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Head position angles to open the upper airway differ less with the head positioned on a support
Thomas Mitterlechner1, Peter Paal, Lukas Kuehnelt-Leddhin
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. Thomas.Mitterlechner@uki.at
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|September 5, 2012
Summary
Placing the head on a support during bag-valve mask ventilation improves airway opening and ventilation parameters. This method offers a decreased potential for ventilation failure compared to not using a head support.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Respiratory Care
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Bag-valve mask (BVM) ventilation is crucial for airway management.
- Optimizing upper airway opening is key for effective BVM ventilation.
- Head positioning significantly influences airway patency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of head support on head position angles.
- To determine if head support optimizes upper airway opening during BVM ventilation.
- To assess the effect of head support on ventilation parameters.
Main Methods:
- Anesthetized adults were ventilated using BVM with or without head support.
- Head position angles and ventilation parameters were measured.
- Three head positions were tested: neutral, investigator-deemed optimal, and maximal extension.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in head position angles and ventilation parameters were observed between groups and head positions (P < .0001).
- Head position angles and ventilation parameters showed less variation with head support (P < .001).
- Ventilation parameters improved significantly with head support compared to no support (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Head support reduces variability in head position angles, suggesting a lower risk of BVM ventilation failure.
- Less variation in ventilation parameters and improved ventilation were noted with head support.
- Positioning the head on a support may offer benefits during BVM ventilation.
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