Publication: Retrograde intubation: An alternative way for the management of difficult airway
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Abstract
Inserting a retrograde wire into the pharynx through a cricothyroid puncture can facilitate tracheal intubation in difficult
situations where either a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope or an expert user of such a device is not available.Even in
cases when fibropric can not be negotiated for the purpose,this method has been claimed to be useful to manage the
airway. Some mouth opening is essential for the oral or nasal retrieval of the wire from the pharynx. Here, a case of post
mandibular reconstructed wound infection required surgical debridement and plate removal from reconstructed lower
mandible under general anesthesia. We retrieved the guide wire passed through a cricothyroid puncture and subsequently
accomplished wire-guided oro-tracheal intubation. In the absence of a flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope, this technique is
a very useful aid to intubate patients with limited mouth opening.
Key words: cricothyrotomy, guide wire, retrograde endotracheal intubation (REI), surgery.
Description
Lama P1 , Shrestha BR 2
1Medical Officer, 2Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive care, Kathmandu Medical College