Airway Blocks

Airway Blocks1-Superior laryngeal n. block:Block of the superior laryngeal nerve can provide anesthesia of the larynx from the epiglottis to the level of the vocal cords. This block may be appropriate for any patient requiring TI before anesthetic induction.Anatomy (Fig. 1):The superior laryngeal n. is a branch of the vagus n. After it leaves the main vagal trunk, it courses...

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Laryngeal Mask Airway

Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) 1-The LMA-Classic™: -It is a reusable LMA™ airway for general anesthesia. -The LMA-Classic™ is available in eight sizes: (1, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 4, 5, and 6). Advantages: -A safe and effective alternative to the endotracheal tube and the facemask. -Over 100 million uses worldwide. -Leaves the anesthetist's hands free to attend, to monitoring and...

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Traumatic Complications of TI

Traumatic Complications of TI ➧ Despite the frequent use of tracheal intubation (TI) for both short-term events like surgery or for long-term ventilatory support, traumatic complications from TI still occur. ➧ Both the upper and lower airways are at risk of injury. The upper airway includes the naso- and oro-pharynx and extends to the level of the vocal cords. The...

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Complications while ETT in place

Complications while ETT is in place A) Obstruction of the endotracheal tube (ETT): Causes: 1-Accumulation of secretions in the tube  2-Kinking of the tube.B) Misplacement or migration of the ETT: ➧ A common complication and right mainstem intubation has been associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients.  ➧ Traditional methods of assuring proper tube position include:  -Observing bilateral...

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Hemodynamic effects of Laryngoscopy and TI

Hemodynamic effects of Laryngoscopy and TI Autonomic innervation and response of the airway: ➧ The area of the trachea and pharynx is richly innervated and involves both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. ➧ Following the mechanical stimulation of the upper respiratory tract (URT) (i.e. nose, epipharynx, laryngopharynx), the afferents are...

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Methods to stabilize ETT intracuff pressure

Methods to stabilize ETT intracuff pressure -The use of N₂O, which is well-known to diffuse into ETT cuffs, and the lack of frequent control of intracuff pressure (iPcuff) are the most important factors that contribute to the high incidence of excessive iPcuff during the perioperative period. Other factors, such as the diffusion of O₂ into the cuff and the warming of gases...

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