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Updated: May 16, 2026

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Failed intubation and failed oxygenation in a child
A S Santoro1, M G Cooper, A Cheng
1Department of Anaesthesia, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. andrea.santoro@health.nsw.gov.au
Abstract:
A 'can't intubate, can't oxygenate' scenario in a child is fortunately extremely rare. We report a case of this life-threatening event in a four-year-old boy suffering from a rare genetic disorder, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. He presented for manipulation of his dislocated jaw and was identified preoperatively as having a difficult airway. Despite extensive preparation, a catastrophic loss of airway control occurred minutes after induction of general anaesthesia, necessitating a life saving emergency tracheostomy. This report highlights the small evidence base and lack of definitive algorithms relating to how best to rescue a paediatric 'can't intubate, can't oxygenate' situation. Paediatric anatomical factors dictate that immediate procession to a tracheal surgical airway may be the optimal management.
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