Name: endotracheal intubation using a flexible intubation endoscope as a standardized model for safe airway management in swine
Uploaded: 2022-08-25T13:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Endotracheal Intubation Using a Flexible Intubation Endoscope as a Standardized Model for Safe Airway Management in Swine at JoVE.com

The authors want to thank Dagmar Dirvonskis for her excellent technical support.

The experiments in this protocol were approved by the State and Institutional Animal Care Committee (Landesuntersuchungsamt Rheinland-Pfalz, Koblenz, Germany; approval no. G20-1-135). The experiments were conducted following the ARRIVE guidelines. Overall, 10 anesthetized male pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) with a mean weight of 30 kg &#177; 2 kg and 12-16 weeks in age were used for the present study.
1. Animal preparation
<ol>
	<li>Maintain a normal environment for th...

In previous studies, our research group has already described specific details regarding the translational benefits of the porcine model2,27,32,33. Generally, reducing the stress level of the animal and unnecessary pain should be an integral part of any study protocol and is paramount for generating reliably reproducible data. Therefore, awake endoscopically guided intubation of the pig with an...

An erratum was issued for:&#160;<a href="https://www.jove.com/t/63955">Endotracheal Intubation Using a Flexible Intubation Endoscope As a Standardized Model for Safe Airway Management in Swine</a>. The Protocol, Representative Results, and Discussion sections were updated.
In the Protocol, step 1.5 was updated from:
Disinfect the skin with a disinfectant (alcoholic) before inserting a peripheral vein cannula (22 G) into an ear vein. Spray the area, wipe once, then spray again, and allow the disinfectant to dry.
to:
Disinfect the skin with a disinfectant (alcoholic) before inserting a peripheral vein cannula (22 G) into an ear vein. Spray the area, wipe once, then spray again, and allow the disinfectant to dry. Secure the ear cannula with a band-aid (See Table of Materials).
In the Protocol, step 3.7 was updated from:
While maintaining the position of the endoscope, advance the endotracheal tube until it becomes visible in the camera image. 
NOTE: If the endotracheal tube cannot be advanced through the glottic plane, there is a possibility that it has become caught on the arytenoid cartilage. In this case, the endotracheal tube must be withdrawn 1 cm and rotated by 90&#176; before gently advancing again. If necessary, this maneuver can be repeated. Similar calibers of flexible intubation endoscope and endotracheal tube can minimize the risk of this issue occurring. If the endotracheal tube cannot be advanced despite this maneuver, it is likely that the subglottic narrowness-the narrowest part of the porcine larynx-cannot be passed. In this case, a smaller endotracheal tube size needs to be selected. Regular commercially available endotracheal tubes in sizes 6.5 cm or 7.0 cm ID should be able to pass the glottis as long as no anatomic abnormalities are present.
to:
While maintaining the position of the endoscope, advance the endotracheal tube until it becomes visible in the camera image. 
NOTE: If the endotracheal tube cannot be advanced through the glottic plane, there is a possibility that it has become caught on the arytenoid cartilage. In this case, the endotracheal tube must be withdrawn 1 cm and rotated by 90&#176; before gently advancing again. If necessary, this maneuver can be repeated. Similar calibers of flexible intubation endoscope and endotracheal tube can minimize the risk of this issue occurring. If the endotracheal tube cannot be advanced despite this maneuver, it is likely that the subglottic narrowness-the narrowest part of the porcine larynx-cannot be passed. In this case, a smaller endotracheal tube size needs to be selected. Regular commercially available endotracheal tubes in sizes 6.5 cm or 7.0 cm ID should be able to pass the glottis as long as no anatomic abnormalities are present. Endotracheal tube size requirements vary depending on the piglet size and breed.
In the Representative Results, the sixth paragraph was updated from:
Statistical analyses were performed using commercially available software (see Table of Materials). Normal distribution was examined using the Kolmogorov-Smirnoff test28. If a normal distribution was determined, group differences were analyzed using t-tests of independent samples29 or the Mann-Whitney U test30 for the non-parametric version. Data are presented as mean (&#177; standard deviation). Correlations of ordinal-scale data were examined using Spearman&#39;s correlation coefficient31. A significance level of p &#60; 0.05 was assumed.
to:
Statistical analyses were performed using commercially available software (see Table of Materials). Normal distribution was examined using the Kolmogorov-Smirnoff test28. If a normal distribution was determined, group differences were analyzed using t-tests of independent samples29 or the Mann-Whitney U test30 for the non-parametric version. Data are presented as mean (&#177; standard deviation). Correlations of ordinal-scale data were examined using Spearman&#39;s correlation coefficient31. A significance level of p &#60; 0.05 was assumed. All tests were performed with exploratory intention; therefore p-values are descriptive. Nevertheless, p &#60; 0.05 was accepted as indicative of statistical significance.
In the Representative Results, the legend for figure 1 was updated from:
Figure 1: Number of intubation attempts in group comparison. For the group that was intubated using a flexible intubation endoscope, every intubation attempt was successful; in the group that was conventionally intubated, it took an average of 1.4 attempts before the endotracheal tube could be placed correctly. Error bars show the standard deviation. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/63955/63955fig01large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
to:
Figure 1: Number of intubation attempts in group comparison. For the group that was intubated using a flexible intubation endoscope, every intubation attempt was successful; in the group that was conventionally intubated, it took an average of 1.4 attempts before the endotracheal tube could be placed correctly. Error bars show the standard deviation. n = 5 (for each group).&#160;<a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/63955/63955fig01large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
In the Representative Results, figure 2 was updated from:
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63955/63955fig02.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: Time until CO2 detection in group comparison. For the group that was intubated using a flexible intubation endoscope, it took significantly longer until end-tidal CO2 could be detected, depicted as mean and standard deviation. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/63955/63955fig02large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
to:
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63955/63955fig2v2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2: Time until CO2 detection in group comparison. For the group that was intubated using a flexible intubation endoscope, it took significantly longer until end-tidal CO2 could be detected, depicted as mean and standard deviation. n = 5 (for each group).&#160;<a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/63955/63955fig2v2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
In the Discussion, the fifth paragraph was updated from:
The increased duration had no clinical significance in this cohort. At no time was the termination criterion-a saturation of less than 93%-reached. This is shown in the results because a procedure change was unnecessary at any time. Prior adequate mask ventilation is a critical step to allow sufficient time for fiberoptic endotracheal tube placement to avoid rapid desaturation34. These results are consistent with previous studies comparing conventional intubation and endoscopically assisted intubations with inexperienced providers35.
to:
The increased duration had no clinical significance in this cohort. At no time was the termination criterion-a saturation of less than 93%-reached. This is shown in the results because a procedure change was unnecessary at any time. Prior adequate mask ventilation is a critical step to allow sufficient time for fiberoptic endotracheal tube placement to avoid rapid desaturation34. These results are consistent with previous studies comparing conventional intubation and endoscopically assisted intubations with inexperienced providers35. We attribute the prolonged duration of fiberoptic intubation to the fact that one must first reorient again after insertion, whereas with conventional intubation, one retains a view of the glottis. It is also important to avoid contact with the mucosa with the flexible intubation endoscope during advancement. This requires occasional corrective maneuvers. Last but not least, after successful placement, retraction of the relatively long endoscope is required, which increases the time to CO2 detection slightly.

An erratum was issued for:&#160;<a href="https://www.jove.com/t/63955">Endotracheal Intubation Using a Flexible Intubation Endoscope As a Standardized Model for Safe Airway Management in Swine</a>. The Protocol, Representative Results, and Discussion sections were updated.

Erratum: Endotracheal Intubation Using a Flexible Intubation Endoscope As a Standardized Model for Safe Airway Management in Swine

Endotracheal intubation is often a basic requirement for translational research in porcine models for various interventions that require a secured airway or high ventilation pressures (such as ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation1 or acute respiratory distress syndrome2) or require that cerebral blood flow is not compromised through internal compression by supraglottic airway devices3, which are occasionally propagated as alternatives in the context of an anticipated difficult airway in pigs4,5.
While the lung physiology of pigs shows similar features to that of humans6, securing the airway is sometimes significantly more difficult7 due to specific differences in the porcine orotracheal anatomy. The snout of a pig has a narrow opening with a very large tongue, the larynx is extremely mobile, and the epiglottis is relatively large, with a free end that extends to the soft palate. Caudally, the larynx forms an obtuse angle with the trachea. The arytenoid cartilages are large8. The narrowest part of the airway is at the subglottic level9, comparable to the airway anatomy of children10. Since the larynx in pigs is very mobile, there is a risk that the end of the endotracheal tube will pass through the vocal cords but the larynx will only be displaced caudally by up to several centimeters, which may be mistaken for a correct intubation8,11. Additionally, esophageal intubation is a common risk when dealing with porcine airway management12.
The rates of difficult or impossible endotracheal intubations with a corresponding negative impact on the experiment or early mortality have not been systematically recorded, but several case reports have been published13,14. In humans, there is the possibility of using a flexible intubation endoscope in the context of an unexpectedly difficult conventional intubation15. Various false intubations often precede this measure. These repeated intubation attempts are associated with adverse events in humans16,17, especially airway complications18. Such events are deleterious in test animals since, in the simplest case, they represent a confounder variable in the experiment; in the worst case, they can lead to the unnecessary loss of the animal.
The present study has developed a model based on the guidelines for expected difficult airway management in humans15,19,20,21,22,23,24. Previously, a similar technique has been described for learning fiberoptic intubation in human studies25,26. The protocol presented in this report aims to provide a standardized and easy-to-adapt intubation model that also allows non-airway specialists to perform successful and safe endotracheal intubation in pigs.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Ambu aScope Regular</td>
			<td>Ambu GmbH, Medizinprodukte, Bad Nauheim, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Disposable fiber optic outer diameter 5 mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ambu aView Monitor</td>
			<td>Ambu GmbH, Medizinprodukte, Bad Nauheim, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>monitor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Atracurium Hikma 50 mg/5mL</td>
			<td>Hikma Pharma GmbH, Martinsried</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>atracurium</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Azaperone (Stresnil) 40mg/mL</td>
			<td>Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Bad Homburg, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>azaperone</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BD Discardit II Spritze 2, 5, 10, 20 mL</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson S.A. Carretera, Mequinenza Fraga, Spain</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>syringe</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BD Luer Connecta</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy, AB Helsingborg, Schweden</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>3-way-stopcock</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BD Microlance 3 20 G</td>
			<td>Becton Dickinson S.A. Carretera, Mequinenza Fraga, Spain</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>cannula</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Curafix i.v. classics</td>
			<td>Lohmann &#38; Rauscher International GmbH &#38; Co. KG, Rengsdorf, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Cannula retention dressing</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Engstr&#246;m Carestation</td>
			<td>GE Heathcare, Madison USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>ventilator</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fentanyl-Janssen 0.05 mg/mL</td>
			<td>Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Neuss</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>fentanyl</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>F&#252;hrungsstab, Durchmesser 4.3</td>
			<td>R&#252;sch</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>endotracheal tube introducer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20</td>
			<td>IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Statistical software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Incetomat-line 150 cm</td>
			<td>Fresenius, Kabi Deutschland, GmbH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>perfusor line</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Intrafix Primeline</td>
			<td>B. Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Infusion line</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>JOZA Einmal Nitril Untersuchungshandschuhe</td>
			<td>JOZA, M&#252;nchen, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>disposable gloves</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laryngoscope, 45.48.50, KL 2000</td>
			<td>Medicon</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Laryngoscope handle</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Littmann Classic III Stethoscope</td>
			<td>3M Deutschland GmbH, Neuss, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>stethoscope</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Luer Lock</td>
			<td>B.Braun Melsungen AG, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Maimed Vlieskompresse</td>
			<td>Maimed GmbH, Neuenkirchen, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Fleece compress to fix the tongue</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Masimo LNCS Adtx SpO2 sensor</td>
			<td>Masimo Corporation Irvine, Ca 92618 USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>saturation clip for the tail</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Masimo LNCS TC-I SpO2 ear clip sensor</td>
			<td>Masimo Corporation Irvine, Ca 92618 USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Saturation clip for the ear</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Masimo Radical 7</td>
			<td>Masimo Corporation Irvine, Ca 92618 USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>periphereal oxygen saturation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Midazolam 15 mg/3 mL</td>
			<td>Hameln Pharma GmbH, Hameln, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>midazolam</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Midmark Canine Mask Small Plastic with Diaphragm FRSCM-0005</td>
			<td>Midmark Corp., Dayton, Ohio, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>dog ventilation mask</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Octeniderm farblos</td>
			<td>Sch&#252;lke &#38; Mayr GmbH, Nordenstedt, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Alcoholic disinfectant</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Original Perfusor syringe 50 mL</td>
			<td>B.Braun Melsungen AG, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>perfusor syringe</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Perfusor FM Braun</td>
			<td>B.Braun Melsungen AG, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>syringe pump</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Propofol 2% 20 mg/mL (50 mL flasks)</td>
			<td>Fresenius, Kabi Deutschland, GmbH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>propofol</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>R&#220;SCH F&#252;hrungsstab f&#252;r Endotrachealtubus (ID 5.6 mm)</td>
			<td>Teleflex Medical Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>PVC coated tube guiding wire</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>R&#252;schelit Super Safety Clear &#62;ID 6/6.5 /7.0 mm</td>
			<td>Teleflex Medical Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>endotracheal tube</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless Macintosh Gr&#246;&#223;e 4</td>
			<td>Welch Allyn69604</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>blade for laryngoscope</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterofundin</td>
			<td>B.Braun Melsungen AG, Melsungen, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Balanced electrolyte solution</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrastop Antibeschlagmittel bottle with dropper 25 mL</td>
			<td>Sigmapharm Arzneimittel GmbH, Wien, Austria</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Antifog agent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vasofix Safety 22 G-16 G</td>
			<td>B.Braun Melsungen AG, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>venous catheter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>VBM Cuff Manometer</td>
			<td>VBM Medizintechnik GmbH, Sulz a.N., Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>cuff pressure gauge</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zelette</td>
			<td>Lohmann &#38; Rauscher International GmbH &#38; Co. KG, Rengsdorf, Germany</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Tissue swab</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

endotracheal intubation using a flexible intubation endoscope as a standardized model for safe airway management in swine

Endotracheal intubation is often a basic requirement for translational research in porcine models for various interventions that require a secured airway or high ventilation pressures. Endotracheal intubation is a challenging skill,&#160;requiring a minimum number of successful endotracheal intubations to achieve a high success rate under optimal conditions, which is often unachievable for non-anaesthesiology researchers. Due to the specific porcine airway anatomy, a difficult airway can usually be assumed. The impossibility of establishing a secure airway can result in injury, adverse events, or death of the laboratory animal. Using a prospective, randomized, controlled evaluation approach, it has been shown that fiberoptic-assisted endotracheal intubation takes longer but has a higher first-pass success rate than conventional intubation without causing clinically relevant drops in oxygen saturation. This model presents a standardized regimen for endoscopically guided endotracheal intubation, providing a secured airway, especially for researchers who are inexperienced in the technique of endotracheal intubation via direct laryngoscopy. This procedure is expected to minimize animal suffering and unnecessary animal losses.

Endotracheal intubation was performed on 10 male pigs (age 12-16 weeks, weight 30 kg &#177; 3 kg) in a prospective, randomized, controlled study setting. The pigs were randomized into two groups: one was conventionally laryngoscopically intubated (CI group), and the other group was intubated assisted via a flexible intubation endoscope as described in the protocol (FIE group). The group assignment was done by pulling sealed envelopes. The investigator was assigned randomly on a daily basis.
<p class="jove_co...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Endotracheal Intubation Using a Flexible Intubation Endoscope as a Standardized Model for Safe Airway Management in Swine at JoVE.com

Endotracheal Intubation Using a Flexible Intubation Endoscope as a Standardized Model for Safe Airway Management in Swine

The use of pigs in research has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, pigs are characterized by difficult airway anatomy. By demonstrating how to perform endoscopically guided endotracheal intubation, the present protocol aims to further increase laboratory animals' safety to avoid animal suffering and unnecessary death.

Endotracheal intubation is often a basic requirement for translational research in porcine models for various interventions that require a secured airway ...

This protocol provides a standardized approach for endoscopically-guided endotracheal intubation in swine. This allows securing the airway easier and safer than conventional endotracheal intubation. Compared to the standard, conventional endotracheal intubation, this technique is easier to learn with a steeper learning curve and allows direct supervision by an experienced examiner.We highly recommend that inducing anesthesia to be performed only by specially-trained personnel or under their direct surveillance. By using a video monitor, direct correction by a supervisor is possible. To begin endotracheal intubation, have an assistant standing on the left side of the head of an anesthetized pig.Have the assistant's left hand open the mouth, pinch the tongue outward and left with a compress. Instruct the assistant to press down on the right upper lip with the right index finger for better mouth opening. To perform direct laryngoscopy, insert the laryngoscope into the right side of the mouth and push it forward while pushing the tongue to the left.Advance the tip of the laryngoscope until it rests in the epiglottic vallecula. Carefully push the epiglottis aside with a tube-guiding wire with a gentle scooping motion from the right piriform recess to the left along the soft palate. Pass the handle of the laryngoscope to the assistant to fix it in the current position.Next, take the flexible intubation endoscope onto which an endotracheal tube has already been mounted and is connected to a video monitor. Insert the endoscope orally and advance it over the base of the tongue until the glottis is visualized. Advance the endoscope between the vocal ligaments into the trachea.Confirm the anatomy of the trachea by visually identifying the cartilaginous rings and the pars membranacea. Continue advancing the endoscope until it rests above the carina. Do not touch the sensitive mucosa to avoid swelling and bleeding.While maintaining the endoscope position, advance the endotracheal tube until it becomes visible in the camera image. After positioning, remove the flexible intubation endoscope while maintaining the endotracheal tube. Next, use a 10-milliliter syringe to inflate the cuff with 10 milliliters of air.Control the cuff pressure with a cuff manager. Confirm the correct placement of the endotracheal tube and adequate ventilation by periodic and regular exhalation of carbon dioxide via capnography and double-sided ventilation via auscultation. After connecting the tube with the ventilator, start mechanical ventilation.The number of intubation attempts and time required for carbon dioxide detection in flexible intubation endoscope or FIE, and conventionally-intubated or CI groups, is shown here. In the FIE group, every intubation attempt was successful whereas in the CI group, it took an average of 1.4 attempts. In the FIE group, a longer duration was required for carbon dioxide to be detected in the ventilator compared to the CI group.In the unlikely event that the glottis is not well visualized with the endoscope, it is important that mask ventilation is resumed as soon as there's a relevant drop in oxygen situation.

endotracheal-intubation-using-flexible-intubation-endoscope-as

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation

We describe a novel non surgical technique to maintain oxygenation and ventilation in a case of difficult intubation and difficult ventilation, which works especially well with poor mask fit.
Can not intubate, can not ventilate" (CICV) is a potentially life threatening situation. In this video we present a simulation of the technique we used in a case of CICV where oxygenation and ventilation were maintained by inserting an endotracheal tube (ETT) nasally down to the level of the naso-pharynx while sealing the mouth and nares for successful positive pressure ventilation.
A 13 year old patient was taken to the operating room for incision and drainage of a neck abcess and direct laryngobronchoscopy. After preoxygenation, anesthesia was induced intravenously. Mask ventilation was found to be extremely difficult because of the swelling of the soft tissue. The face mask could not fit properly on the face due to significant facial swelling as well. A direct laryngoscopy was attempted with no visualization of the larynx. Oxygen saturation was difficult to maintain, with saturations falling to 80%. In order to oxygenate and ventilate the patient, an endotracheal tube was then inserted nasally after nasal spray with nasal decongestant and lubricant. The tube was pushed gently and blindly into the hypopharynx. The mouth and nose of the patient were sealed by hand and positive pressure ventilation was possible with 100% O2 with good oxygen saturation during that period of time. Once the patient was stable and well sedated, a rigid bronchoscope was introduced by the otolaryngologist showing extensive subglottic and epiglottic edema, and a mass effect from the abscess, contributing to the airway compromise. The airway was secured with an ETT tube by the otolaryngologist.This video will show a simulation of the technique on a patient undergoing general anesthesia for dental restorations.

We describe a technique to maintain oxygenation and ventilation using an endotracheal tube inserted nasally to the level of the naso-pharynx while sealing the mouth and nares for successful positive pressure ventilation.

We describe a novel non surgical technique to maintain oxygenation and ventilation in a case of difficult intubation and difficult ventilation, which ...

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Fiberoptic intubation in pediatric patients is often required especially in difficult airways of syndromic patients i.e. Pierre Robin Syndrome. Small babies will desaturate very quickly if ventilation is interrupted mainly to high metabolic rate. We describe guidelines to perform a safe fiberoptic intubation while maintaining spontaneous breathing throughout the procedure. Steps requiring the use of propofol pump, fentanyl, glycopyrrolate, red rubber catheter, metal insuflation hook, afrin, lubricant and lidocaine spray are shown.

We describe guidelines to perform a safe and efficient elective fiberoptic intubation in pediatric patients while maintaining spontaneous ventilation.

Fiberoptic intubation in pediatric patients is often required especially in difficult airways of syndromic patients i.e. Pierre Robin Syndrome. Small ...

Endotracheal Intubation in Mice via Direct Laryngoscopy Using an Otoscope

Mice, both wildtype and transgenic, are the principal mammalian model in biomedical research currently. Intubation and mechanical ventilation are necessary for whole animal experiments that require surgery under deep anesthesia or measurements of lung function. Tracheostomy has been the standard for intubating the airway in these mice to allow mechanical ventilation. Orotracheal intubation has been reported but has not been successfully used in many studies because of the substantial technical difficulty or a requirement for highly specialized and expensive equipment. Here we report a technique of direct laryngoscopy using an otoscope fitted with a 2.0 mm speculum and using a 20 G&#160;intravenous catheter as an endotracheal tube. We have used this technique extensively and reliably to intubate and conduct accurate assessments of lung function in mice. This technique has proven safe, with essentially no animal loss in experienced hands. Moreover, this technique can be used for repeated studies of mice in chronic models.

Endotracheal Intubation in Mice via Direct Laryngoscopy Using an Otoscope

We have developed a simple, reliable, and relatively inexpensive method for endotracheal intubation in mice via direct laryngoscopy using an otoscope with a 2.0 mm speculum. This technique is atraumatic and can be used for repeated measurements in chronic experiments. We find it superior to tracheostomy or previously reported nonsurgical techniques.

Mice, both wildtype and transgenic, are the principal mammalian model in biomedical research currently. Intubation and mechanical ventilation are ...

A Simple Method of Mouse Lung Intubation

A simple procedure to intubate mice for pulmonary function measurements would have several advantages in longitudinal studies with limited numbers or expensive animal. One of the reasons that this is not done more routinely is that it is relatively difficult, despite there being several published studies that describe ways to achieve it. In this paper we demonstrate a procedure that eliminates one of the major hurdles associated with this intubation, that of visualizing the trachea during the entire time of intubation. The approach uses a 0.5 mm fiberoptic light source that serves as an introducer to direct the intubation cannula into the mouse trachea. We show that it is possible to use this procedure to measure lung mechanics in individual mice over a time course of at least several weeks. The technique can be set up with relatively little expense and expertise, and it can be routinely accomplished with relatively little training. This should make it possible for any laboratory to routinely carry out this intubation, thereby allowing longitudinal studies in individual mice, thereby minimizing the number of mice needed and increasing the statistical power by using each mouse as its own control.

This paper describes a striaghforward and efficient method of intubating mice for pulmonary function measurements or pulmonary instillation, that allows the mice to recover and be studied at later times. The procedure involves an inexpensive fiberoptic light source that directly illuminates the trachea.

A  simple procedure to intubate mice for pulmonary function measurements would  have several advantages in longitudinal studies with limited numbers or  ...

Intubation-mediated Intratracheal (IMIT) Instillation: A Noninvasive, Lung-specific Delivery System

Respiratory disease studies typically involve the use of murine models as surrogate systems. However, there are significant physiologic differences between the murine and human respiratory systems, especially in their upper respiratory tracts (URT). In some models, these differences in the murine nasal cavity can have a significant impact on disease progression and presentation in the lower respiratory tract (LRT) when using intranasal instillation techniques, potentially limiting the usefulness of the mouse model to study these diseases. For these reasons, it would be advantageous to develop a technique to instill bacteria directly into the mouse lungs in order to study LRT disease in the absence of involvement of the URT. We have termed this lung specific delivery technique intubation-mediated intratracheal (IMIT) instillation. This noninvasive technique minimizes the potential for instillation into the bloodstream, which can occur during more invasive traditional surgical intratracheal infection approaches, and limits the possibility of incidental digestive tract delivery. IMIT is a two-step process in which mice are first intubated, with an intermediate step to ensure correct catheter placement into the trachea, followed by insertion of a blunt needle into the catheter to mediate direct delivery of bacteria into the lung. This approach facilitates a &#62;98% efficacy of delivery into the lungs with excellent distribution of reagent throughout the lung. Thus, IMIT represents a novel approach to study LRT disease and therapeutic delivery directly into the lung, improving upon the ability to use mice as surrogates to study human respiratory disease. Furthermore, the accuracy and reproducibility of this delivery system also makes it amenable to Good Laboratory Practice Standards (GLPS), as well as delivery of a wide range of reagents which require high efficiency delivery to the lung.

Intubation-mediated Intratracheal IMIT Instillation: A Noninvasive, Lung-specific Delivery System

Intubation-mediated intratracheal (IMIT) instillation of reagents is an excellent, noninvasive method for studying respiratory disease, as well as a method for instilling therapeutic reagents directly into the lung. It is a rapid and highly reproducible method which is suitable for preclinical testing.

Respiratory disease studies typically involve the use of murine models as surrogate systems. However, there are significant physiologic differences ...

An Improved Method for Rapid Intubation of the Trachea in Mice

Despite some anatomical and physiological differences, mouse models continue to be an essential tool for studying human lung disease. Bleomycin toxicity is a commonly used model to study both acute lung injury and fibrosis, and multiple methods have been developed for administering bleomycin (and other toxic agents) into the lungs. However, many of these approaches, such as transtracheal instillation, have inherent drawbacks, including the need for strong anesthetics and survival surgery. This paper reports a quick, reproducible method of intratracheal intubation that involves mild inhaled anesthesia, visualization of the trachea, and the use of a surrogate spirometer to confirm exposure. As a proof of concept, 8-12 week old C57BL/6 mice were administered either 2.0 U/kg of bleomycin or an equivalent volume of PBS, and both damage and fibrotic endpoints were measured post-exposure. This procedure allows researchers to treat a large cohort of mice in a relatively short period with little expense and minimal post-procedure care.

This article presents a rapid and simple method for administering bleomycin directly into the mouse trachea via intubation. Key advantages of this method are that it is highly reproducible, easy to master, and does not require specialized equipment or lengthy recovery times.

Despite some anatomical and physiological differences, mouse models continue to be an essential tool for studying human lung disease. Bleomycin toxicity ...

Topical Airway Anesthesia for Awake-endoscopic Intubation Using the Spray-as-you-go Technique with High Oxygen Flow

A patient&#39;s willingness to cooperate is an absolute precondition for successful awake intubation of the trachea. Whilst drug-sedation of patients can jeopardize their spontaneous breathing, topical anesthesia of the airway is a popular technique. The spray-as-you-go technique represents one of the simplest opportunities to anesthetize the airway mucosa. The application of local anesthetic through the working channel of the flexible endoscope is a widespread practice for anesthetists as well as pulmonologists. There is neither need for additional devices nor special training as a pre-requisite to perform this technique. However, a known clinical problem is the coughing and gagging reflex that may occur when the liquid anesthetic strikes the airway mucosa and other sensitive structures like the vocal cords. This can be avoided by the use of oxygen applied through the working channel with the aim of fogging the local anesthetic into finer particles. Furthermore, the oxygen flow provides a higher oxygen supply and contributes to a better view, dispersing mucus secretions and blood away from the lens. Using an atomizer with a high oxygen flow of 10 L/min we maximized these benefits, caused less coughing and had more satisfied and therefore cooperative patients. Possible, but very rare complications of using oxygen flow including gastric insufflation, organ rupture or barotrauma did not arise. We attribute the complication-free use of high oxygen flow to the design of the set, which permits flow and pressure release.

The topical anesthetic lidocaine was atomized using a high oxygen flow through the working channel of a flexible intubating endoscope to achieve topical airway anesthesia for awake endotracheal intubation. We prefer this modified spray-as-you-go technique for endoscopic intubation to classical bolus application because of higher patient satisfaction and better compliance.

A patient&#39;s willingness to cooperate is an absolute precondition for successful awake intubation of the trachea. Whilst drug-sedation of patients can ...

A Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Model in Swine Using an Ameroid Constrictor

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of mortality in the United States. There are numerous approaches to treating these diseases, but regardless of the approach, an in vivo model is needed to test each treatment. The pig is one of the most used large animal models for cardiovascular disease. Its heart is very similar in anatomy and function to that of a human. The ameroid placement technique creates an ischemic area of the heart, which has many useful applications in studying myocardial infarction. This model has been used for surgical research, pharmaceutical studies, imaging techniques, and cell therapies.
There are several ways of inducing an ischemic area in the heart. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but the placement of an ameroid constrictor remains the most widely used technique. The main advantages to using the ameroid are its prevalence in existing research, its availability in various sizes to accommodate the anatomy and size of the vessel to be constricted, the surgery is a relatively simple procedure, and the post-operative monitoring is minimal, since there are no external devices to maintain. This paper provides a detailed overview of the proper technique for the placement of the ameroid constrictor.

The purpose of this protocol is to demonstrate the placement of a delayed constricting device (an ameroid constrictor) around a coronary artery in a swine model. This device creates an ischemic area of the heart that is useful for studying new diagnostic imaging techniques and new methods of treatment.

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of mortality in the United States. There are numerous approaches to treating these diseases, but ...

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

A stable and reliable model of chronic heart failure is required for many experiments to understand hemodynamics or to test effects of new treatment methods. Here, we present such a model by tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy, which can be produced by rapid cardiac pacing in swine.
A single pacing lead is introduced transvenously into fully anaesthetized healthy swine, to the apex of the right ventricle, and fixated. Its other end is then tunneled dorsally to the paravertebral region. There, it is connected to an in-house modified heart pacemaker unit that is then implanted in a subcutaneous pocket. 
After 4 - 8 weeks of rapid ventricular pacing at rates of 200 - 240 beats/min, physical examination revealed signs of severe heart failure - tachypnea, spontaneous sinus tachycardia, and fatigue. Echocardiography and X-ray showed dilation of all heart chambers, effusions, and severe systolic dysfunction. These findings correspond well to decompensated dilated cardiomyopathy and are also preserved after the cessation of pacing.
This model of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy can be used for studying the pathophysiology of progressive chronic heart failure, especially hemodynamic changes caused by new treatment modalities like mechanical circulatory supports. This methodology is easy to perform and the results are robust and reproducible.

Here, we present a protocol to produce tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in swine. This model represents a potent way to study the hemodynamics of progressive chronic heart failure and the effects of applied treatment.

A stable and reliable model of chronic heart failure is required for many experiments to understand hemodynamics or to test effects of new treatment ...

The Dyspepsia Educational Tool As a Novel Aid in Dyspepsia Management

Digital educational tools have a well-established role in current healthcare. In particular, disorders that are managed non-pharmacologically benefit from this development, as it enables patient engagement in self-management. Dyspepsia is a condition thought to arise from gastric and duodenal perturbations, brain-gut axis disturbances, and dietary factors. Behavioral interventions are a major part of dyspepsia treatment, hence patient engagement and motivation through education is essential. Protocols that describe the development process of such educational tools are scarce. We provide a methodology describing development of a dyspepsia educational tool. Assessment of users' needs is the first step, followed by a literature search. The content is developed based on the main themes and entered into a content management system, to build the program. Final adjustments are made after a pilot test of the tool. The presented protocol can be used as a guide for development of a digital dyspepsia educational tool or as a tool for similar situations.

This protocol describes the development process of a digital dyspepsia educational tool. Assessment of unmet needs and literature, content development, and building of the tool are presented. The methodology can be used as a guide for future development of digital educational tools.

Digital educational tools have a well-established role in current healthcare. In particular, disorders that are managed non-pharmacologically benefit from ...