Emergency Intubation and Difficult Airway Management

Knowing how to manage a difficult airway in a pediatric patient is important. Physical characteristics that are indicators for a difficult airway and difficult ventilation will be discussed. Management of an anticipated difficult airway using different intubating techniques and intubating devices will be described. Unlike the adult patient, an awake intubation is often not possible and methods for anesthetizing the patient will also be explained. In the case of an unanticipated difficult airway where intubation and ventilation are not possible, front of neck access is the next step. Certain airway emergency situations such as stridor in a pediatric patient and mask ventilation of a neonate causing abdominal distension will also be described and its management. Emergent intubations in an unfamiliar setting outside of the operating room can prove to be difficult for the anesthesia provider. This chapter will also describe the difficulties encountered and methods of management.