Airway management considerations in patients with COVID-19

Praveen Chahar1, Sidharth Dugar2, Donn Marciniak3

  • 1Department of General Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic.

Insights

Approximately 12-15% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients need invasive ventilation. Careful preparation, including equipment readiness and an experienced team, is crucial for minimizing disease transmission during endotracheal intubation.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care

Background:

  • Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection often require invasive ventilation.
  • Endotracheal intubation is an aerosol-generating procedure with a risk of disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline key strategies for minimizing disease transmission during endotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

  • Emphasis on careful preparation before the procedure.
  • Ensuring necessary equipment and medications are readily available.
  • Assembling an experienced intubation team capable of managing complications.

Main Results:

  • Careful preparation is identified as the key to minimizing disease transmission risk.
  • The importance of an experienced team for troubleshooting unforeseen complications is highlighted.
  • The use of a "buddy" system for donning and doffing personal protective equipment is recommended.

Conclusions:

  • Meticulous preparation and an experienced team are essential for safe endotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients.
  • Adherence to safety protocols, including PPE management, is critical for healthcare providers.

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