Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2002; 23(1): 003-010
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-20583
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Troubleshooting and Managing the Difficult Airway

Diane M. Birnbaumer1, 2 , Charles V. Pollack3  Jr. 
  • 1University of California, Los Angeles, California
  • 2Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
  • 3Department of Emergency Medicine, Pennsylvania Hospital, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 March 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Difficult airways are an inevitable part of the delivery of emergency and critical care. Failure to achieve or restore a patent airway can lead, in a matter of minutes, to hypoxic neurological injury and death in critically ill patients. As with many conditions, the keys to success in a moment of crisis are forethought and preparation. Clinicians should be able to recognize risk factors for difficult airways and plan accordingly. In the face of failed direct laryngoscopy, a variety of rescue techniques are available. Familiarity with many strategies, and practiced dexterity with one or two, should be part of every intensivist's plan for the management of this life-threatening problem.

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