Abstract
Purpose of Review
Despite notable advancements in technology and monitoring, coupled with the dissemination of guidelines, complications associated with airway management persist. This comprehensive review delves into the most prevalent complications, exploring their incidence rates, identifying associated risk factors, and proposing reduction strategies. Drawing insights from recent closed claims analyses, comprehensive reviews, and established guidelines, this review aims to provide a contemporary understanding of the challenges in airway management.
Recent Findings
Notwithstanding the progress in technology and adherence to guidelines, serious complications persist, particularly in emergent situations and non-operating room settings. The evolving landscape of medical practice has witnessed a substantial rise in anesthetic procedures conducted outside the traditional operating room environment. Concurrently, the patient demographic for these procedures has shifted towards individuals with heightened medical complexities, amplifying the susceptibility to complications.
Summary
The key to mitigating the risk of complications lies in conducting a thorough airway assessment, meticulously planning for potential difficulties and failures, and proactively anticipating complications. Notably, the surge in non-operating room procedures and emergency settings necessitates an equivalent level of preparation and patient assessment as observed in the traditional operating room. This includes the deployment of identical equipment and support. The integration of Airway Leads assumes significance in this scenario, contributing significantly to the standardization of equipment and procedures across the hospital. Their role also extends to education initiatives aimed at enhancing airway safety and reducing complications hospital-wide.
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The author thanks Bryan Penberthy, MFA, of the University of Florida College of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology’s Communications & Publishing office for his editorial assistance with this manuscript
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Dr Berkow currently serves as the Section Editor for the Airway Management Section of Current Anesthesiology Reports.
Dr Berkow serves on the Teleflex Medical Advisory Board and the Masimo Scientific Advisory Board.
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Berkow, L. Complications of Airway Management. Curr Anesthesiol Rep (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40140-024-00628-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40140-024-00628-x