Chapter 21 – Extubation
Abstract Extubation and emergence are high-risk phases of anaesthesia which accounted for 28% of the anaesthesia cases reported to the Fourth National Audit Project of the Difficult Airway Society and…
Chapter 18 – Expiratory Ventilation Assistance and Ventilation through Narrow Tubes
Abstract A major challenge of airway management is safe care of the patient with a narrowed airway. Small tracheal tubes offer one solution but pose a problem with ventilation. While…
Chapter 19 – Multimodal Techniques for Airway Management
Abstract As opposed to the simplistic promotion of one given technique or device, the multimodal airway management relies on the recognition that each individual approach may fail, that the maintenance…
Chapter 16 – Tracheal Intubation Using the Flexible Optical Bronchoscope
Abstract The flexible optical bronchoscope has unparalleled utility for difficult airway management and is part of every difficult airway management algorithm. The device can facilitate intubation for patients with airway…
Chapter 17 – Videolaryngoscopy
Abstract Videolaryngoscopes have been in existence for several decades but in the last decade have taken a central role in both difficult and routine airway management. During that time videolaryngoscopy…
Chapter 14 – Tracheal Intubation: Direct Laryngoscopy
Abstract Direct laryngoscopy should be preceded by airway assessment and discussing rescue strategies with assisting staff. The initial plan and rescue techniques should be based on an understanding of normal…
Chapter 15 – Tracheal Tube Introducers (Bougies), Stylets and Airway Exchange Catheters
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…
Chapter 13 – Supraglottic Airways
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…
Chapter 12 – Face Mask Ventilation
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…
Chapter 9 – Awake Tracheal Intubation
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…
