Role of ultrasonography in an impalpable tissue larynx model during a simulated front-of-neck access scenario: a randomized simulation study.

Purpose: A large vertical incision is recommended when performing front-of-neck access in patients with impalpable neck landmarks during a cannot intubate-cannot oxygenate (CICO) scenario. We investigated the impact of ultrasonography on vertical incision size of a front-of-neck access on an ultrasound-compatible impalpable porcine larynx model.

Methods: Emergency medicine and anesthesia trainees were randomized to the Ultrasound (US, n = 21) and Non-Ultrasound (NUS, n = 21) groups.

Establishing a definitive airway in the trauma patient by novice intubators: A randomised crossover simulation study.

Background: Establishing a definitive airway, defined as a tube placed in the trachea with cuff inflated below the vocal cords, is standard of care in pre-hospital airway management of the trauma patient. However, in this setting, and using manual in-line stabilisation of the neck, success rate of intubation by inexperience providers is suboptimal. The use of supraglottic airway devices that allow blind tracheal intubation has been suggested as an alternative method by the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) programme of the American College of Surgeons.