Abstract Tracheal tube introducers or bougies and airway exchange catheters (AECs) are widely used airway adjuncts for facilitating airway management in difficult circumstances. They are easy to use, relatively inexpensive…
Abstract Supraglottic airways (SGAs) have been part of core anaesthetic practice for approximately 30 years, since the introduction of the classic laryngeal mask which is described in some detail. In…
Abstract Face mask ventilation is a basic skill taught to and practised by a large array of medical practitioners. It is usually the first technique applied to an unconscious patient…
Abstract Awake intubation is underused and relevant whenever difficult airway is predicted. Evidence suggests that awake videolaryngoscope-guided intubation is faster with equivalent success rate, safety profile and patient acceptance compared…
Abstract Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during general anaesthesia can be fatal. A 1956 report identified pulmonary aspiration as the commonest cause of death during general anaesthesia and NAP4 reported…
Abstract Correct choice and use of drugs is fundamental to airway management success and safety. This is true for both elective and emergency anaesthesia and at the start and end…
Abstract Oxygenation is the primary aim of all airway management. The shape of the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve determines onset of hypoxaemia and means that when it occurs it can progress…
Abstract Ultrasonography is an established modality in medical imaging and is evermore entering clinical practice. This chapter provides an introduction to the principles of clinical ultrasonography. It describes the use…
Abstract This chapter explores the well-established skill of upper airway endoscopy as a tool for assessing the upper airway and planning the best airway management approach for anaesthesia. It also…
Abstract When airway management is indicated, to avoid a bad outcome, patient safety will be maximised by careful decision making about and careful implementation of the chosen approach. This chapter…
