In critically ill patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), patency of airway and managementof difficult airway are of utmost importance. The incidence of difficult intubation maybe 10% to 22% depending on the various factors in patient as well as availability ofequipment facilities. As compared to the regular surgery in operation theatre, themanagement of airway in critically ill patients is considerably different and morechallenging. The physiological reserve and co-morbidities are more common in criticallyill patients. In ICU, recent techniques of airway management must be considered andpracticed, such as videolaryngoscope (VLS), fiberoptic bronchoscope and supraglotticdevices. The success for airway management would be greater if airway expert, therequired devices and an adequate protocol are available. The outcome of managingairway would be enhanced if best use of available airway devices in a particular hospitalsetup since every instrument may not be available. The standard guidelines for difficultairway and the protocol of individual hospital may reduce the complications; hencemust be followed. The availability of difficult airway cart and capnograph is a must. Theindications and timing of surgical airway must be clear to the airway team. The Trainingcourses for the staff in ICU should be held regularly to apprise them of advancementin airway management. The best use of available airway equipment should be made incritically ill patients. At least, one airway expert must be accessible in ICU at any giventime.
Received: 12 Sep 2018Reviewed: 5 Oct 2018Accepted: 10 Oct 2018
Citation: Malhotra SK, Gandhi K. Airway management in critically sick in intensive care. Anaesth Pain & Intensive Care 2018;22 Suppl 1:S21-S28
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