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Book

Airway Management

Usha Avva  1 , Julie M. Lata  2 , Joseph Maxwell Hendrix  3 , John Kiel  4
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Airway Management

Usha Avva et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

To be proficient at airway management, clinicians must thoroughly understand the critical anatomical, physiological, and pathological aspects of the airway. Familiarity with the various tools and techniques designed for airway management is crucial. Knowing the indications, contraindications, and complications of endotracheal intubation is important. Understanding how to confirm the proper placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) remains essential. Recognizing the differences between adult, pediatric, and neonatal airways and mastering strategies for managing difficult airways are key components of safe and effective airway control.

When managing the airway as part of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, the following questions should be considered:

  1. Is the airway patent?

  2. Is the advanced airway indicated?

  3. Is the proper placement of the airway device confirmed?

  4. Is the tube secure, and is its placement confirmed regularly?

Addressing these questions can guide clinicians in making critical decisions for safe and efficient respiratory support.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Usha Avva declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Julie Lata declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Joseph Maxwell Hendrix declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: John Kiel declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

    1. Harless J, Ramaiah R, Bhananker SM. Pediatric airway management. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2014 Jan;4(1):65-70. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Griscom NT, Wohl ME. Dimensions of the growing trachea related to age and gender. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1986 Feb;146(2):233-7. - PubMed
    1. Shibasaki M, Nakajima Y, Ishii S, Shimizu F, Shime N, Sessler DI. Prediction of pediatric endotracheal tube size by ultrasonography. Anesthesiology. 2010 Oct;113(4):819-24. - PubMed
    1. Newth CJ, Rachman B, Patel N, Hammer J. The use of cuffed versus uncuffed endotracheal tubes in pediatric intensive care. J Pediatr. 2004 Mar;144(3):333-7. - PubMed
    1. Piepho T, Kriege M, Byhahn C, Cavus E, Dörges V, Ilper H, Kehl F, Loop T, Raymondos K, Sujatta S, Timmermann A, Zwißler B, Noppens R. German guidelines for airway management 2023. Anaesthesiologie. 2024 May 16; - PubMed

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