Open AccessSurgical Airway
Author(s) -
Seraphim Patel,
Tanya K. Meyer
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of critical illness and injury science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.274
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2231-5004
pISSN - 2229-5151
DOI - 10.4103/2229-5151.128016
Subject(s) - medicine , airway , intubation , surgical procedures , airway management , intensive care medicine , surgery
Close to 3% of all intubation attempts are considered difficult airways, for which a plan for a surgical airway should be considered. Our article provides an overview of the different types of surgical airways. This article provides a comprehensive review of the main types of surgical airways, relevant anatomy, necessary equipment, indications and contraindications, preparation and positioning, technique, complications, and tips for management. It is important to remember that the placement of a surgical airway is a lifesaving procedure and should be considered in any setting when one "cannot intubate, cannot ventilate".