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Difficult Intubation

List of authors.
  • M.R. Salem, M.D.,
  • M. Mathrubhutham, M.D.,
  • and E.J. Bennett, M.D.

Intubation of the trachea, commonly performed in modern anesthetic management and respiratory care, is considered a simple procedure that adds to the safety of airway management. Unfortunately, it is often done poorly and taught improperly. Consequently, many intubations that should be easy are made difficult, and many that are difficult are made impossible.For intubation to be accomplished safely, the anatomy of the upper airway, as well as anatomic differences in the airway between infants and adults, must be known. Thorough examination and adequate preparation should be carried out beforehand so that difficulties will be anticipated. Similarly, the choice of . . .

Author Affiliations

From the Division of Respiratory Therapy, Department of Anesthesiology, and the Hektoen Institute for Medical Research of Cook County Hospital, and the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois Hospitals and the Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine (address reprint requests to Dr. Salem at the Department of Anesthesiology, Cook County Hospital, 1825 West Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612).

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