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The pediatric airway: Historical concepts, new findings, and what matters

Tariq M Wani1, Bruno Bissonnette2, Thomas Engelhardt3

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Pediatric Division, Sidra Medical & Research Center, Doha, Qatar; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|March 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

New imaging reveals the pediatric airway is not funnel-shaped with the cricoid ring as the narrowest point. These findings challenge traditional views and may alter clinical management strategies for infants and children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Pediatric Airway Anatomy

Background:

  • Historical understanding of the pediatric airway is based on limited clinical data.
  • Traditional concepts describe a funnel-shaped upper airway with the cricoid ring as the narrowest segment.
  • These long-held beliefs have guided clinical practice in pediatric airway management.

Observation:

  • Novel imaging techniques provide new insights into pediatric airway anatomy.
  • Advanced modalities include MRI, CT scanning, and videobronchoscopy.
  • These methods offer detailed visualization of airway dimensions and shape.

Findings:

  • Recent observations challenge the traditional funnel-shaped model of the pediatric airway.
  • The cricoid ring may not consistently be the narrowest dimension.
  • New data necessitate a re-evaluation of established pediatric airway anatomy.

Implications:

  • Findings suggest a need to revise current clinical management protocols for pediatric airway issues.
  • Updated understanding can lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
  • This research emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice in pediatric airway care.

Keywords:
Computed tomography scanCricoidMagnetic resonance imagingMultidetector computed tomographyPediatric airwaySubglottisVideo-bronchoscopyVocal cords

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