Arterial oxygen desaturation during awake endotracheal intubation

Five patients requiring general anesthesia but presenting with compromised airways were successfully intubated by blind awake intubation with the aid of regional anesthesia and the use of appropriate sedation. Arterial blood gases were collected at three intervals: presedation, postsedation, and postintubation. Analysis of the blood gases revealed varying degrees of hypoxemia, hypercarbia, and acidosis following deep sedation before intubation. A decrease in oxygen saturation was also observed. Supplemental oxygen is suggested to avoid the effects of arterial desaturation during the sedation process. If oxygen is not administered, the risk of moderate hypoxia associated with blind awake intubation must be considered along with alternative problems including loss of protective reflexes or the inability to ventilate during induction and intubation via a direct technique.