Airway management in critically ill patients

Donald E G Griesdale; William R Henderson; Robert S Green

doi:10.1007/s00408-011-9278-3

Airway management in critically ill patients

Lung. 2011 Jun;189(3):181-92. doi: 10.1007/s00408-011-9278-3. Epub 2011 Jan 28.

Authors

Donald E G Griesdale¹, William R Henderson, Robert S Green

Affiliation

¹ Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. [email protected]

PMID: 21274550
DOI: 10.1007/s00408-011-9278-3

Abstract

In critically ill patients, endotracheal intubation is associated with a high risk of complications, including severe hypoxemia and hypotension. The purpose of this review is to discuss the definitions, complications, airway assessment, and patient optimization with respect to these patients. In addition, we present different approaches and techniques to help secure the airway in critically ill patients. We also discuss strategies to help minimize the risk of a difficult or failed airway and to mitigate the severe life-threatening complications associated with this high-risk procedure.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Algorithms
Critical Care / methods*
Critical Illness*
Humans
Intubation, Intratracheal* / adverse effects
Intubation, Intratracheal* / methods
Intubation, Intratracheal* / mortality
Patient Selection
Physical Examination
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Treatment Failure