Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
When fiberoptic intubation fails in patients with unstable craniovertebral junctions
Mazen A Maktabi1, Sarah S Titler, Shivani Kadakia
1Division of Neuroanesthesia, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. mazen-maktabi@uiowa.edu
Abstract:
Fiberoptic intubation (FOI) is generally regarded as the preferred method to achieve endotracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine instability. When performed electively, FOI has a very high level of success. Nevertheless, rarely, FOI may fail. Recently, using the fiberoptic scope to obtain a view of the glottis, with the endotracheal tube being inserted independently, guided by the fiberoptic view has been described. In this report, we describe our experience with a variation of this technique in both adults and children with occipito-cervical instabilities in whom FOI failed.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Endotracheal Tube Extubation
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...

