Use of a video laryngoscope to facilitate removal of a long, sharp-pointed blade from the esophagus.

Initial management of ingested esophageal foreign bodies involves airway assessment, determination of the requirement for and timing of therapeutic intervention, risk mitigation during removal, and identification of all indicated equipment for retrieval. Long, sharp-pointed objects lodged in the esophagus require emergent attention and should be retrieved endoscopically, if perforation has not occurred. Inducing general anesthesia and rapidly securing the airway can minimize the risk of aspiration, mitigate any effects of tracheal compression, avoid the potential of exacerbating existing trauma, and provide optimal conditions for removal of long, sharp-pointed esophageal foreign bodies.

Comparing success rates of anesthesia providers versus trauma surgeons in their use of palpation to identify the cricothyroid membrane in female subjects: a prospective observational study.

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to compare the success rates of anesthesia providers vs trauma surgeons in their use of palpation to identify the cricothyroid membrane (CTM). The secondary aim was to explore whether prior training and experience performing surgical airways affected the success rates for identifying the CTM.

Methods: Four female adults participated in this prospective observational study.

Clinically relevant exaggerated pharmacodynamic response to dual antiplatelet therapy detected by Thromboelastogram(®) Platelet Mapping™.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is the standard of care for primary and secondary prevention strategies in patients with coronary artery disease after stenting. Current guidelines recommend that DAPT be continued for 12 months in patients after receiving drug eluting stents. Approximately 5% of these patients will present within this 12-month period for noncardiac surgery.

Evaluation of Waste Anesthetic Gas in the Postanesthesia Care Unit within the Patient Breathing Zone.

Potential health hazards from waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) have been a concern since the introduction of inhalational anesthetics into clinical practice. The potential to exceed recommended exposure levels (RELs) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) exists. The aim of this pilot study was to assess sevoflurane WAG levels while accounting for factors that affect inhalational anesthetic elimination.

Erroneous creation of a surgical airway through the thyrohyoid membrane.

This case report illustrates the importance of proper assessment, management, and creation of an emergent surgical airway. Assessment after the establishment of surgical airways should include confirmation of correct surgical site and appropriate location and depth of tracheostomy, tracheal tube, or catheter placement within the trachea. Supraglottic surgical airway access, as occurred in this case, can lead to laryngotracheal and esophageal injury.