Key Points A high body mass index (BMI) is a weak but statistically significant predictor of difficult intubation (DI) and difficult mask ventilation (DMV). Body fat distribution, rather than the BMI value, may be a better predictor of difficult laryngoscopy.…
Key Points In addition to airway assessment, neurologic examination and communication with the surgeon is invaluable before the induction of anesthesia for neurosurgical procedures. Patients with an unstable cervical spine may be unable to cooperate with an awake flexible scope…
Key Points Airway problems in head and neck (H&N) patients are common, and so are the airway failures. The anesthesia provider must develop and maintain excellent dexterity with a wide range of airway management devices and techniques. The preoperative endoscopic…
Key Points Anesthesia is a leading cause of maternal mortality and ranks seventh in the United States and eleventh in the United Kingdom. Airway-related complications during general anesthesia (GA) for cesarean delivery (CD) feature as a predominant cause of anesthesia-related…
Key Points The first attempt at the pediatric airway should be the best attempt and includes proper preparation of equipment and positioning. The pediatric airway anatomy is different in children, whose larynx is located higher in the neck with a…
Key Points The priorities and approaches to airway management in the burn patient are different in the acute, subacute, and chronic phases of burn injury. Airway edema results from thermal and inhalation injury, and rapidly increases with fluid resuscitation. Induction…
Key Points Although many trauma patients may initially appear to maintain and protect their airway, they remain at risk of progressive airway obstruction or multisystem traumatic comorbidities necessitating frequent reevaluation. Intubating a trauma patient should be part of an overall…
Key Points Mass casualty events and the practice of anesthesia in austere environments are situations for which anesthesiologists should be prepared. Proper triage techniques can help prevent misallocation of resources and also can help alleviate psychic trauma on healthcare professionals.…
Key Points Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of mortality. Current AHA Guidelines recommend chest compressions before initial airway management. Ventilation and oxygenation during CPR can be performed via bag mask ventilation or an advanced airway device (either an endotracheal…
Key Points Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is widely used in the prehospital setting and may be considered in patients with altered mental status when closely attended. Supine patients undergoing medication-facilitated airway management (MFAM) should be moved off the ground (e.g., to…