E3 Flashcards
When would an esophageal obturator/combitube be used
Failure to intubate
• introduced as a sub for intubation
• esp by EMT/paramedics
What is a combitube and the functions of it’s parts.
Double lumen blind insertion device
• distal lumen = intended to enter the esophagus
• proximal lumen = should terminate at tracheal level for pt ventilation
Allows for decompression of gastric contents
May be used with PPV
• Up to 50cm H2O for short periods
Types of manufactured rigid DLs
- single piece
* detachable blade/handle
What are the components of a rigid DL
Light source
Handle
Blade
Describe the light source for the laryngoscope
• light bulb or fiberoptic
What is the design of the laryngoscope handle? How is it held?
- part held in LEFT hand
- provides power for light
- most use disposable batteries
- MOST form right angle to blade when ready for use (when blade open)
What is the laryngoscope blade purpose and it’s design.
- inserted into mouth
- different sizes
- increasing number=increased size
- tongue=manipulate and compresses soft tissue for better insertion
- directly or indirectly elevates epiglottis
Design and sizing of macintosh blade
• Tongue has gentle curve
anatomical- Tip is in and visualize vallecula
b/c epiglottis is pulled forward
Size:
• #3 and #4 = useful for adults
advantage and disadvantage of the macintosh blade
advantage
• Makes intubation easier
b/c blade requires mouth opening due to blade size
Disadvantage
• Can cause greater c-spine movement than with Miller
When a macintosh blade is used, how is it inserted and what is visualized
View of epiglottis with macintosh
After epiglottis is visualized tip advanced into vallecula
Pressure at right angle to blade to move base of tongue and epiglottis forward
Can be used like Miller to elevate tip of epiglottis
Design and sizing of the miller blade
Tongue is straight
with slight upward tip-
Blade goes over epiglottis and lifts it
Sizing:
• #2 and #3 for adults
Advantages of the miller blade
Force, head extension, and c-spine movement is less
Great for smaller mouths and longer necks
What structures are visualized and how is the miller used to do so.
Complications of being too far or withdrawing?
View of epiglottis with miller
Blade lifts epiglottis
If inserted too far
it elevates larynx or esophagus
If withdrawn too far
epiglottis flips down and covers glottis
Technique for laryngoscope insertion including position and advancement
- “sniffing” position
- 35° cervical flexion and 85° extension of atlanto-occipital level
Insertion • right hand opens mouth “scissor” • Insert blade on right side of mouth • Advancing = keeps tongue to left and elevated • Do not rick back and damage teeth • View epiglottis
What is the atlanto-occipital level and significance for intubation
imaginary line btwn external auditory meatus and sternal notch
• 85° extension of atlanto-occipital level
Why is the scissor technique used with DL and what is most important to note with using this technique
- keeps lips free
- to accommodate blade insertion
- right hand opens mouth “scissor”
- Remove hand once blade inserted
What may be require for a difficult airway
• may require the use of a flexible fiberoptic scope
What is the design and advantage of the fiberoptic scope for difficult airway
Design
• with glass fiber bundles in the scope
• a camera view
Advantage
• allows identification of landmarks
• facilitates intubation
How is the fiberoptic scope used for a difficult intubation
- neutral position
- need a fiberoptic scope oral airway
- can be awake or “asleep
Why is positioning important for intubation? How is optimal position achieved?
- Aligning axis to get straight view down oropharynx through VCs
- Can’t just raise HOB b/c Axis won’t be aligned
Achieved:
• Use something that isn’t compressible (blankets/sheets)
–Sniffing position = 35deg cervical flexion and 85 deg extension of AO level
What is the design and purpose of the bullard laryngoscope? When may it be useful?
Parts/design:
- Working port for suction
- Eye piece to indirectly view cords
- ETT fastened to laryngoscope
- Light source/handle is upright
Purpose:
- To indirectly view cords
- May be useful in small mouths that don’t open well
What were advantages of the bullard (3)
- helpful in difficult intubations
- causes less cervical spine movement than direct laryngoscopy
- more rugged than fiberoptic scope
What were disadvantages of the bullard (5)
- requires experience
- somewhat expensive (back in the day)
- cleaning more involved
- laser ETT and double lumen will not fit
- has largely been replaced with video laryngoscopes
What is the design and purpose of the Wu Scope? How was insertion achieved?
Design
• Rigid, tubular blade and flexible fiberscope
• Eye piece at the end
• ETT and suction thread through 2 blades
Insertion:
• Insert like OPA- in midline
• Back blade removed first
• then remainder of unit second