How do you prepare for a hard airway?
Algorithms for anticipated difficult intubation
- Change equipment (eg. get a different blade)
- Change operator (get a more experienced person)
- Change patient position (eg. elevate the head/shoulders)
- Change modality (eg. try videolaryngoscopy)
What are the difficult airway equipment?
Options include a video laryngoscope, Combitube, bougies, intubating laryngeal mask airway, intubating stylet, fiber-optic bronchoscope, and an articulating laryngoscope.
What is the most difficult Mallampati score for intubation?
A high Mallampati score (class 3 or 4) is associated with more difficult intubation as well as a higher incidence of sleep apnea.
What is the most common reason for unsuccessful intubation?
The most common reasons for an unsuccessful attempt were oesophageal intubation and failure to recognise the anatomy. In 36 (80%) of intubations, an intubatable view was achieved but was then either lost, not recognised or there was an apparent inability to correctly direct the endotracheal tube.
What is considered an advanced airway?
The endotracheal (ET) tube is an advanced airway alternative. It is a specific type of tracheal tube that is inserted through the mouth or nose. It is the most technically difficult airway to place; however, it is the most secure airway available. Only experienced providers should perform ET intubation.
What are basic airway skills?
Basic airway management involves the use of non-invasive techniques without the need for specialized medical equipment. Examples include chest compressions, abdominal thrusts, and back blows, all of which may be used independently or in combination to relieve foreign body airway obstruction.
How long does it take to intubate?
Unless there are problems, the process shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. Your doctor may still need to check how the tube’s placed. They’ll listen to your breathing with a stethoscope, check your CO2 levels, or take a chest X-ray.
What is Mallampati test?
The Mallampati score is a simple test that can be a good predictor of obstructive sleep apnea. In anesthesia, the Mallampati score (or Mallampati classification) is used to predict the ease of intubation. It can also be used to predict whether a patient might have obstructive sleep apnea.