Pediatric Airway Fundamentals
This chapter describes the important anatomic and physiologic differences between the child and adult pertinent to airway management. Equipment specific for pediatric airway management, including laryngoscopes, endotracheal tubes, and supraglottic airways, are described. It is critical that the pediatric anesthesiologist have specialized knowledge of and training for the pediatric airway as well as the correct equipment available for airway management. Many specialized options for airway management have become available in recent years, including Microcuff endotracheal tubes and new types of supraglottic airways. This chapter provides detailed step-by-step guidance on the basics of pediatric airway management. A useful reference feature included are charts on sizing of endotracheal tubes, laryngeal mask airways, the i-gel device, and the air-Q device.