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…
Abstract Failure to properly assess and identify possible difficulties with airway management and incorporate these findings to airway management strategies can lead to a poor clinical outcome. A thorough patient…
Abstract The nature and origin of hypoxia is multifaceted. The prevention and treatment include optimisation of pre- and peroxygenation and the wise choice and use of neuromuscular blocking agents. Upper…
Abstract Despite the training and skills of airway managers, airway management complications still occur and may cause patient harm or death. The causes are multifactorial and may include patient, environment…
Abstract Ignore anatomy at your peril, and your patients’: a knowledge of relevant anatomy frequently makes procedures more comfortable and safer for patients and easier for their clinicians. This chapter…
