Airway management

Tracheal intubation in critically ill adults with a physiologically difficult airway. An international Delphi study

Intensive Care MedPublished Delphi consensus study

Methodological detailsinternational expert panel, seven survey rounds, Steering Committee of seven intensivists and one Delphi methodology expert, convened by the Society of Critical Care Anaesthesiologists (SOCCA) Physiologically Difficult Airway Task Force
  • International expert panel
  • Seven survey rounds
  • Steering Committee of seven intensivists and one Delphi methodology expert, convened by the SOCCA Physiologically Difficult Airway Task Force

Recommendations

As issued by the authors

  1. Physiological alterations associated with pregnancy and obesity, in addition to pathophysiological conditions, constitute a physiologically difficult airway

  2. Intubation team of at least three healthcare providers including two airway operators

  3. Implement an appropriately designed checklist

  4. Optimize hemodynamics prior to tracheal intubation

  5. Head elevated laryngoscopic position

  6. Routine videolaryngoscopy during the first attempt

  7. Preoxygenation with NIV

  8. Careful mask ventilation during the apneic phase

  9. Attention to cardiorespiratory status for post-intubation care

Original publication

Tracheal intubation in critically ill adults with a physiologically difficult airway. An international Delphi study. Intensive Care Med. Published 20 August 2024. doi:10.1007/s00134-024-07578-2

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