Daily titration of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist using the diaphragm electrical activity.

Purpose: To determine the feasibility of daily titration of the neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) level in relation to the maximal diaphragmatic electrical activity (EAdi(maxSBT)) measured during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) during pressure support ventilation (PSV).

Methods: The study included 15 consecutive patients in whom mechanical ventilation weaning was initiated with the NAVA mode. EAdi(maxSBT) was determined daily during an SBT using PSV with 7 cmH2O of inspiratory pressure and no positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

[Two consecutive intubations using neonatal Airtraq in an infant with difficult airway].

We used successfully Airtraq-combined to a gum-elastic boogie to intubate twice a dysmorphic infant with mucolipidosis, in whom direct laryngoscopy failed. If this result is confirmed by prospective studies, Airtraq could be a first-line device to intubate infants with difficult intubation.