The literature and perspectives on muscle relaxants for rapid sequence induction

Since the advent of surgical anesthesia, one of the single greatest challenges to providers and researchers has been to develop, test, and promote drugs and techniques to facilitate rapid intubation and security of the airway to diminish risk of regurgitation and gastric aspiration. This article provides a comprehensive, historical perspective of such efforts, including the efficacy of various techniques and muscle relaxant drugs that have been used to further the ideal situation in which airway control would obviate the all-too-common morbidity statistics of gastric aspiration. Special emphasis is given to the review of succinylcholine and vecuronium relative to their roles in rapid sequence induction.