelines and ERC 2000 and to provide quantitative data on workflow.
Observations with 18 professional paramedics, performing 39 megacodes (mega-code training; MCT) were videotaped during ALS re-certification. Teams were randomly assigned to train according to ERC 2000 or ERC 2005. HOT, hands-off intervals (HOI) and other variables describing interventions and workflow were analysed.
In group ERC 2000 17±3 HOI appeared with a mean duration of 17.5±10.8 s (mean±SD). Overall HOT was 382±47 s, equivalent to a mean hands-off fraction (HOF) of 0.45±0.05. 15±5 ventilation-free intervals (VFI) were observed, with a mean duration of 21±10 s. In contrast after ERC 2005 variables resulted in 18±3 HOI with a mean duration of 10.0±4.0 s (p<0.001 vs ERC 2000), overall HOT 196±33 s (HOF 0.23±0.04; p<0.001), 24±12 VFI with a duration of 24±7 s (p<0.05). The first HOI lasted for 60.4±33.1 s in ERC 2000 and 17.6±4.3 s in ERC 2005 (p<0.001). In ERC 2000 6.1±2.6 interruptions for two bag/mask ventilations (BMV) lasted for 5.4±0.8 s, whereas in ERC 2005 9.6±3.1 interruptions for two BMV took 6.5±2.2 s (p<0.001). In both groups HOI were used thoroughly for basic life support/ALS-based interventions.
The application of ERC guidelines of 2005 markedly reduced the first HOI and mean duration of HOI at the cost of delayed secure airway management and ECG analysis in this MCT model.
Emergency Medicine Journal 02/2012; 29(2):95-9. · 1.44 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The disposable laryngeal tube suction (LTS-D) is a supraglottic airway device that can be used as an alternative to tracheal tube to provide ventilation. We tested the hypothesis that, with a frontal jaw thrust insertion technique (FIT/JT), the rate of correct placement attempts in patients with a simulated difficult airway by means of a rigid cervical immobilization collar could be significantly increased compared to the standard insertion technique (SIT) recommended by the manufacturer.
70 adult patients undergoing trauma surgery under general anaesthesia had an LTS-D inserted, randomly assigned to the SIT or FIT/JT. In the FIT/JT, the operator was standing in front of the patient's head, and forced chin lift to create sufficient retropharyngeal space was performed. The rate of successful tube placements within 180s and with a maximum of two attempts was the main outcome variable. To distinguish between the effects of the frontal approach and the jaw thrust manoeuvre, a third group was studied after completion of the SIT and FIT/JT groups. The standard insertion technique, but with a jaw thrust manoeuvre (SIT/JT), was employed in another 35 consecutive patients.
Overall placement success was 49% (SIT, 17/35 patients, P<0.001), 91% (SIT/JT, 32/35 patients) and 100% (FIT/JT). The time required for successful insertion was shortest in the FIT/JT group (23±6s), and significantly longer in the SIT/JT (42±29s, P<0.001) and SIT groups (51±29s, P<0.0001).
In anaesthetised patients with a simulated difficult airway created with a rigid cervical collar, the overall LTS-D placement success was significantly higher when a jaw thrust manoeuvre was performed, regardless of the particular technique used to introduce the LTS-D. Therefore, an intense jaw thrust manoeuvre should be performed whenever an LTS-D is being inserted.
Resuscitation 02/2011; 82(2):199-202. · 3.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Intraosseous (IO) access represents a reliable alternative to intravenous vascular access and is explicitly recommended in the current guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council when intravenous access is difficult or impossible. We therefore aimed to study the efficacy of the intraosseous needle driver EZ-IO in the prehospital setting.
During a 24-month period, all cases of prehospital IO access using the EZ-IO needle driver within three operational areas of emergency medical services were prospectively recorded by a standardized questionnaire that needed to be filled out by the rescuer immediately after the mission and sent to the primary investigator. We determined the rate of successful insertion of the IO needle, the time required, immediate procedure-related complications, the level of previous experience with IO access, and operator's subjective satisfaction with the device.
77 IO needle insertions were performed in 69 adults and five infants and children by emergency physicians (n = 72 applications) and paramedics (n = 5 applications). Needle placement was successful at the first attempt in all but 2 adults (one patient with unrecognized total knee arthroplasty, one case of needle obstruction after placement). The majority of users (92%) were relative novices with less than five previous IO needle placements. Of 22 responsive patients, 18 reported pain upon fluid administration via the needle. The rescuers' subjective rating regarding handling of the device and ease of needle insertion, as described by means of an analogue scale (0 = entirely unsatisfied, 10 = most satisfied), provided a median score of 10 (range 1-10).
The EZ-IO needle driver was an efficient alternative to establish immediate out-of-hospital vascular access. However, significant pain upon intramedullary infusion was observed in the majority of responsive patients.
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 01/2011; 19:65. · 1.85 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is considered to be the gold standard of prehospital airway management. However, ETI requires substantial technical skills and ongoing experience. Because failed prehospital ETI is common and associated with a higher mortality, reliable airway devices are needed to be used by rescuers less experienced in ETI. We prospectively evaluated the feasibility of laryngeal tubes used by paramedics and emergency physicians for out-of-hospital airway management.
During a 24-month period, all cases of prehospital use of the laryngeal tube disposable (LT-D) and laryngeal tube suction disposable (LTS-D) within five operational areas of emergency medical services were recorded by a standardised questionnaire. We determined indications for laryngeal tube use, placement success, number of placement attempts, placement time and personal level of experience.
Of 157 prehospital intubation attempts with the LT-D/LTS-D, 152 (96.8%) were successfully performed by paramedics (n=70) or emergency physicians (n=87). The device was used as initial airway (n=87) or rescue device after failed ETI (n=70). The placement time was < or =45s (n=120), 46-90s (n=20) and >90s (n=7). In five cases the time needed was not specified. The number of placement attempts was one (n=123), two (n=25), three (n=2) and more than three (n=2). The majority of users (61.1%) were relative novices with no more than five previous laryngeal tube placements.
The LT-D/LTS-D represents a reliable tool for prehospital airway management in the hands of both paramedics and emergency physicians. It can be used as an initial tool to secure the airway until ETI is prepared, as a definitive airway by rescuers less experienced with ETI or as a rescue device when ETI has failed.
Resuscitation 12/2009; 81(3):323-6. · 3.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Difficult paediatric airways, both expected and unexpected, present major challenges to every anaesthesiologist, paediatrician and emergency physician. However, the integration of supraglottic airway devices, such as the laryngeal mask (LM), into the algorithm of difficult airways has improved the handling of difficult airway situations in patients. A recent device for establishing a supraglottic airway is the laryngeal tube, introduced in 1999. We report on the successful use of the laryngeal tube suction II (LTS II) in securing the airway when endotracheal intubation or alternative mask ventilation has failed.
The use of the LTS II in 10 cases of difficult airway management in neonates and infants <6 months was reviewed.
Use of the LTS II was associated with a high level of success (100%), often rescuing the airway when other techniques had failed. All insertions were successful on first attempt using a modified insertion technique. Placement was classified as "easy" by all users.
The potential advantage of the LTS II is the suction port which allows gastric tube placement and subsequent egression of gastric contents. In emergency situations when direct laryngoscopy fails, or is too time-consuming because of anatomical abnormalities, we recommend the LTS II tube as the first-line device to secure the airway. As with all supraglottic airways, familiarity and clinical experience with the respective device and its insertion technique is essential for safe and successful use, especially in emergencies.
Resuscitation 05/2009; 80(7):805-10. · 3.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Laryngeal tubes are supraglottic airway devices that can be used in alternative to a tracheal tube to provide ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The product line has recently been expanded by the disposable laryngeal tube suction (LTS-D). We tested the hypothesis that, with a modified insertion technique (MIT), the rate of correct placement attempts within 45 s could be significantly increased compared to the standard insertion technique (SIT) recommended by the manufacturer.
Fifty-four adult patients undergoing trauma surgery under general anaesthesia had an LTS-D inserted by first-time users, randomly assigned to the SIT or a MIT. A brief manikin-based demonstration of the device and the assigned technique was given before insertion. In the MIT the tip of the LTS-D was rotated by 180 degrees prior to insertion. Forced chin lift to create sufficient retropharyngeal space was performed with the other hand. Introduced to one-third of its length, the LTS-D was again rotated by 180 degrees and pushed down the pharynx. The rate of successful tube placements within 45 s was the main outcome variable.
Insertion took 73+/-41 s (SIT) and 40+/-8s (MIT, P<0.01). Insertion within 45 s was possible in n=7/27 patients (26%, SIT) and in n=20/27 patients (74%, MIT, P<0.01). In one patient of the MIT group, placement failed. Non-anaesthesia personnel, such as nurses and emergency medical technicians (n=27), performed comparably to board-certified anaesthesiologists or those in training (n=27).
Applying a MIT significantly reduced the time for successful insertion of an LTS-D by first-time users. Insertion within 45 s was significantly more frequent with this technique. Further studies need to be conducted to determine if the LTS-D can be recommended as a first-line airway during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Resuscitation 03/2008; 76(3):364-8. · 3.60 Impact Factor
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Anesthesia and analgesia 12/2007; 105(5):1516-7. · 3.08 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: ObjectiveDifficult paediatric airways, both expected and unexpected, present major challenges to every anaesthesiologist, paediatrician and emergency physician. However, the integration of supraglottic airway devices, such as the laryngeal mask (LM), into the algorithm of difficult airways has improved the handling of difficult airway situations in patients. A recent device for establishing a supraglottic airway is the laryngeal tube, introduced in 1999. We report on the successful use of the laryngeal tube suction II (LTS II) in securing the airway when endotracheal intubation or alternative mask ventilation has failed.MethodsThe use of the LTS II in 10 cases of difficult airway management in neonates and infants <6 months was reviewed.ResultsUse of the LTS II was associated with a high level of success (100%), often rescuing the airway when other techniques had failed. All insertions were successful on first attempt using a modified insertion technique. Placement was classified as “easy” by all users.ConclusionsThe potential advantage of the LTS II is the suction port which allows gastric tube placement and subsequent egression of gastric contents. In emergency situations when direct laryngoscopy fails, or is too time-consuming because of anatomical abnormalities, we recommend the LTS II tube as the first-line device to secure the airway. As with all supraglottic airways, familiarity and clinical experience with the respective device and its insertion technique is essential for safe and successful use, especially in emergencies.
Resuscitation.
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ABSTRACT: Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is considered to be the "gold standard" of prehospital airway management of trauma patients. However, ETI requires substantial technical skills and ongoing experience. Because failed prehospital ETI is common and associated with a higher mortality, reliable airway devices are needed to be used by rescuers who are less experienced in ETI.
To prospectively evaluate the feasibility of the use of laryngeal tubes by paramedics and emergency physicians for out-of-hospital airway management in trauma patients.
During a 40-month period, data for all cases of prehospital use of the laryngeal tube suction disposable (LTS-D) within a large metropolitan area were recorded by a standardized questionnaire. We determined indications for laryngeal tube use, placement success, number of placement attempts, placement time, and personal level of experience. All patients admitted to our institution also underwent in-hospital follow-up.
Fifty-six of 57 prehospital intubations attempts with the LTS-D were successfully performed by paramedics (n = 19) or emergency physicians (n = 37) within one (n = 50) or two (n = 6) placement attempts. The device was used as initial airway (n = 27) or rescue device after failed ETI (n = 30). The placement time was ≤ 45 seconds (n = 42), 46-90 seconds (n = 13), and >90 seconds (n = 1). The majority of users (n = 44) were relative novices with no more than 10 previous laryngeal tube placements on actual patients. Of 33 patients eligible for follow-up, one underwent urgent LTS-D removal and subsequent ETI upon hospital admission, six underwent ETI after primary survey, and 26 underwent both primary and secondary survey or even damage-control surgery with the LTS-D.
The LTS-D represents a promising alternative to ETI in the hands of both paramedics and emergency physicians. It can be used as an initial tool to secure the airway until ETI is prepared, as a definitive airway by rescuers less experienced in ETI, or as a rescue device when ETI has failed.
Prehospital Emergency Care 15(3):347-50. · 1.78 Impact Factor
