A New Schema for Extraglottic Devices

A New Schema for Extraglottic Devices

Airway devices abound both in the ED and in the prehospital environment. Over the past few decades the use of extraglottic devices has increased significantly. In this post, Dr. Andrew Cathers recaps a recent article from Annals of Emergency Medicine where the authors sought to categorize these devices by the ways in which they are placed and to then apply that categorization to a cohort of deceased patients to hopefully shed light on the use and failures of these devices.

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Grand Rounds Recap 6.05.19

Grand Rounds Recap 6.05.19

We hope you enjoy this week’s Grand Rounds Recap from 6.05.2019. We started the day with a talk on how to master the extraglottic device during Airway Grand Rounds with Dr. Carleton. Next, Dr. Liebman talked about error reduction in Airway Management with the use of checklists. Dr. Shaw then presented a fascinating case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Dr. Walsh shared some pearls as to how to utilize the Sgarbossa Criteria. Lastly, we were honored to have Dr. Dunlop talk to us about trauma in the developing world during Global Health Grand Rounds.

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The Last Gasp

The Last Gasp

It is undoubted that effective airway management is a critical link in the care of patients with both in-hospital cardiac arrest and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.  But how exactly should one manage the airway?  What results in the best outcomes for our patients? Should we be aiming to intubate every patient? Or, are extraglottic devices as effective (or more effective)? What about the good old bag-valve mask?  In our most recent Journal Club we explored the evidence surrounding airway management in cardiac arrest, covering 3 high impact articles.  We also touch on an abstract presented at the 2018 SAEM Academic Assembly which should add significantly to the body of literature when it is published in full.  Take a listen to our recap podcast below and/or read on for the summaries and links to the articles.

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Grand Rounds Recap 9/14

Grand Rounds Recap 9/14

This week we had a special visit from Dr. Darren Braude from the University of New Mexico Department of Emergency Medicine to speak on special topics in airway management. He introduced us to the idea of Rapid Sequence Airway (RSA) and other novel thoughts on extraglottic devices.  We then had a chance to dive in to our regularly scheduled program with topics ranging from tuberculosis to ED operations to complex febrile seizure.  Enjoy!

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More than You Ever Wanted to Know About Extra Glottic Devices

More than You Ever Wanted to Know About Extra Glottic Devices

Our good friend Jim DuCanto visited us earlier this year. We spent several days sharing knowledge and perspectives.

Part of our time together was spent recording this podcast. It has been simmering and is finally available for listening. Within, we briefly go through the history of the extra-glottic device (EGD) in general, and then, we talk about the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and its “descendants” in great detail.

Jim really had a tremendous wealth of knowledge to share…

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Rescue Me

Rescue Me

Extraglottic devices are often term "rescue devices."  And I can't decide whether this is a term that glorifies or degrades.  While yes they can often save your tail after a failed attempt at direct or video laryngoscopy, they can do so much more. Running a code in a resource limited setting with 2 providers? The gold standard of 2 person bag valve mask technique ain't going to be an option for you.  And you think you can hold C-E mask seal while bagging for 20 min?  If you can, you must have hands that rival the late great Andre Rene Roussimoff...

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