Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
9092586 | Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology | 2005 | 19 Pages |
Abstract
The inability to secure the airway, with consequent failure of oxygenation and ventilation, is a life-threatening complication. Failure of oxygenation leads to hypoxia followed by brain damage, cardiovascular dysfunction, and finally death. Time is a very crucial factor in this context. Complications vary widely in severity; while some are dramatic and immediately life-threatening (unrecognized esophageal intubation), others can be severe and long-lasting (nerve injuries) or mild and short-lived (sore throat). To minimize injury to the patient, the anesthesiologist should examine the patient's airway carefully, identify any potential problems, devise a plan that involves the least risk for injury, and have a back-up plan immediately available. Each anesthesiology department should establish guidelines/algorithms specific to their institution. Unfortunately, a reliable test for detecting all patients at risk does not exist.
Related Topics
Health Sciences
Medicine and Dentistry
Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Authors
Carin (Professor, Director of Neuroanesthesia and Advanced Airway Management), Rainer MD, Claude (Professor and Ãrztlicher Direktor),