Taisuke Kumamoto1, Koichiro Tashima2, Chieko Hiraoka2, Yoshihiro Ikuta2, Tatsuo Yamamoto2. 1. Department of Anesthesiology, Kumamoto University Hospital, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-ku, 860-8556, Kumamoto, Japan. kumamototaisuke0422@yahoo.co.jp. 2. Department of Anesthesiology, Kumamoto University Hospital, 1-1-1, Honjo, Chuo-ku, 860-8556, Kumamoto, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered a relatively safe diagnostic monitoring method, blind probe insertion is associated with pharyngeal trauma. Through visual observation of the esophageal inlet with the McGRATH video laryngoscope, it may be possible to insert the TEE probe at an appropriate angle and prevent pharyngeal trauma. We conducted a manikin study to investigate whether the use of the McGRATH video laryngoscope for TEE probe insertion reduced the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall. METHODS: Twenty-seven junior (inexperienced group) and 10 senior (experienced group) anesthesiologists participated in this study. The TEE probe was inserted into an airway manikin in a blind fashion (blind group) or under visualization with the McGRATH (McGRATH group) video laryngoscope (three times each). A sealed bag filled with normal saline was placed on the back of the posterior pharyngeal wall of the manikin and connected to a patient monitoring system via a pressure transducer. We measured the internal bag pressure and approximated this value to the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall. RESULTS: The pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall was significantly lower in the McGRATH group than in the blind group (p < 0.001) and was significantly reduced when the McGRATH was employed in both the inexperienced (p < 0.001) and experienced (p < 0.001) groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TEE probe insertion under the assistance of the McGRATH video laryngoscope can reduce the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall, regardless of the clinician's experience, and may inform clinical practice with the potential to reduce probe insertion-associated complication rates.
BACKGROUND: Although transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is considered a relatively safe diagnostic monitoring method, blind probe insertion is associated with pharyngeal trauma. Through visual observation of the esophageal inlet with the McGRATH video laryngoscope, it may be possible to insert the TEE probe at an appropriate angle and prevent pharyngeal trauma. We conducted a manikin study to investigate whether the use of the McGRATH video laryngoscope for TEE probe insertion reduced the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall. METHODS: Twenty-seven junior (inexperienced group) and 10 senior (experienced group) anesthesiologists participated in this study. The TEE probe was inserted into an airway manikin in a blind fashion (blind group) or under visualization with the McGRATH (McGRATH group) video laryngoscope (three times each). A sealed bag filled with normal saline was placed on the back of the posterior pharyngeal wall of the manikin and connected to a patient monitoring system via a pressure transducer. We measured the internal bag pressure and approximated this value to the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall. RESULTS: The pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall was significantly lower in the McGRATH group than in the blind group (p < 0.001) and was significantly reduced when the McGRATH was employed in both the inexperienced (p < 0.001) and experienced (p < 0.001) groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TEE probe insertion under the assistance of the McGRATH video laryngoscope can reduce the pressure on the posterior pharyngeal wall, regardless of the clinician's experience, and may inform clinical practice with the potential to reduce probe insertion-associated complication rates.
Entities:
Keywords:
McGRATH video laryngoscope; Probe insertion; Transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Jan N Hilberath; Daryl A Oakes; Stanton K Shernan; Bernard E Bulwer; Michael N D'Ambra; Holger K Eltzschig Journal: J Am Soc Echocardiogr Date: 2010-11 Impact factor: 5.251
Authors: James K Min; Kirk T Spencer; Kathy T Furlong; Jeanne M DeCara; Lissa Sugeng; R Parker Ward; Roberto M Lang Journal: J Am Soc Echocardiogr Date: 2005-09 Impact factor: 5.251