Emergency flexible fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation: a report of 60 cases.
We describe our experience with 60 consecutive intubations using flexible fiberoptic nasotracheal technique in the emergency setting. Fifty-seven of the procedures were carried out by two emergency physicians initially trained on intubation manikins. A learning curve is constructed demonstrating that time to intubation is decreased after nine or ten intubations. Complications are reviewed. Bleeding occurred in 22% of patients; the technique failed in 13%. Failure to intubate with fiberoptic technique was associated with specific problems such as bleeding, tumor, or agitation. Our results demonstrate both the limitations and special use of flexible fiberoptic technique.
Emergency Department, Bellevue Hospital, New York, New York 10016.
K A
KA
Delaney
R
R
Hessler
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000628:therapy; D004630:Emergencies; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007828:Laryngoscopy