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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Respiratory failure after tracheal extubation in a patient with halo frame cervical spine immobilization--rescue
1Department of Anaesthesia, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK.
Abstract:
A 78-yr-old man, with halo frame cervical spine immobilization, suffered rapid respiratory deterioration after tracheal extubation in the intensive care unit. Control of the airway was difficult as bag-valve-mask ventilation was ineffective, tracheal intubation was known to be difficult from management of a previous episode of respiratory failure on the ward, and laryngeal mask insertion proved impossible. Rescue therapy using a Combitube airway is described and discussed.
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