1. Airway Management Workshop – Advanced
March 31, 2016 Orlando, FL
Airway Management Workshop – Advanced
Jose C. Mercado, PA-C, MMS, DFAAPA
Updated 12/08/2015

2. Airway Workshop – Advanced
Clear Instruction
Live Demonstration
Hands –On
Practice
Learn by doing
Change tracheostomy tube
Resolve blocked tracheostomy
Resolve tracheostomy air leak
Perform cricothyrotomy

3. Introduction
There are multiple methods and techniques available to successfully complete all the topics presented in this workshop. Some are based on patient request, available equipment or supervising physician’s preference.
The goal of this workshop is to correctly demonstrate the most common methods and give participants time for hands on training.

4. Learning Objectives Learning objectives
Discuss and practice tracheostomy care techniques.
Discuss and practice management for tracheostomy airway obstruction.
Discuss and practice management for tracheostomy airway leaks.
Discuss and practice manament for tracheostomy bleeding.
Discuss indications for and practice cricothyrotomy.

5. Emergency Cricothyrotomy Catheter

6. Cricothyrotomy Indications Temporary emergency airway.
When tracheal intubation is not possible.
When face mask or laryngeal mask is unsuccessful.
Contraindications
Inability to identify cricothyroid membrane.
Children under 8 years of age.
Burn or infection over incision site.
Direct trauma obscuring landmarks.

7. Locate landmark
Prep site

8. One inch vertical incision

9. Aspirate air bubbles to verify location
Introducer catheter
Introduce catheter 45°
Aspirate air bubbles to verify location

10. Insert flexible guide wire (Seldinger Technique).

11. Remove introducer catheter.
Anchor flexible guide wire.

12. Insert Cricothyrotomy catheter
Use corkscrew movement to dilate & insert cricothyrotomy catheter.

13. Technical tip
Always visualize proximal end of the wire during airway insertion to prevent inadvertent loss into trachea.

14. Remove flexible guide wire
Connect to ventilator, verify end tidal.

15. Verify placement
When carbon dioxide detector changes from purple to yellow, indicates correct position and airway exchange.
A carbon dioxide detector is used to confirm the exchange of air during resuscitation.
Attach the CO2 detector to the cricothyrotomy catheter and begin monitoring CO2 levels with breath to breath response. A color change between inspiration and expiration helps you verify proper tube placement in seconds. Purple to yellow indicated good air exchange

16. Suture catheter in place vs. ties?
Secure catheter
Suture catheter in place vs. ties?

17. Task: Perform Cricothyrotomy Indications: Temporary emergency airway when tracheal intubation, face mask or laryngeal mask is not possible or unsuccessful.
1. Explain Procedure. Locate landmarks
2. Make 1 inch vertical incision.
3. Introduce catheter at 45° angle and aspirate bubbles to verify location.
4. Insert flexible guide wire (Seldinger Technique).
5. Anchor guide wire and remove catheter.
6. Insert cricothyrotomy catheter.
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©

18. Tracheostomy Care

19. Clinical Consensus Statement
Clinical consensus statement (CCS) Aims to improve care for pediatric and adult patient with a tracheostomy tube.
Approaches to tracheostomy care are currently inconsistent among clinicians and between different institutions.
The goal is to reduce variations in practice when managing patient with a tracheostomy to minimize complications.
Variations in care and management of patient with a tracheostomy exist between hospitals, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and in the emergency room.
Presently, the current literature does not support the development of clinical practice guidelines but favors a consensus of expertise.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Jan;148(1):6-20. doi: / Epub 2012 Sep 18.

20. Granulation tissue is a common consequence of tracheotomy, occurring in 10-80% of cases, and it typically appears as pink and fleshy protuberant
tissue. Histologically, it is composed of friable, immature blood vessels, which are prone to bleeding and can
complicate a tracheostomy tube change by obstructing the stoma or with bleeding, resulting in loss of airway.

21. Selection of Tracheostomy
Tracheostomy tubes come in different sizes and different materials. Two types of tracheostomy tubes commonly used are Polyvinyl chloride tracheostomy tubes (Shiley) and Silicone (Bivona). Shiley tubes are slightly flexible and Bivona are the most flexible. Both Shiley and Bivona tubes come standard with a universal adapter for ventilation. In double cannula tubes, the inner cannula is inserted and locked in place after the obturator is removed. The inner cannula can be removed briefly for cleaning. The outer tube is secured to the patient. Single cannula tubes are often used in children and do not have an inner cannula.
The Tracheostomy Care portion of the workshop will ONLY focus on dealing with complications associated with ;
Obstruction
Decannulation (Accidental & Intentional)
Bleeding
Leaks
Changing tracheostomy

22. Selection of Tracheostomy
Fenestrated tracheostomy tubes facilitate speech by allowing better translaryngeal air flow. Some clinicians believe that fenestrated tubes also aid in the clearance of secretions. Other clinicians feel that these tubes promote the development of granulation tissue along the tracheal wall at the level of the fenestrations. Since there is not enough scientific data to support either opinion, it is up to surgeon’s preference.
Cuffed tubes have a balloon at the distal end of the tube and allow for mechanical ventilation.
Uncuffed tubes are generally preferred in children. Except when requiring ventilation with high pressures, requiring ventilation only at night, or with chronic translaryngeal aspiration.

23. Tracheostomy Tube
Tracheostomy bypasses normal airway humidification and warming which can lead to increased mucosal secretions. Important to provide external humidification.
Mercado 2011 ©

24. Obstruction
Check inner cannula – most common cause of obstruction – mucous plug. Clear by rinsing inner cannula and suction distally.
Rinse -
Remove inner cannula.
Soak in hydrogen peroxide.
Use brush.
Rinse warm saline.
Dry and replace.

25. Obstruction Suction tracheostomy
Position the patient’s head with a roll under the shoulders. Ensure that the outer opening of the tube is clear.
Check inner cannula – most common cause of obstruction – mucous plug.
Saline bullets and suction
Visualize distal end tracheostomy tube, checking for granulation tissue.
If unable to clear obstruction may need to change trachoestomy tube.
Mercado 2011 ©
Mercado 2011 ©

26. Obstruction
Perform trans tracheal flexible endoscopy to visualize tracheal rings (a) and carina (b) checking for distal obstruction.
Mercado 2011 ©

27. Task: Resolve Blocked Tracheostomy Indications: Blocked or leaking tracheostomy tube, poor saturation, etc
1. Explain Procedure. Monitor oxygen saturation.
2. Check equipment, ensure cuff functions.
3. Position the patient supine with a shoulder roll to hyperextend the neck and bring tracheal orifice closer to surface.
4. Provide supplemental oxygen prior to procedure.
5. Check inner cannula – most common cause of obstruction – mucous plug.
Rinse - inner cannula with warm saline.
Suction -use saline bullets and suction.
6. Visualize distal end tracheostomy tube with flexible fiberoptic endoscope checking for granulation tissue.
Pearl - If unable to clear obstruction may need to change trachoestomy tube.
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©

28. Tracheostomy Change
Indications: for tracheostomy change include minimizing risk of postoperative infection and granulation tissue formation, verifying formation of a stable tract for ancillary support staff, and downsizing the tracheostomy tube if the patient is clinically improving. Contraindications: Changing a tracheostomy tube too soon after operation (generally < 5 d) before tract has healed adequately, which increases the likelihood of entry into a false passage, Inadequate lighting, exposure, and equipment. Performer inexperience and unavailability of staff versed in airway management. Extremely high ventilator settings, which increases the risk of decannulation. Patient noncooperation without ancillary support

29. Task: Change Tracheostomy
1. Explain Procedure. Monitor oxygen saturation.
2. Check equipment, ensure cuff functions.
3. Position the patient supine with a shoulder roll to hyperextend the neck and bring tracheal orifice closer to surface.
4. Provide supplemental oxygen prior to procedure.
5. Deflate cuff, suction and release ties. Ensure tracheostomy is stabilized.
6. Remove tracheostomy as patient coughs.
7. Insert new tracheostomy with obturator within lumen. (Rotate 90º from its
correct position, to engage the stoma. Then turn the obturator back 90º to its correct position.)
8. Remove obturator and replace with inner cannula. Inflate cuff if needed and secure tracheostomy.
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Verify placement, with suction catheter and/or flexible endoscopy.
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©

30. Accidental Decannulation
In an emergency, a dislodged, fresh tracheostomy (within 7 days of tube insertion) should be replaced with the same size or a size smaller tube.
Nasal speculum
Obturator
Risk of false tract/fistula
Mercado 2011 ©

31. Accidental Decannulation
If unable to re-introduce tracheostomy tube into stoma, airway should be secured either via trans-tracheal or trans-oral intubation.

32. Complications
Although tracheostomy tube changes are routinely performed, the procedure is not without complications. Minimize complications by understanding and practicing procedure as well as anticipating potential problems. In addition to oxygen, pulse oximeter and suction, have basic emergency equipment at bedside, such as a manual ventilator bag, 2 extra tracheostomy tubes (same size as the trach and one smaller), and an obturator and The consequences of tracheostomy tube displacement can be dire and can include loss of adequate airway and death. Occasionally, displacement occurs at the time of the first tube change, resulting from creation of a false tract in the pretracheal or peristomal region. This may present insidiously with respiratory failure and subcutaneous emphysema. Confirmation of placement following the procedure with passage of a flexible suction catheter and/or direct visualization with flexible endoscopy will reduce incidence. Resistance met with this maneuver may represent improper placement.

33. Leaks
Shiley® Tube Size
Leak Test Volume 10
20cc 8
17cc 6
14cc 4
11cc
A low-pressure, high volume cuff is preferred to avoid unnecessary injury to the tracheal mucosa such as tracheal malacia.
Check cuff pressure first.
Consider changing to a longer tracheostomy tube.
Monitor cuff pressure on a regular basis.

34. Task: Resolve Leaking Tracheostomy Indications: Leaking tracheostomy tube, poor saturation, etc
1. Explain Procedure. Monitor oxygen saturation.
2. Check cuff pressure.
Defective cuff – ensure cuff has enough air and is working.
3. If cuff is working and still have leak consider
Tracheomalacia.
Fistula
4. Visualize distal end tracheostomy tube with flexible fiberoptic endoscope checking for granulation tissue, etc.
5. Change tracheostomy tube (regular to extra long tracheostomy tube or vice versa).
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©
Mercado 2013 ©

35. Bleeding Local bleeding Controlled with Granulation tissue
Superficial bleeding from mucosa
Small vessels
Controlled with
Regular cleaning.
Gelfoam
Chemical cauterization

36. Bleeding
But for anything more than oozing. Must rule out tracheo-innominate artery fistula (TIAF).
Causes include;
Low tracheostomy
High innominate artery
Cuff over inflation
Infection

37. Bleeding TIAF may cause massive hemorrhage in 0.7% of tracheotomies.
2/3 occur in first 3 weeks after tracheostomy
Long-term intubation and ventilation.
Cuffed or uncuffed tube.

38. Downsizing, capping and decannulation
When the adult patient is in the hospital and;
Does not require mechanical ventilation
Indication for tracheotomy has resolved
Patient tolerates breathing through the tracheotomy tube with the cuff deflated.
Breathing with a cuffless #6 Shiley tube is checked (smaller patients, a cuffless #4 Shiley tube is placed)
Patient tolerates capped tracheostomy with a red button.
If the patient is stable (normal oxygen and CO2) for 24 – 48 hours with the trach plugged, the tube will be removed by a qualified physician or mid-level provider, and the stoma will be allowed to close.
Downsizing, capping and decannulation 38

39. Downsizing, capping and decannulation

40. Decannulation When the patient succeeds at decannulation sequence,
1. Wound margins should heal by secondary intention, with initial wound co-apting in 5 to 7 days (unless wound was created with a fenestration technique) 2. New epithelial cells grow across wound in 7 to 10 days. No leak of air from the wound at this time. 3. If wound does not heal, then wound may be closed surgically, by separating trachea from the skin, and closing the wounds in layers. 4. If scar appearance is not acceptable, wound may be closed in a transverse incision across the lower neck with a plastic closure. 40

41. Decannulation
Assess the patient for associated anomalies of the nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular and gastro-intestinal systems. Re-examine the airway for associated problems: nasal obstruction, adenoid hypertrophy, tonsil hypertrophy, macroglossia, glossoptosis, micrognathia, lingual tonsil hypertrophy, laryngomalacia, glottic web, sub-glottic stenosis, tracheal stenosis or granulation
Mercado 2011 ©
Mercado 2011 © 41

42. Clinical Consensus Summary
In the absence of aspiration, tracheostomy tube cuffs should be deflated when the patient no longer requires mechanical ventilation.
A patient initial tracheostomy tube should normally be replaced within days.
The Panel agreed an experienced physician should ideally be present for the first tube change, although there are was recognition that in some facilities, this may not be feasible and thus performed by an experienced advanced practice provider (APP) with immediate physician backup available.
In an emergency, a dislodged, mature tracheostomy tube should be replaced with the same size or a size smaller tracheostomy tube. If those are not available for could not be inserted, then an appropriately sized endotracheal tube should be placed through the wound into the trachea. In a patient in whom a tube could not be replaced, resulting in hypoxia or concern for eventual loss of airway, they should undergo oral tracheal intubation or immediate surgical revision tracheostomy.

43. Clinical Consensus Summary
Tracheostomy tube should be changed using a clean technique. A sterile technique is not necessary and does not lead to a reduction in impaction.
Plastic tracheostomy tube should be used among pediatric and adult patients for initial tube placement.
Tracheostomy tube ties it should be used unless the patient recently underwent local or free flap reconstructive surgery or other major neck surgery.
No patient should be discharged with tracheostomy tube sutured in place. Any suture securing a tracheostomy should be removed during first tube change.
Stoma and tracheostomy tube should be suctioned when there is evidence of visual or audible secretions in the airway, suspected airway obstruction, and whether tube is changed or deflated.

44. Tracheotomy- Summary Identify source of leaking and bleeding.
If unable to safely change tracheostomy at bedside consider revision tracheostomy in OR.
Care of the tracheostomy tube and the wound require planning and communication.
Do only as much as you have been trained to, feel comfortable doing and is within your scope of practice. 44

45. Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page
Links
Aaron’s Tracheostomy Page

46. Practice mannequins available to practice tracheostomy care technique.
Airway Scenarios
Scenario 1: 47 year old male with respiratory failure status post tracheostomy 8 days ago. Having increased difficulty breathing.
Scenario 2: 66 year old female with respiratory failure, ventilator dependant has developed a leak.
Scenario 3: 59 year male with SCCA, left tongue, status post tracheostomy accidentally decanulated during patient transport.
Scenario 4: 44 year old male in acute respiratory distress in ER unable to intubate.
Mercado 2011 ©
Practice mannequins available to practice tracheostomy care technique.

47. Airway Stations Room Set Up
Scenario 1
Airway Stations Room Set Up
Screen
Station 2
Scenario 2
Station 1
Scenario 1
Station 4
Scenario 4
Station 4
Cricothyrotomy
Projector
Speaker
Station 3
Scenario 3
Station 2
Scenario 2
Station 3
Scenario 3
Proctors

48. Airway Workshop Evaluation
Score cards will be used for admission to workshops and attendance.
Credit will only be awarded for completed score cards.
Name
Session
On scale of 1 through 5 with 5 being most likely
Scale 1-5
1. Were learning objectives met?
2. Was instruction free of commercial bias?
3. Was there adequate instruction before practice?
4. Was there adequate supervision during practice?
5. Were training aids useful/realistic in learning skill?
6. How likely are you to perform these skills in future
7. Did this training improve your skills?
Comments:
Proctors make sure all attendees fill out Evaluation form

49. Airway Workshop Score Cards
Rotate and complete each station.
“Go/No Go” for internal use only.
Completion of workshop is NOT contingent on pass/fail.
Name
Session 12345
Task Go
No Go
Resolve blocked tracheostomy
Change tracheostomy tube
Resolve tracheostomy air leak
Demonstrate knowledge of indications & contraindications for cricothyrotomy
Perform cricothyrotomy
Comments
Proctor Name
Proctor Signature
Proctors please print and sign each score card.