Here’s a brief clinical example of dual endoscopy using the CMAC VL and VS (video stylet). This case was performed for teaching purposes, rather than a difficult airway. Note the endoscopic view appearing as a picture-in-picture is from the editing; the images are on two separate displays. (It starts a little late due to the author forgetting to press the record button on the device).
If you work in an environment without constant access to staff to clean and process your video laryngoscopes, you need to know how to do it yourself. This quick video demonstrates pragmatic cleaning of the C-MAC VL (original and latest version) for low-risk patients. Where there is high infection risk, heavy soiling or blood on the blades, high level disinfection may be indicated.
Clinical video demonstrating a collection of techniques to facilitate elective intubation for a patient with an unstable cervical spinal injury in caliper traction. Note the sideways introduction of the VL blade due to limited space for the VL handle, optimisation of the view (‘Rule of 3’), use of a coude-tipped bougie (introducer), and the 3-part technique to advance the endotracheal tube when it catches on the arytenoid cartilage (pull tube back to disengage, rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise, advance tube).
Demonstration of an unhurried intubation using a bougie preloaded in the reinforced endotracheal tube in an Airtraq optical laryngoscope with Airtraq Cam video adapter. You can note ideal positioning of the Airtraq (“Rule of 3”) and the steering ability of a coude-tipped bougie.
This real-life videolaryngoscopy example (RSI of a patient with a head injury for craniectomy) shows some commom errors, and room for improvement. Three major areas that could be better to spot here:
A classic example of good videolaryngoscopy technique being thwarted by not always using an introducer (stylet or bougie). Note the clinician performing the intubation gets perfect, optimised VL view (Rule of 3), but then struggles to pass the ETT anteriorly enough, losing time. Although this was no problem for the well-oxygenated patient in this case (and the intubation is still under 45 seconds duration), in a critical case it can lead to desaturation, frustration, and possible intubation trauma.
Ross’s talk from the 2015 SMACCdub meeting, with credit to #SMACC and the Intensive Care Network.
This and many other talks available on the SMACC home pages.
Click here for the slides, podcast and original abstract on ICN.
Jean-Christopher Ozenne (@JCOzenne) of Gouvieux, France has generously published this great video on how to build “The Mustache” – a breathing, bleeding cricothyroidotomy simulator – using cheap and ubiquitous equipment. Can’t wait to try this one out…I particularly like the artistic touch. To paraphrase V himself: A cric trainer without bleeding is not a cric trainer worth having.
Herewith a quick tutorial on the use and placement of the bifurcated, dual-balloon ‘EZ-Blocker’ bronchial blocker. More videos on the DLT vs BB debate, the other blockers, and troubleshooting advice to follow. Comments welcomed as always!
If you’ve found OpenAirway by search or accident, and the concept of #FOAM (Free, Open-Access Meducation) is new to you, then you’ll find the following video enlightening. The SMACC (Social Media And Critical Care) meeting is the yearly gathering of #FOAM enthusiasts, although it’s spiritual home, arguably, is within the ether of the Internet. OpenAirway was proud to be represented at SMACC this year in Dublin – truly an opportunity to interact, connect and be inspired by the best minds in acute and critical care from all disciplines.