Airway Management of the Obstetric Patient

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this article is to provide current evidence and review guidelines regarding obstetric airway management.Recent FindingsVideo laryngoscopy (VL) is gaining popularity in obstetric airway management as a primary technique and a rescue technique. Both humidified and high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) are being used for the obstetric difficult airway (DA). Continuing general anesthesia (GA) after successful supraglottic airway (SGA) placement requires awareness and proficiency with different SGAs and SGA-guided flexible bronchoscopic tracheal intubation (SGAFBI). Use of simulation during trainee education improves clinical performance and benefits management of obstetric DA.SummaryDifficult or failed airway during cesarean delivery under GA is higher due to pregnancy-related changes and the tense setting. All labor and delivery patients must undergo an airway evaluation. Pertinent resources, including equipment and personnel, must be readily available. Optimal positioning, preoxygenation, and apneic oxygenation help increase safe apnea time and lessen the rapid oxygen desaturation during rapid sequence induction and intubation. Tracheal extubation –related airway complications are the commonest cause of maternal morbidity/mortality following anesthesia.
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research