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J Pediatr Intensive Care 2018; 07(03): 115-125
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1624576
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Management of the Difficult Airway in the Pediatric Patient

Senthil G. Krishna
1   Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
2   Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Jason F. Bryant
1   Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
2   Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Joseph D. Tobias
1   Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
2   Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
3   Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

19 October 2017

08 December 2017

Publication Date:
28 January 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Loss of airway control in children, if not resolved quickly, will lead to devastating consequences. Successful management of the pediatric difficult airway, both anticipated and unanticipated, is facilitated by preprocedure assessment and preparation. Accessibility of and continued hands-on training with modern airway instruments, familiarization with difficult airway guidelines, and collaboration with multidisciplinary airway teams can aid in the management of the difficult pediatric airway. This review outlines the importance of airway assessment and advanced airway equipment for children. It also discusses difficult airway management techniques and algorithms for the management and rescue of the pediatric difficult airway.

Keywords

difficult pediatric airway - ventilation - laryngoscopy
 

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