Conclusion
A careful history taking and physical examination will identify most patients who will be difficult to intubate. This anticipation enables the anaesthetist to plan conditions under which the intubation will be attempted and the technique that will be employed. Unfortunately an unexpectedly difficult situation may still be met or the technique selected may be unsuccessful. In the interest of good patient care it is useful if a tray containing devices necessary to supplement oropharyngeal airways, laryngoscope blades, endotracheal tubes, stilettes, and facemasks is customarily kept in induction or operating rooms. This protects all concerned from the frustration caused by an uninformed person gathering unfamiliar things from unfamiliar places. The items that should be in the tray are: (i) A malleable stilette with a light at the distal end to indicate the position of the endotracheal tube. (ii) A gum elastic bougie over which an endotracheal tube can be guided. (iii) A cuffed flexometallic endotracheal tube to place in the oesophagus and prevent regurgitation into the pharynx. (iv) A scalpel. (v) A cricothyrotomy cannula with adaptor to connect it to a breathing circuit.
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John, W.R. Continuing medical education article. Can J Anesth 34, 204–213 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03015349
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03015349