Use of Advanced Airway Techniques in the Pregnant Patient

New airway techniques are especially relevant to the obstetric patient requiring anesthesia. Although regional anesthesia is the preferred mode of analgesia for vaginal delivery and of anesthesia for cesarean section, there are scenarios where tracheal intubation is required. Sometimes these cases are anticipated but more often are emergent, and tracheal intubation may be unexpectedly difficult. An unanticipated emergent difficult airway in the labor suite is perhaps the highest stress situation for the anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists must be proficient in a wide variety of advanced airway techniques with a thorough understanding of emergent airway algorithms, and familiarization with the newest airway devices.

Source: Anesthesiology Clinics - September 1, 2013 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Helene Finegold, Christopher A. Troianos, Hersimren Basi Source Type: research