Successful Airway Management Research Articles

Dependence of Successful Airway Management in Neonatal Simulation Manikins on the Type of Supraglottic Airway Device and Providers' Backgrounds.

Supraglottic airway devices such as laryngeal masks and i-gels are useful for airway management. The i-gel is a relatively new device that replaces the air-inflated cuff of the laryngeal mask with a gel-filled cuff. It remains unclear which device is more effective for neonatal resuscitation. We aimed to evaluate the dependence of successful airway management in neonatal simulators on the device type and providers' backgrounds. Ninety-one healthcare providers performed four attempts at airway management using a laryngeal mask and i-gel in two types of neonatal manikins. The dependence of successful insertions within 16.7 s (75th percentile of all successful insertions) on the device type and providers' specialty, years of healthcare service, and completion of the neonatal resuscitation training course was assessed. Successful insertion (p = 0.001) and insertion time (p = 0.003) were associated with using the i-gel vs. laryngeal mask. The providers' backgrounds were not associated with the outcome. Using the i-gel was associated with more successful airway management than laryngeal masks using neonatal manikins. Considering the limited effect of the provider's specialty and experience, using the i-gel as the first-choice device in neonatal resuscitation may be advantageous. Prospective studies are warranted to compare these devices in the clinical setting.

Influence of Patient Weight on Prehospital Advanced Airway Procedure Success Rates

ABSTRACT Objective: Previous investigations of the relationship between obesity and difficult airway management have provided mixed results. Almost universally, these studies were conducted in the hospital setting, and the influence of patient body weight on successful prehospital airway management remains unclear. Because patient weight could be one readily identifiable risk factor for problematic airway interventions, we sought to evaluate this relationship. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the 2020 ESO Data Collaborative dataset. The inclusion criteria consisted of adult patients weighing >30kg with an attempted orotracheal intubation (OTI) and/or blind insertion airway device (BIAD) placement. Separate logistic regression models were developed to determine the influence of weight (dichotomized at 100kg) on cumulative procedure success for OTI and BIAD, and linear regression models were used to identify trends for each across weight strata. Results: A total of 45,344 patients met inclusionary criteria, among which 40,668(89.7%) suffered from a medical emergency, followed by 3,130(6.9%) with traumatic injuries, and 1,546(3.4%) attributable to a combined medical-trauma etiology. Cardiac arrest occurred either prior to EMS arrival or at some point during EMS care in 38,210(84.3%) patients. OTI was attempted in 18,153(40.0%) patients, while 21,597(47.6%) had a BIAD attempt and 5,594(12.3%) had both airway types attempted. The overall cumulative insertion success rates for OTI and BIAD were 79.5% and 92.7%, respectively. Altogether, 2,711(6.0%) had no advanced airway of any type successfully placed, which represents the overall failed advanced airway rate. After controlling for patient age, sex, minority status, and call type (medical vs. trauma), weight >100kg was associated with decreased likelihood of cumulative OTI success (OR = 0.64,p < 0.001), but higher likelihood of cumulative BIAD success (OR = 1.31,p < 0.001). Cumulative OTI success was associated with a negative 0.6% linear trend per 5kg of body weight (p < 0.001) while cumulative BIAD success had a 0.2% positive trend (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This retrospective analysis of a national EMS database revealed that increasing patient weight was negatively associated with intubation success. A positive, but smaller, linear trend was observed for BIAD placement. Patient weight may be an easily identifiable predictor of difficult oral intubation and may be a consideration when selecting an airway management strategy.

Emergency airway management in a patient with facial trauma: Combining clinical judgment and skill with fortuity

Airway management in maxillofacial trauma is a challenging task. Distorted anatomy leading to difficult face mask ventilation and intubation requires clinical expertise in emergency scenarios. Planning and managing such challenging airways in a timely manner requires the utmost cooperation from the patient. Here, we present a case of self-inflicted facial gunshot injury that was posted for surgical tracheostomy followed by facial wound exploration and repair. Uncooperative behavior and irritability of the patient were toppings to the difficult airway, however, timely clinical judgment and replanning according to the case requirement contributed to the successful airway management during emergency hours.

Predicting Failure of Conservative Airway Management in Infants with Robin Sequence: The EARN Factors.

Evaluate infants with Robin Sequence (RS) who were successfully treated with conservative airway measures alone vs. those who failed and eventually underwent surgical airway intervention after a protracted course of conservative management. Retrospective review of prospectively gathered database. Large tertiary care institution. Infants diagnosed with RS (n = 122) who underwent primary airway management at a single institution from 1994-2020. Patient demographics, nutritional and respiratory status, laboratory values, and polysomnographic results were compared between patients who were discharged after successful conservative airway management (Group 1, n = 61) and patients that underwent surgical airway intervention after failing a prolonged course of conservative management (Group 2, n = 61). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done to assess continuous variables that may predict failure of conservative airway management. 122 infants with RS were investigated. While several variables were significantly different between groups, the following polysomnographic EARN factors, with cut points, were identified as most predictive of failed conservative airway management: ETCO2 (max) > 49 mmHg, AHI > 16.9 events/hour, OAHI REM >25.9 events/hour, OAHI Non-REM > 23.6 events/hour. We identified factors in infants with RS that were associated with severe UAO that failed to improve despite weeks of conservative airway management. Our results may expedite earlier definitive treatment of these critical patients and reduce risks for known complications of prolonged UAO.

Successful airway management using the innovative “two-table technique” in a case of penetrating back injury with projecting assault weapon: A case report

Successful airway management using the innovative “two-table technique” in a case of penetrating back injury with projecting assault weapon: A case report

Challenging Airway Management in a 5-year-old Male Child with Sublingual Lymphovascular Malformation

ABSTRACT We report a 5-year-old male child with a large lymphovascular malformation of the tongue presenting with signs of airway obstruction scheduled for bleomycin sclerotherapy and tracheostomy. Anesthetic concerns include limited mouth opening, airway obstruction, poor visualization, bleeding, and distorted anatomy, thereby rendering mask ventilation, laryngoscopy, intubation, and possible invasive airway access difficult. While awake airway management options are ideal for difficult airways in general, these techniques may be inapplicable to pediatric patients. Management options are further constrained in resource-limited clinical settings where critical equipment may be unavailable. By conducting a thorough preoperative evaluation and by adopting a multidisciplinary approach to case planning, preparation, and management, a strategy was developed, enabling successful airway management. The use of this approach may facilitate the successful anesthetic management of a difficult pediatric airway in austere clinical environments.

Successful airway management in a comorbid patient with retrosternal goiter: A case study on lipoma excision and biopsy

Successful airway management in a comorbid patient with retrosternal goiter: A case study on lipoma excision and biopsy

Quantification of pharyngeal airway space changes after two-jaw orthognathic surgery in skeletal class III patients

BackgroundSkeletal class III malocclusion is a common dentofacial deformity. Orthognathic treatment changes the position of the jaws and affects the shape of the upper airway to some extent. The aim of this study was to use multislice spiral computer tomography data and orthognathic knowledge to quantify the relationship between the amount of surgical movement of the maxilla or mandible in all three spatial planes and the changes in airway volume that occurred.MethodsA retrospective study of 50 patients was conducted. Preoperative and postoperative linear changes related to skeletal movements of the maxilla and mandible were measured and compared to changes in the most constricted axial level (MCA) and its anteroposterior (MCA-AP) and transverse diameters (MCA-TV). Correlation tests and linear regression analysis were performed.ResultsSignificant interactions were observed between the anterior vertical movement of the maxilla and the MCA-AP. The anteroposterior movement distance of the mandible was significantly correlated with changes in the oropharyngeal, velopharyngeal, total airway volume, MCA, MCA-AP, and MCA-TV. The change in the mandibular plane angle was significantly correlated with the change in velopharyngeal volume, total airway volume (nasopharynx, oropharynx, velopharynx), and MCA.The linear regression model showed that oropharyngeal volume decreased by 350.04 mm3, velopharyngeal volume decreased by 311.50 mm3, total airway volume decreased by 790.46 mm3, MCA decreased by 10.96 mm2 and MCA-AP decreased by 0.73 mm2 when point B was setback by 1 mm.ConclusionsAnteroposterior mandibular control is the key to successful airway management in all patients. This study provides estimates of volume change per millimeter of setback to guide surgeons in treatment planning.

Successful airway management in a child with Edward's syndrome: A case report

The airway management of syndromic pediatric patients is an ongoing challenge for the anesthesiologist. The craniofacial abnormalities and multiple system anomalies in Edward syndrome children require special consideration during the perioperative period. We hereby report the successful airway management of an 8-year-old male child with Edward’s syndrome posted for laparoscopic orchidopexy.

Performance of Aerosol Boxes for Endotracheal Intubation during the COVID-19 Pandemic with Systematic Review.

In the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, endotracheal intubation using an aerosol box (AB) became the norm in the emergency department (ED) and the intensive care unit. We compared two models of AB with different dimensions to compare and identify a device that helps in reducing viral exposure without compromising successful airway management. We conducted this prospective observational study for 7 months (October 20-April 21) on 143 patients presenting with an acute airway compromise to the ED. All intubations were performed using one of the two models available. The primary outcome was time taken for intubation (TTI). The overall median time taken to intubate using any AB was 63 (interquartile range [IQR]: 46.2-87.7) s with an 81.9% first-pass success (FPS) rate. TTI for AB I was 67 (IQR: 53-106) s with a 76.3% FPS rate, while TTI for AB II was 57 (IQR: 44-75) s with an 85.9% FPS rate. TTI was much shorter without the use of an AB (34: IQR: 24-53 s) with a 92% FPS rate. Intubations done by emergency physicians with more than 2 years of experience were faster in both with or without AB when compared to intubations done by physicians with <2 years of experience. The use of an AB is associated with a longer TTI when compared to intubations done without an AB. TTI was relatively shorter when more experienced emergency physicians performed intubation. FPS rates were low with intubations done using AB.

OGC P49 Case report: Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy requiring one lung ventilation in a patient with a previous laryngectomy

Abstract Background A 68 year old patient with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of lower oesophagus (T3N0M0) presented for Ivor Lewis oesopphagectomy (ILO) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Four years previously the patient had undergone total laryngectomy, radical right neck dissection with right pectoralis major flap and bilateral adjuvant radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal SCC (pT3N2bM0). A tracheal stoma was present with speaking valve in-situ. An ILO was planned requiring one lung ventilation (OLV) to facilitate surgical access. In our institution, OLV is routinely achieved via double lumen endotracheal tube (DLT), although endobronchial blocker through single lumen endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway and endobronchial intubation with a single lumen tube are potential options. Post laryngectomy the method used for lung isolation is limited and care must be taken not to traumatise the stoma site or surrounding tissue. Additionally, the angulation formed by the trachea and stoma mean a DLT is often not suitable while specific double lumen tracheostomy tubes may have too great a diameter for a small stoma. Surgically, close relations of the tumour to gastro-oesophageal junction, left diaphragmatic crus and descending thoracic aorta made suitability for resection uncertain, despite two negative staging laparoscopies. We describe the anaesthetic and surgical management of this interesting case. Methods General anaesthesia was delivered via an intravenous induction and maintenance was with sevoflurane. Airway management included bag mask ventilation with a neonatal facemask followed by placement of an 8mm reinforced endotracheal tube through the tracheal stoma. Prior to right thoracotomy a right sided 9Fr VivaSight endobronchial blocker (Ambu) was placed under direct vision using a single use Ambu aScope™ 4 Broncho Slim fibreoptic bronchoscope. OLV was successful using this method; SpO2 ≥96% (FiO2 0.6) and peak inspiratory pressure 18–20cmH2O-1. Analgesia comprised intrathecal morphine, right erector spinae plane local anaesthetic block and infusion catheter and morphine PCA. Abdominal phase was undertaken laparoscopically. The hiatus was noted to be fibrotic following chemoradiotherapy and a small capsular breach of the left lobe of liver occurred, controlled with Surgiflo (Ethicon). A right thoracotomy was performed through the 6th intercostal space. Right lung was deflated and surgical access was adequate. OrVil (Covidien – Medtronic) anastomosis was attempted but the anvil was unable to pass through the pharynx, therefore a purse string applicator was applied and OrVil staple used. The left pleura was also breached during dissection. One left and two right chest drains were placed. Results Postoperatively, analgesia was adequate and the patient did not require any cardiovascular or respiratory support. However, on first postoperative day it was noted that the speaking valve was not functioning causing significantly hoarse voice. A valve leak was detected and though hard to know the precise cause, it was assumed that it had become dislodged via either anaesthetic procedures, surgical handling or a combination. Despite some improvement in the symptoms over the first post-operative week, the patient also experienced airway soiling on commencing oral intake and after review by ENT a new valve was successfully sited and all symptoms resolved. Although a minor and easily rectifiable complication, the ‘loss of voice’ was very distressing for the patient. The patient had an otherwise uneventful postoperative course and was discharged home on day-11. Clinic review at six weeks revealed the patient had made a complete recovery and had resumed all normal activities. Histology showed scattered small foci of moderately differentiated SCC infiltrating the muscularis propria (stage ypT2). Longitudinal margins were clear of both dysplasia and malignancy. There was no evidence of lymphatic, venous or perineural invasion. One of 12 lymph nodes showed metastatic SCC. Adjuvant course of Nivolumab immunotherapy is currently planned. Conclusions We have presented an unusual case of previous laryngectomy plus requirement for OLV for ILO. The use of an endobronchial blocker via a reinforced endotracheal tube has been shown to be a successful airway management strategy. Speaking valve displacement and/or malfunction is a potential complication in such cases and should form part of preoperative counselling. Close liaison between surgical, anaesthetic and ENT teams is essential in the management of complex and unusual cases and, as we have demonstrated, strong teamwork leads to successful outcomes for patients.

Strategies of Advanced Airway Management in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest during Intra-Arrest Hypothermia: Insights from the PRINCESS Trial.

Trans-nasal evaporative cooling is an effective method to induce intra-arrest therapeutic hypothermia in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The use of supraglottic airway devices (SGA) instead of endotracheal intubation may enable shorter time intervals to induce cooling. We aimed to study the outcomes in OHCA patients receiving endotracheal intubation (ETI) or a SGA during intra-arrest trans-nasal evaporative cooling. This is a pre-specified sub-study of the PRINCESS trial (NCT01400373) that included witnessed OHCA patients randomized during resuscitation to trans-nasal intra-arrest cooling vs. standard care followed by temperature control at 33 °C for 24 h. For this study, patients randomized to intra-arrest cooling were stratified according to the use of ETI vs. SGA prior to the induction of cooling. SGA was placed by paramedics in the first-tier ambulance or by physicians or anesthetic nurses in the second tier while ETI was performed only after the arrival of the second tier. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences at the baseline between the two groups. The primary outcome was survival with good neurological outcome, defined as cerebral performance category (CPC) 1-2 at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included time to place airway, overall survival at 90 days, survival with complete neurologic recovery (CPC 1) at 90 days and sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Of the 343 patients randomized to the intervention arm (median age 64 years, 24% were women), 328 received intra-arrest cooling and had data on the airway method (<i>n</i> = 259 with ETI vs. <i>n</i> = 69 with SGA). Median time from the arrival of the first-tier ambulance to successful airway management was 8 min for ETI performed by second tier and 4 min for SGA performed by the first or second tier (<i>p</i> = 0.001). No significant differences in the probability of good neurological outcome (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.64-3.01), overall survival (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.57-2.55), full neurological recovery (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.52-2.73) or sustained ROSC (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.50-1.52) were observed between ETI and SGA. Among the OHCA patients treated with trans-nasal evaporative intra-arrest cooling, the use of SGA was associated with a significantly shorter time to airway management and with similar outcomes compared to ETI.

Comparing the efficacy of modified thenar eminence technique with conventional thenar eminence technique of mask ventilation during induction of general anaesthesia - A randomised crossover study.

Mask ventilation is one of the important skills required for successful airway management. Following the induction of general anaesthesia, there could be airway obstruction due to fall back of the tongue or soft palate. This obstruction could be overcome by manoeuvring the mandible or inserting airways. The primary objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of modified thenar eminence technique of mask ventilation in improving expired tidal volume (VTE) over conventional thenar eminence technique and the secondary objective was to compare peak airway pressure (PMAX) and ease of mask ventilation between the two techniques. Seventy-six patients were randomised into group M and group C. In group M, the modified thenar eminence technique was performed for five consecutive breaths followed by conventional technique, and vice versa was followed in group C. In each breath, VTE, PMAX and end-tidal carbon dioxide were noted. Participants reported the ease of ventilation score using the Likert scale for each technique. VTE was significantly more in modified thenar eminence technique than conventional technique [mean ± standard deviation, 370 ± 55 ml versus 313 ± 50 ml, P = 0.01]. Ease of ventilation score [median 1.70 (interquartile range (1-2)) versus 2.3 (2-3), P = 0.01] showed that modified technique was easier compared to conventional technique. Modified thenar eminence technique of mask ventilation is superior to the conventional technique in terms of VTE and ease of ventilation in the unanticipated difficult airway.

Efficacy of I- gel™ for airway management of neonates with Pierre Robin sequence undergoing glossopexy: A prospective study

This paper aims to review the utility of I- gel as a successful airway management device for infants with Pierre robin sequence (PRS) undergoing glossopexy. A prospective study was conducted on PRS neonates. The algorithm followed was putting a ‘Tongue traction stitch’ followed by the following sequence – two trials with direct laryngoscope intubation, two attempts with fiberoptic endoscope intubation followed by insertion of I-gel™ to manage difficult airway during glossopexy procedure. 6 patients were intubated with direct laryngoscope, 12 patients were intubated with fibreoptic endoscope and the rest 13 patients were intubated using I-gel™. Successful management of difficult airway was achieved with this airway management protocol during glossopexy and nil postoperative complications were encountered. Within the limitations of the study it seems that, I-gel™ is a relevant alternative toprovide a reliable and secure airway access to carry out glossopexy procedure in such patients.

Successful Management Of A Threatened Airway In A Child With Near Complete Supraglottic Transection Of The Larynx: Case Report

The laryngotracheal trauma is an extremely challenging scenario especially in children as it may be associated with a threatened airway, unstable cervical spine, the risk for major hemorrhage, and other associated traumatic injuries. We report a successful emergency airway management of a very rare presentation of an open pediatric laryngotracheal injury. A 10-year-old 20kg male child sustained a 20 cm lacerated wound over the anterior aspect of the neck and a horizontal tracheal rent through a wire tied over the windshield of a two-wheeler, while hit by a car from the backside. The child was agitated and had noisy breathing along with coughing of blood-stained sputum and loss of voice. In view of the potentially threatened airway, a 4.5 cuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) was inserted through visible anterior tracheal rent in the emergency room, and subsequently, tracheostomy and feeding gastrostomy was done. The child was discharged 3 weeks later after decannulation and removal of feeding gastrostomy.

Successful airway management in a patient with left parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess with mediastinal extension during COVID-19 pandemic

Acute airway compromise caused by a deep neck space abscess significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality, and it requires quick identification and rapid treatment.1 Parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscesses affect 2.64 persons out of 100,000 population. The incidence in males and females is 3.34 and 1.94 per 100,000 people, respectively.2 Of note, the abscess might increase the patient’s susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. In order to limit COVID-19 transmission in such patients, an advanced treatment plan is required.3 We share the anesthetic airway management of a high-risk airway case during the current COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Key words: airway management; COVID-19; abscess, parapharyngeal; abscess, retropharyngeal; video-assisted thoracoscopy; Surgery, thoracic&#x0D; Citation: Hehsan MR, Shukeri WFWM, Chettiar RSRMS, Abidin HZ. Successful airway management in a patient with left parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess with mediastinal extension during COVID-19 pandemic. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2021;26(1):128-129.&#x0D; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v26i1.1784

Five-year audit of adherence to an anaesthesia pre-induction checklist.

SummaryAlthough patient safety related to airway management has improved substantially over the last few decades, life‐threatening events still occur. Technical skills, clinical expertise and human factors contribute to successful airway management. Checklists aim to improve safety by providing a structured approach to equipment, personnel and decision‐making. This audit investigates adherence to our institution's airway checklist from 1 June 2016 to 31 May 2021. Inclusion criteria were procedures requiring airway management and we excluded all procedures performed solely under regional anaesthesia, sedation without airway management or paediatric and cardiovascular surgery. The primary outcome was the proportion of wholly performed pre‐induction checklists. Secondary outcomes were the pattern of adherence over the 5 years well as details of airway management, including: airway management difficulties; time and location of induction; anaesthesia teams in operating theatres (including teams for different surgical specialities); non‐operating theatre and emergency procedures; type of anaesthesia (general or combined); and urgency of the procedure. In total, 95,946 procedures were included. In 57.3%, anaesthesia pre‐induction checklists were completed. Over the 5 years after implementation, adherence improved from 48.3% to 66.7% (p < 0.001). Anticipated and unanticipated airway management difficulties (e.g. facemask ventilation, supraglottic airway device or intubation) defined by the handling anaesthetist were encountered in 4.2% of all procedures. Completion of the checklist differed depending on the time of day (61.3% during the day vs. 35.0% during the night, p < 0.001). Completion also differed depending on location (66.8% in operating theatres vs. 41.0% for non‐operating theatre anaesthesia, p < 0.001) and urgency of procedure (65.4% in non‐emergencies vs. 35.4% in emergencies, p < 0.001). A mixed‐effect model indicated that urgency of procedure is a strong predictor for adherence, with emergency cases having lower adherence (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.49–0.68, p < 0.001). In conclusion, over 5 years, a significant increase in adherence to an anaesthesia pre‐induction checklist was found, and areas for further improvement (e.g. emergencies, non‐operating room procedures, night‐time procedures) were identified.

Observational Study Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Igel Supraglottic Airway Device Insertion in Anesthetised Patients by Anesthesia Faculty versus Residents

Aims: Successful airway management is the first priority in a variety of emergency care and hospital scenarios. This study was an attempt to compare and find out how quickly a first-time resident can learn to insert an I-gel and secure the airway versus their trained counterparts, thereby proving the effectiveness of this I-gel innovation in airway patency maintenance.&#x0D; Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place &amp; Duration of Study: Department of Anesthesiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra 411018 India, from August 2021 to December 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Two groups of 80 patients belonging to ASA grade I and II, aged between 18 to 65 years, including either gender, posted for elective surgery under GA requiring I-gel Supraglottic Airway device (SAD) insertion, with informed consent. The patients underwent I-gel SAD insertion by Anaesthesia Faculty &amp; Anaesthesia Residents respectively. Baseline vital hemodynamic parameters, the time taken for insertion, number of attempts made and the serial heart rate, arterial pressure, SpO2 and respiratory rate noted at the time of insertion and at one, three- and five-minutes following insertion were noted.&#x0D; Results: Faculty group outperformed the residents with regards to number of attempts taken and time taken for each attempt, however the numbers in both groups are still comparable with no stark differences.&#x0D; Conclusions: There’s a very short &amp; easy learning curve for successful i-gel® insertion by novice practitioners as well as paramedical workers, which can be utilized during a variety of emergency care and pre-hospital scenarios with adequate training to ensure adequate airway protection.

Prehospital Surgical Airway Management: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document

Bag-valve-mask ventilation and endotracheal intubation have been the mainstay of prehospital airway management for over four decades. Recently, supraglottic device use has risen due to various factors. The combination of bag-valve-mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and supraglottic devices allows for successful airway management in a majority of patients. However, there exists a small portion of patients who are unable to be intubated and cannot be adequately ventilated with either a facemask or a supraglottic airway. These patients require an emergent surgical airway. A surgical airway is an important component of all airway algorithms, and in some cases may be the only viable approach; therefore, it is imperative that EMS agencies that are credentialed to manage airways have the capability to perform surgical airways when appropriate. The National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians (NAEMSP) recommends the following for emergency medical services (EMS) agencies that provide advanced airway management. A surgical airway is reasonable in the prehospital setting when the airway cannot be secured by less invasive means. When indicated, a surgical airway should be performed without delay. A surgical airway is not a substitute for other airway management tools and techniques. It should not be the only rescue option available. Success of an open surgical approach using a scalpel is higher than that of percutaneous Seldinger techniques or needle-jet ventilation in the emergency setting.

Indian Association of Paediatric Anaesthesiologists advisory for paediatric airway management

The pediatric airway poses a challenge particularly for those who do not anesthetize small children on a regular basis. Anatomical and physiological variations of the airway at different ages have an impact on the decision of which medication to administer with regard to route, dosage, and duration of action as well as the choice of equipment. Knowledge of this helps in the routine management of airway in children. Technological advancements and research have rendered numerous pediatric airway devices available for securing the airway in elective and emergency scenarios. However, their availability alone does not solve all problems. Having the knowledge, the ability to promptly recognize difficulty and to know when to call for help early are key factors for a favorable outcome. This advisory is formulated as a guide for a successful and safe airway management in children for the anesthesiologist involved in the care of pediatric patients.