Citation

Lorente-Ros A, Rubio Soler P, Curto Prieto D, Fernández Lozano I. Resusc. Plus 2023; 15: e100441.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.resplu.2023.100441

PMID

37560756

PMCID

PMC10406851

Abstract

Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) is a potentially life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention for successful resolution. While conventional airway clearance maneuvers are generally effective, there are cases where these techniques fail, necessitating the use of alternative interventions. Recently, new airway clearance devices (ACDs), usually based on handheld suction and a one-way valve, have become commercially available.1, 2, 3 However, clinical evidence supporting their use is lacking.4 Both the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) guidelines avoid making recommendations for or against their use, based on the lack of evidence in relation to safety, efficacy and training requirements of such devices.5, 6

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive cases to evaluate the effectiveness of one of these commercially available ACD devices (Dechoker®) in resolving episodes of FBAO and assess the occurrence of complications associated with its use across day-care and senior residences in Spain. In these centers the Dechoker® device had been deployed since 2018 for the use by healthcare personnel. Demographic information and specific details of the incident were reviewed for each patient. The effectiveness of the device in resolving the FBAO episode was evaluated based on the successful removal of the obstruction and restoration of normal breathing. Additionally, any complications associated with the use of the device were documented...

Language: en