Intubation in critically ill patients
Learning points
- Routine requirement for practitioners on ICU to assess the airway prior to embarking on intubation.
- Where a potentially difficult airway is anticipated, greater use of videolaryngoscopy is encouraged as is ensuring the presence of appropriate help and assistance.
- Extubation of the difficult airway should be planned.
Comments
Guidelines include strong argument for hospitals and departments investing in equipment (videolaryngoscopes), training and expertise as staffing.
References
- Higgs et al., Guidelines for the management of tracheal intubation in critically ill adults. British Journal of Anaesthesia Feb 2018 120 (2): p 323-352
- Pandit J.J., Irwin M.G., Airway management in critical illness: practice implications of new Difficult Airway Society guidelines. Anaesthesia May 2018 73 (5): p 544-548
