Subglottic jet ventilation versus supraglottic jet ventilation for flexible bronchoscopy: a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Respiratory Medicine
• Anesthesiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Flexible bronchoscopy requires adequate oxygenation to prevent hypoxia.
• Optimal jet ventilation access routes remain undetermined.
• Subglottic vs. supraglottic jet ventilation effectiveness is compared.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare subglottic jet ventilation (SEEKflex) with supraglottic jet ventilation (Wei nasal tube).
• To evaluate effectiveness and safety during flexible bronchoscopy under sedation.
• To determine the optimal jet ventilation approach for patient oxygenation.

Main Methods:

• Single-center randomized controlled trial.
• 352 patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy under moderate-to-deep sedation.
• Random assignment to subglottic or supraglottic jet ventilation groups.

Main Results:

• Subglottic jet ventilation significantly decreased hypoxia incidence (6.0% vs. 16.6%).
• Severe hypoxia, jaw thrust, and mask ventilation needs were reduced with subglottic ventilation.
• No gastric insufflation occurred with subglottic ventilation, unlike supraglottic.

Conclusions:

• Subglottic jet ventilation is more effective in reducing hypoxia during flexible bronchoscopy.
• The SEEKflex device facilitates a preferable subglottic approach for oxygenation.
• This method improves safety and reduces adverse events in sedated patients.