Fibreoptic intubation in airway management: a review article

Singapore Med J. 2019 Mar;60(3):110-118. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2018081. Epub 2018 Jul 16.

Abstract

Since the first use of the flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope, a plethora of new airway equipment has become available. It is essential for clinicians to understand the role and limitations of the available equipment to make appropriate choices. The recent 4th National Audit Project conducted in the United Kingdom found that poor judgement with inappropriate choice of equipment was a contributory factor in airway morbidity and mortality. Given the many modern airway adjuncts that are available, we aimed to define the role of flexible fibreoptic intubation in decision-making and management of anticipated and unanticipated difficult airways. We also reviewed the recent literature regarding the role of flexible fibreoptic intubation in specific patient groups who may present with difficult intubation, and concluded that the flexible fibrescope maintains its important role in difficult airway management.

Keywords: airway obstruction; anaesthetic techniques; fibreoptic intubation; neuromuscular blocking.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Airway Management / methods*
  • Airway Obstruction / complications
  • Anesthesia / methods
  • Bronchoscopy / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Fiber Optic Technology*
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / instrumentation*
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / methods
  • Laryngoscopes*
  • Manikins
  • Obesity / complications
  • Respiratory System
  • Skull Fractures / complications