Advanced airway management

Abstract

Purpose of review: Advanced airway management in children can be challenging, and the potential for morbidity following failed attempts is high.

Recent findings: Supraglottic rescue devices, including the laryngeal mask airway, esophageal-tracheal combination tube, and laryngeal tube have been shown to be suitable ventilation strategies following failed intubation and in arrest scenarios. In addition, a newly developed reversal agent for rocuronium is being investigated as a means of limiting the duration of neuromuscular blockade following rapid sequence induction. Finally, the advent of video laryngoscopy has been shown to have advantages over traditional direct laryngoscopy, in terms of both patient care and training.

Summary: Pediatric providers are encouraged to develop familiarity with emerging rescue ventilation devices, as well as recent advances in the practice of rapid sequence induction and laryngoscopy.