The role of ultrasound in front-of-neck access for cricothyroid membrane identification: A systematic review.

Purpose: Conventional palpation techniques for cricothyroid membrane (CTM) identification are inaccurate and unreliable. Ultrasound plays a multi-faceted role in airway management, however there is limited literature around its use for CTM identification prior to cricothyrotomies. This review sought to compare ultrasound to palpation in the general population, identify its indications in subjects with ill-defined neck anatomy, and determine its role in defining neck anatomy.

The effect of virtual reality bronchoscopy simulator training on performance of bronchoscopic-guided intubation in patients: A randomised controlled trial.

Background: The use of a flexible optical bronchoscopic (FOB) for intubation is an essential airway management skill.

Objective(s): Our primary objective was to compare the effects of simulator training (ORSIM high-fidelity simulator) with no simulation training on the performance of FOB intubation in anaesthetised patients.

Design: Randomised controlled trial.

A Perioperative Smoking Cessation Intervention With Varenicline, Counseling, and Fax Referral to a Telephone Quitline Versus a Brief Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The effectiveness of perioperative interventions to quit smoking with varenicline has not been compared with brief interventions. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of a comprehensive smoking cessation program versus a brief intervention for smoking cessation.

Methods: In this prospective, multicenter study, 296 patients were randomized to participate in a smoking cessation program (one 10- to 15-minute counseling session, pharmacotherapy with varenicline, an educational pamphlet, and a fax referral to a telephone quitline); or brief advice and self-referral to a telephone quitline.