Table 1 Examples of simple predefined strategies used in difficult airway management
Anticipated difficult tracheal intubation | Unanticipated difficult tracheal intubation | |
|---|---|---|
Questions | Is difficult mask ventilation anticipated? | None: use of a predefined algorithm |
Are oxygenation maintenance techniques available? (consider intubating laryngeal mask airway or laryngeal mask use, or invasive airway access) | ||
Anesthesia technique: spontaneous ventilation or not? | ||
Actions | Consider awake or general anesthesia intubation techniques | Consider oxygenation as first priority |
Consider tracheal intubation as second priority | ||
Call for help |