GlideScope video laryngoscope-assisted nasotracheal intubation by cuff-inflation technique in head and neck cancer patients

Nasotracheal intubation using a steel wire as stylet

“…Cuff inflation and use of an Endotrol tracheal tube may be alternative methods. [2] In our experience, we would prefer to use a steel wire as stylet to facilitate nasotracheal intubation. The flexibility of steel wires which have been shaped can not only enhance ease of insertion of the tube tip through the nasopharyngeal passage to reduce nasopharyngeal bleeding, but also approach to the glottis easily without the help of Magill forceps.…”

Nasotracheal Intubation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients by Videolaryngoscope Using Cuff Inflation Technique

“…We may still need to use Magill's forceps, optimal external laryngeal manipulation, Eschmann stylet or rotation of the head to guide endotracheal tube into glottis [12]. The cuff inflation has also been described for BNI and laryngoscope guided NTI [13]. VL's (Glidescope or CMAC D blade) can be inserted into oral cavity in such patients if the mouth opening is sufficient for insertion of VL (1.4-1.5 cm at least) and provide a good glottic view in cases where it is impossible with a conventional laryngoscope.…”

“…VL's (Glidescope or CMAC D blade) can be inserted into oral cavity in such patients if the mouth opening is sufficient for insertion of VL (1.4-1.5 cm at least) and provide a good glottic view in cases where it is impossible with a conventional laryngoscope. VL's have been proven to be superior to conventional laryngoscopes for orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation when used by novices in airway management [12,13]. Videolaryngoscope like Glidescope VL can be used to assist NTI using cuff inflation technique for intubation in head and neck cancer patients [13].…”

“…VL's have been proven to be superior to conventional laryngoscopes for orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation when used by novices in airway management [12,13]. Videolaryngoscope like Glidescope VL can be used to assist NTI using cuff inflation technique for intubation in head and neck cancer patients [13]. Glidescope video laryngoscope (GSVL; Saturn Biomedical Systems, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) has a blade angled upward about 60 º which provides a wide visual field.…”

“…In our experience, GSLV provided better glottic exposure during NTI with minimum airway distortion. We had used cuff inflation technique (cuff inflated with 15-20 mL of air) to guide the ETT into glottis after visualization of glottis [13]. This lifts the ETT from the posterior pharyngeal wall and moves it towards the glottis.…”