Adverse Events Associated With Electromyogram Endotracheal Tubes in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

Authors

Matthew M. Pier, From the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
Luke J. Pasick, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
Daniel A. Benito, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC.
Juan Nogues, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC.
Punam Thakkar, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC.
Arjun S. Joshi, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC.
Joseph F. Goodman, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

4-1-2022

Journal

Journal of patient safety

Volume

18

Issue

3

DOI

10.1097/PTS.0000000000000881

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid and parathyroid surgeries are frequently performed with the aid of electromyogram endotracheal tubes. However, the most common adverse events have not been reported comprehensively. This study aimed to summarize the device adverse events, patient complications, and subsequent interventions related to electromyogram endotracheal tubes. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, the US Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for electromyogram endotracheal tube adverse events between 2010 and 2020. Data were extracted for devices used in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. RESULTS: Of 198 included reports, the most common device-related adverse events were loss of response to nerve stimulation (34.8%), cuff perforation (18.2%), and tube lumen obstruction (13.6%). Of 98 patient complications, the most common included ventilation failure (n = 50), airway trauma (n = 22), and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (n = 5). There was 1 periprocedural death reported. Reported interventions include reintubation performed in 60.1% of all device adverse events, extended hospitalization in 27.3% of airway trauma events, and 5 tracheostomies performed for ventilation failure events. Forty-one events resulted in case delays and 13 events led to aborted cases. The most reported adverse events occurred in 2018 (n = 35) and 2015 (n = 30). CONCLUSIONS: The most commonly reported adverse events associated with electromyogram endotracheal tubes include loss of response to nerve stimulation, cuff perforation, ventilation failure, and airway trauma. Subsequent interventions include reintubation, tracheostomy, extended hospitalization, and aborted cases. Surgical teams should consider these adverse events when consenting patients and using these devices in thyroid and parathyroid cases.

APA Citation

Pier, Matthew M.; Pasick, Luke J.; Benito, Daniel A.; Nogues, Juan; Thakkar, Punam; Joshi, Arjun S.; and Goodman, Joseph F., "Adverse Events Associated With Electromyogram Endotracheal Tubes in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 872.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/872

Department

School of Medicine and Health Sciences Resident Works