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DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166556
2005;112;51-57; originally published online Nov 28, 2005; Circulation
Part 7.1: Adjuncts for Airway Control and Ventilation
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Part 7.1: Adjuncts for Airway Control and Ventilation
T
his section highlights recommendations for the support
of ventilation and oxygenation during resuscitation and
the periarrest period. The purpose of ventilation during CPR
is to maintain adequate oxygenation and sufficient elimina-
tion of carbon dioxide, but research has not identified the
optimal tidal volume, respiratory rate, and inspired oxygen
concentration required to do so. During the first minutes of
ventricular fibrillation sudden cardiac arrest (VF SCA),
rescue breaths are probably not as important as chest com-
pressions, because oxygen delivery to the tissues, including
the heart and brain, appears to be limited more by blood flow
than by arterial oxygen content. Thus, during the first minutes
of VF SCA the lone rescuer should attempt to limit interrup-
tions in chest compressions for ventilation. The advanced
provider must be careful to limit interruptions in chest
compressions for attempts to insert an advanced airway or
check the rhythm.
Ventilation and compressions are both thought to be
important for victims of prolonged VF SCA and for all
victims of asphyxial arrest (eg, drowning victims and victims
of drug overdose with primary respiratory arrest) because
these victims are hypoxemic before arrest.
Because systemic and, therefore, lung perfusion is substan-
tially reduced during CPR, rescuers can support a normal
ventilation-perfusion match with a minute ventilation that is
much lower than normal. During CPR with an advanced
airway in place we now recommend a lower rate of rescue
breathing (see Part 4: “Adult Basic Life Support”) than that
recommended in the ECC Guidelines 2000.
1
During the
prearrest and postarrest periods, the patient will require
support of oxygenation and ventilation with tidal volumes
and respiratory rates that more closely approximate normal.
Beyond the first minutes of cardiac arrest, tissue hypoxia
develops. CPR provides approximately 25% to 33% of
normal cardiac output. This low-flow state maintains a small
but critical amount of blood flow to the heart and brain, but
tissue hypoxia will persist until restoration of effective
spontaneous perfusion. Additional factors that contribute to
hypoxia include intrapulmonary shunting with microcircula-
tory dysfunction and attendant ventilation-perfusion abnor-
malities. Some patients may also have underlying respiratory
disease. Tissue hypoxia leads to anaerobic metabolism and
metabolic acidosis. Acid-base imbalance occasionally blunts
the beneficial effects of chemical and electrical therapy.
To improve oxygenation, healthcare providers should give
100% inspired oxygen (FiO
2
H11005 1.0) during basic life support
and advanced cardiovascular life support as soon as it
becomes available. High inspired oxygen tension will tend to
maximize arterial oxygen saturation and, in turn, arterial
oxygen content. This will help support oxygen delivery
(cardiac output H11003 arterial oxygen content) when cardiac
output is limited. This short-term oxygen therapy does not
produce oxygen toxicity.
Bag-Mask Ventilation
All healthcare providers should be familiar with the use of the
bag-mask device for support of oxygenation and ventila-
tion.
2–4
Bag-mask ventilation is particularly helpful during
the first few minutes of resuscitation or when placement of an
advanced airway is delayed or unsuccessful. Effective bag-
mask ventilation requires adequate training and frequent
practice.
The desirable components of a bag-mask device are listed
in Part 4: “Adult Basic Life Support.” When using a bag-
mask device (ie, no advanced airway is in place), the rescuer
should deliver a tidal volume sufficient to produce chest rise
(approximately 6 to 7 mL/kg or 500 to 600 mL) over 1
second.
5
This volume of ventilation minimizes the risk of
gastric inflation. The rescuer should be sure to open the
airway adequately with a chin lift, lifting the jaw against the
mask and holding the mask against the face, creating a tight
seal. During CPR, give 2 breaths during a brief (about 3 to 4
seconds) pause after every 30 chest compressions. When an
advanced airway (eg, endotracheal tube, esophageal-tracheal
combitube [Combitube], or laryngeal mask airway [LMA])
replaces the face mask, rescuers should deliver 8 to 10 breaths
per minute during CPR. Deliver each breath over about 1
second while chest compressions are delivered at a rate of 100
per minute, and do not attempt to synchronize the compres-
sions with the ventilations.
For ventilation of patients with a perfusing rhythm (ie,
better pulmonary blood flow than is present during CPR),
deliver approximately 10 to 12 breaths per minute (1 breath
every 6 to 7 seconds). Deliver these breaths over 1 second
when using a mask or an advanced airway.
In patients with severe obstructive pulmonary disease and
increased resistance to exhalation, providers should try to
prevent air trapping that may result in inadvertent generation
of intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), so-
called “auto-PEEP.” In patients with hypovolemia, auto-
PEEP may substantially reduce cardiac output and blood
pressure. To prevent this, use lower respiratory rates (eg, 6 to
8 breaths per minute) in these patients, allowing more time
for complete exhalation.
Bag-mask ventilation can produce gastric inflation with
complications, including regurgitation, aspiration, and pneu-
monia. Gastric inflation can elevate the diaphragm, restrict
lung movement, and decrease respiratory system
compliance.
4,6–9
(Circulation. 2005;112:IV-51-IV-57.)
? 2005 American Heart Association.
This special supplement to Circulation is freely available at
http://www.circulationaha.org
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166556
IV-51
Airway Adjuncts
Oropharyngeal Airways
Oropharyngeal airways should be reserved for use in uncon-
scious (unresponsive) patients with no cough or gag reflex
and should be inserted only by persons trained in their use
(Class IIa). Incorrect insertion of an airway can displace the
tongue into the hypopharynx, causing airway obstruction.
Although studies have not specifically considered the use of
advanced airways in arrest, airways may aid in the delivery of
adequate ventilation with a bag-mask device by preventing
the tongue from occluding the airway.
Nasopharyngeal Airways
Nasopharyngeal airways are useful in patients with airway
obstruction or those at risk for development of airway
obstruction, particularly when conditions such as a clenched
jaw prevent placement of an oral airway. Nasopharyngeal
airways are better tolerated than oral airways in patients who
are not deeply unconscious. Airway bleeding can occur in up
to 30% of patients following insertion of a nasopharyngeal
airway (LOE 5).
10
Two case reports of inadvertent intracra-
nial placement of a nasopharyngeal airway in patients with
basilar skull fractures (LOE 7)
11,12
suggest that nasopharyn-
geal airways should be used with caution in patients with
severe craniofacial injury.
As with all adjunctive equipment, safe use of the nasopha-
ryngeal airway requires adequate training, practice, and
retraining. No studies on the use of this device in patients in
cardiac arrest have been found. The nasopharyngeal airway
may be used in patients with an obstructed airway to facilitate
delivery of ventilations with a bag-mask device.
Advanced Airways
Rescuers must be aware of the risks and benefits of insertion
of an advanced airway during a resuscitation attempt. Such
risks are affected by the condition of the patient and the
rescuer’s expertise in airway control. Because insertion of an
advanced airway may require interruption of chest compres-
sions for many seconds, the rescuer should weigh the need for
compressions against the need for insertion of an advanced
airway. Rescuers may defer insertion of an advanced airway
until the patient fails to respond to initial CPR and defibril-
lation attempts or demonstrates return of spontaneous circu-
lation (Class IIb). To use any of the advanced airways
effectively, healthcare providers must maintain knowledge
and skills through frequent practice with these devices. It may
be helpful for providers to train in one primary method of
airway control and gain experience and expertise in that
method. Providers should have a second (backup) strategy for
airway management and ventilation if they are unable to
establish the first-choice airway adjunct. Bag-mask ventila-
tion may provide that backup strategy.
Once an advanced airway is in place, 2 rescuers no longer
deliver cycles of CPR (ie, compressions interrupted by pauses
for ventilation). Instead, the compressing rescuer should give
continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute,
without pauses for ventilation. The rescuer delivering venti-
lation provides 8 to 10 breaths per minute. The 2 rescuers
should change compressor and ventilator roles approximately
every 2 minutes to prevent compressor fatigue and deterio-
ration in quality and rate of chest compressions. When
multiple rescuers are present, they should rotate the compres-
sor role about every 2 minutes.
Bag-Mask Ventilation Versus the
Advanced Airway
Bag-mask ventilation or ventilation with a bag through an
advanced airway (eg, endotracheal tube, Combitube, or
LMA) is acceptable for ventilation during CPR. As noted
above, all healthcare providers should be trained in delivering
effective oxygenation and ventilation with a bag and mask.
Because there are times when ventilation with a bag-mask
device is inadequate or transport times are prolonged, ad-
vanced care providers should also be trained and experienced
in insertion of an advanced airway.
The endotracheal tube was once considered the optimal
method of managing the airway during cardiac arrest. It is
now clear, however, that the incidence of complications is
unacceptably high when intubation is performed by inexpe-
rienced providers or monitoring of tube placement is inade-
quate. The optimal method of managing the airway during
cardiac arrest will vary based on provider experience, emer-
gency medical services (EMS) or healthcare system charac-
teristics, and the patient’s condition.
No prospective randomized trials have directly assessed
the outcome of adult victims of cardiac arrest with provision
of bag-mask ventilation compared with endotracheal intuba-
tion. Studies comparing outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac
arrest in adults treated by either emergency medical techni-
cians or paramedics failed to show a link between long-term
survival rates and paramedic skills such as intubation, intra-
venous cannulation, and drug administration.
13–15
One pro-
spective randomized controlled trial in an EMS system with
short out-of-hospital transport intervals
16
showed no survival
advantage for endotracheal intubation over bag-mask venti-
lation in children. In this study providers had limited training
and experience in intubation.
In retrospective (LOE 5) studies, endotracheal intubation
has been associated with a 6%
17–19
to 14%
20
incidence of
unrecognized tube misplacement or displacement. This may
reflect inadequate initial training or experience on the part of
the provider who performed intubation, or it may result from
displacement of a correctly positioned tube during movement
of the patient. To reduce the risk of unrecognized tube
misplacement or displacement, providers should use a device
such as an exhaled CO
2
detector or an esophageal detector
device to confirm endotracheal tube placement in the field, in
the transport vehicle, on arrival at the hospital, and after any
subsequent movement of the patient. These devices are
described below.
When prehospital providers are trained in the use of
advanced airways such as the Combitube and LMA, they
appear to be able to use these devices safely, and they can
provide ventilation that is as effective as that provided with a
bag and mask (Class IIa).
2,21,22
However, advanced airway
interventions are technically complicated, failure can occur,
and maintenance of skills through frequent experience or
IV-52 Circulation December 13, 2005
practice is essential.
23
It is important to remember that there
is no evidence that advanced airway measures improve
survival rates in the setting of prehospital cardiac arrest.
Esophageal-Tracheal Combitube
The advantages of the Combitube compared with the face
mask are similar to those of the endotracheal tube: isolation
of the airway, reduced risk of aspiration, and more reliable
ventilation. The advantages of the Combitube over the
endotracheal tube are related chiefly to ease of training.
2,24
Ventilation and oxygenation with the Combitube compare
favorably with those achieved with the endotracheal tube.
25
In 5 randomized controlled trials involving both in-hospital
and out-of-hospital adult resuscitation, providers with all
levels of experience were able to insert the Combitube and
deliver ventilation that was comparable to that achieved with
endotracheal intubation (LOE 2).
21,26–29
Thus, it is acceptable
for healthcare professionals to use the Combitube as an
alternative to the endotracheal tube for airway management in
cardiac arrest (Class IIa).
Fatal complications may occur with use of the Combitube
if the position of the distal lumen of the Combitube in the
esophagus or trachea is identified incorrectly. For this reason
confirmation of tube placement is essential. Other possible
complications related to the use of the Combitube are
esophageal trauma, including lacerations, bruising, and sub-
cutaneous emphysema (LOE 2
30
; LOE 5
25,31
).
Laryngeal Mask Airway
The LMA provides a more secure and reliable means of
ventilation than the face mask.
32,33
Although the LMA does
not ensure absolute protection against aspiration, studies have
shown that regurgitation is less likely with the LMA than
with the bag-mask device and that aspiration is uncommon.
When compared with the endotracheal tube, the LMA pro-
vides equivalent ventilation
33,34
; successful ventilation during
CPR is reported in 71.5% to 97% of patients.
22,25,35–38
Training in the placement and use of an LMA is simpler
than that for endotracheal intubation because insertion of the
LMA does not require laryngoscopy and visualization of the
vocal cords. The LMA may also have advantages over the
endotracheal tube when access to the patient is limited,
39,40
there is a possibility of unstable neck injury,
41
or appropriate
positioning of the patient for endotracheal intubation is
impossible.
Results from multiple high-level studies in anesthetized
patients that compared the LMA with endotracheal intubation
(LOE 2)
39,42–46
and multiple additional studies that compared
the LMA with other airways or ventilation techniques (LOE
2)
2,47–52
support the use of the LMA in controlling the airway
in a variety of settings by nurses, respiratory therapists, and
EMS personnel, many of whom had not previously used this
device.
After successful insertion a small proportion of patients
cannot be ventilated with the LMA.
2,25,33
With this in mind, it
is important for providers to have an alternative strategy for
management of the airway. Providers who insert the LMA
should receive adequate initial training and should practice
insertion of the device regularly. Success rates and the
occurrence of complications should be monitored closely. It
is acceptable for healthcare professionals to use the LMA as
an alternative to the endotracheal tube for airway manage-
ment in cardiac arrest (Class IIa).
Endotracheal Intubation
The endotracheal tube keeps the airway patent, permits
suctioning of airway secretions, enables delivery of a high
concentration of oxygen, provides an alternative route for the
administration of some drugs, facilitates delivery of a selected
tidal volume, and with use of a cuff may protect the airway
from aspiration.
53
Endotracheal intubation attempts by unskilled providers
can produce complications, such as trauma to the oropharynx,
interruption of compressions and ventilations for unaccept-
ably long periods, and hypoxemia from prolonged intubation
attempts or failure to recognize tube misplacement or dis-
placement. Providers who perform endotracheal intubation
require adequate initial training and either frequent experi-
ence or frequent retraining (Class I). EMS systems that
provide prehospital intubation should establish a process for
ongoing quality improvement to minimize complications
(Class IIa).
Indications for emergency endotracheal intubation are (1)
the inability of the rescuer to adequately ventilate the uncon-
scious patient with a bag and mask and (2) the absence of
airway protective reflexes (coma or cardiac arrest). The
rescuer must have appropriate training and experience in
endotracheal intubation.
During CPR we recommend that rescuers minimize the
number and duration of interruptions in chest compressions,
with a goal to limit interruptions to no more than 10 seconds
except as needed for interventions such as placement of an
advanced airway. Interruptions needed for intubation can be
minimized if the intubating rescuer is prepared to begin the
intubation attempt (ie, insert the laryngoscope blade with the
tube ready at hand) as soon as the compressing rescuer pauses
compressions. The compressions should be interrupted only
as long as the intubating rescuer needs to visualize the vocal
cords and insert the tube. The compressing rescuer should be
prepared to resume chest compressions immediately after the
tube is passed through the vocal cords. If more than one
intubation attempt is required, the rescuers should provide a
period of adequate ventilation and oxygenation and chest
compressions between attempts.
If endotracheal intubation is performed for the patient with
a perfusing rhythm, use pulse oximetry and ECG monitoring
continuously during intubation attempts and interrupt the
attempt to provide oxygenation and ventilation if needed.
Even when the endotracheal tube is seen to pass through
the vocal cords and tube position is verified by chest
expansion and auscultation during positive-pressure ventila-
tion, rescuers should obtain additional confirmation of place-
ment using an end-tidal CO
2
or esophageal detection device
(Class IIa).
54
There is a high risk of tube misplacement,
displacement, or obstruction,
16,20
especially when the patient
is moved.
55
No single confirmation technique, including
clinical signs
56
or the presence of water vapor in the tube,
57
is
completely reliable. Techniques to confirm endotracheal tube
Part 7.1: Adjuncts for Airway Control and Ventilation IV-53
placement are discussed further below. The provider should
use both clinical assessment and confirmation devices to
verify tube placement immediately after insertion and when
the patient is moved.
Clinical Assessment to Confirm Tube Placement
Providers should perform a thorough assessment of endotra-
cheal tube position immediately after placement. This assess-
ment should not require interruption of chest compressions.
Assessment by physical examination consists of visualizing
chest expansion bilaterally and listening over the epigastrium
(breath sounds should not be heard) and the lung fields
bilaterally (breath sounds should be equal and adequate). A
device should also be used to confirm correct placement in
the trachea (see below). If there is doubt about correct tube
placement, use the laryngoscope to visualize the tube passing
through the vocal cords. If still in doubt, remove the tube and
provide bag-mask ventilation until the tube can be replaced.
Use of Devices to Confirm Tube Placement
Providers should always use both clinical assessment and
devices to confirm endotracheal tube location immediately
after placement and each time the patient is moved. No study,
however, has identified a single device as both sensitive and
specific for endotracheal tube placement in the trachea or
esophagus. All confirmation devices should be considered
adjuncts to other confirmation techniques. There is no data to
quantify the capability of devices to monitor tube position
after initial placement.
Exhaled CO
2
Detectors
Detection of exhaled CO
2
is one of several independent
methods of confirming endotracheal tube position. Given the
simplicity of the exhaled CO
2
detector, it can be used as the
initial method for detecting correct tube placement even in
the victim of cardiac arrest (Class IIa). Detection of exhaled
CO
2
, however, is not infallible as a means of confirming tube
placement, particularly during cardiac arrest. Evidence from
1 meta-analysis in adults (LOE 1),
58
1 prospective controlled
cohort study (LOE 3),
59
and several case series and reports
(LOE 5)
60–68
indicate that exhaled CO
2
detectors (waveform,
colorimetry, or digital) may be useful as adjuncts to confirm
endotracheal tube placement during cardiac arrest. The range
of results obtained from the reviewed papers is as follows:
●
Sensitivity (percentage of correct endotracheal placement
detected when CO
2
is detected): 33% to 100%
●
Specificity (percentage of incorrect esophageal placement
detected when no CO
2
is detected): 97% to 100%
●
Positive predictive value (probability of endotracheal
placement if CO
2
is detected): 100%
●
Negative predictive value (probability of esophageal place-
ment if no CO
2
is detected): 20% to 100%
When exhaled CO
2
is detected (positive reading for CO
2
)in
cardiac arrest, it is usually a reliable indicator of tube position
in the trachea. False-positive readings (CO
2
is detected but the
tube is located in the esophagus) have been observed in
animals that ingested large amounts of carbonated liquids
before the arrest.
69
False-negative readings (in this context defined as failure
to detect CO
2
despite tube placement in the trachea) may be
present during cardiac arrest for several reasons. The most
common explanation for false-negative readings during CPR
is that blood flow and delivery of CO
2
to the lungs is low.
False-negative results have also been reported in association
with pulmonary embolus because pulmonary blood flow and
carbon dioxide delivery to the lungs are reduced. If the
detector is contaminated with gastric contents or acidic drugs
(eg, endotracheally administered epinephrine), a colorimetric
device may display a constant color rather than breath-to-
breath color change. In addition, elimination and detection of
CO
2
can be drastically reduced following an intravenous
bolus of epinephrine
70
or with severe airway obstruction (eg,
status asthmaticus) and pulmonary edema.
65,71–73
For these
reasons, if CO
2
is not detected, we recommend that a second
method be used to confirm endotracheal tube placement, such
as direct visualization or the esophageal detector device.
Use of CO
2
detecting devices to determine the correct
placement of other advanced airways (eg, Combitube, LMA)
has not been adequately studied (Class Indeterminate).
Esophageal Detector Devices
The esophageal detector device (EDD) consists of a bulb that
is compressed and attached to the endotracheal tube. If the
tube is in the esophagus (positive result for an EDD), the
suction created by the EDD will collapse the lumen of the
esophagus or pull the esophageal tissue against the tip of the
tube, and the bulb will not reexpand. The EDD may also
consist of a syringe that is attached to the endotracheal tube;
the rescuer attempts to pull the barrel of the syringe. If the
tube is in the esophagus, it will not be possible to pull the
barrel (aspirate air) with the syringe.
Eight studies of at least fair quality evaluated the accuracy
of the EDD (self-inflating bulb or syringe) (LOE 3
18,66,74
;
LOE 5
75
; LOE 7 [noncardiac arrest setting]
76–79
), but many
suffer from small numbers and lack of a control group.
The EDD was highly sensitive for detection of endotra-
cheal tubes that were misplaced in the esophagus (sensitive
for esophageal placement) in 5 case series (LOE 5
75
; LOE
7
76–79
). But in 2 studies (LOE 3)
66,74
involving patients in
cardiac arrest, the EDD had poor specificity for indicating
tracheal placement of an endotracheal tube. In these studies
up to 30% of correctly placed tubes may have been removed
because the EDD suggested esophageal placement (LOE 3).
67
In the operating room the EDD had poor sensitivity and
specificity in 20 children H110211 year of age (LOE 2).
80
With
these findings in mind, use of the EDD should be considered
as just one of several independent methods for confirmation
of correct endotracheal tube placement.
The EDD may yield misleading results in patients with
morbid obesity, late pregnancy, or status asthmaticus, or
when there are copious endotracheal secretions,
81,82
because
with these conditions the trachea tends to collapse. There is
no evidence that the EDD is accurate for the continued
monitoring of endotracheal tube placement.
Postintubation Care
After inserting the advanced airway and confirming correct
placement, the rescuer should record the depth of the tube as
IV-54 Circulation December 13, 2005
marked at the front teeth and secure it. Because there is
significant potential for endotracheal tube movement with
head flexion and extension,
83–85
we recommend ongoing
monitoring of endotracheal tube placement during transport
and particularly when the patient is moved from one location
to another.
86,87
Providers should verify correct placement of
all advanced airways immediately after insertion and when-
ever the patient is moved.
Secure the endotracheal tube with tape or a commercial
device (Class I). Two studies in the intensive care setting
(LOE 7)
88,89
indicate that backboards, commercial devices for
securing the endotracheal tube, and other strategies provide
an equivalent method for preventing accidental tube displace-
ment when compared with traditional methods of securing the
tube (tape). These devices may be considered during patient
transport (Class IIb). After tube confirmation and fixation,
obtain a chest x-ray (when feasible) to confirm that the end of
the endotracheal tube is properly positioned above the carina.
The 3 most important caveats for rescuers performing CPR
after insertion of the advanced airway are
●
Be sure the advanced airway is correctly placed (verify).
●
Two rescuers no longer deliver “cycles” of CPR (ie,
compressions interrupted by pauses for ventilation). In-
stead, the compressing rescuer should give continuous
chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute without
pauses for ventilation. The rescuer delivering ventilation
provides 8 to 10 breaths per minute. The 2 rescuers should
change compressor and ventilator roles approximately
every 2 minutes to prevent compressor fatigue and deteri-
oration in quality and rate of chest compressions. When
multiple rescuers are present, they should rotate the com-
pressor role about every 2 minutes.
●
Rescuers should avoid delivering an excessive ventilation
rate because it can compromise venous return and cardiac
output during CPR.
Suction Devices
Both portable and installed suction devices should be avail-
able for resuscitation emergencies. Portable units should
provide adequate vacuum and flow for pharyngeal suction.
The suction device should be fitted with large-bore, nonkink-
ing suction tubing and semirigid pharyngeal tips. Several
sterile suction catheters of various sizes should be available
for suctioning the lumen of the advanced airway, along with
a nonbreakable collection bottle and sterile water for cleaning
tubes and catheters. The installed suction unit should be
powerful enough to provide an airflow of H1102240 L/min at the
end of the delivery tube and a vacuum ofH11022300 mm Hg when
the tube is clamped. The amount of suction should be
adjustable for use in children and intubated patients.
Automatic Transport Ventilators
See Part 6: “CPR Techniques and Devices.”
Summary
All basic and advanced healthcare providers should be able to
provide ventilation with a bag-mask device during CPR or
when the patient demonstrates cardiorespiratory compromise.
Airway control with an advanced airway is a fundamental
ACLS skill. All providers should be able to confirm correct
placement of endotracheal tubes and other advanced airways.
This key skill is required for safe and effective use of these
devices. Training, frequency of use, and monitoring of
success and complications affect the long-term impact of any
device more than choice of a specific device.
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