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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
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Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Review of Ultrasound Parameters for Predicting Difficult Airways
Published on: April 7, 2023
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The Physiologic Difficult Airway.
Daniel Perin1, Fabio Tanzillo Moreira2, Fabricio Zasso3
1Centro de Treinamento em Vias Aéreas - CTVA - Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Anesthesiology Clinics
|March 4, 2026
Summary
Managing a physiologically difficult airway requires healthcare teams to understand patient comorbidities and individualize treatment. Anticipating and mitigating cardiovascular collapse risk during intubation and ventilation is crucial for safe airway management.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Physiologically difficult airways present complex challenges requiring specialized knowledge and skills.
- Understanding patient comorbidities is essential for effective management.
- Cardiovascular collapse is a significant risk during airway manipulation and positive pressure ventilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing physiologically difficult airways.
- To highlight the need for individualized treatment strategies based on evidence.
- To underscore the critical role of situational awareness and meticulous monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines on difficult airway management.
- Emphasis on comprehensive patient evaluation, including comorbidities.
- Discussion of strategies for hemodynamic management and drug/technique selection.
Main Results:
- Successful management hinges on a combination of knowledge, skills, and attitude.
- Individualized care plans are paramount.
- Proactive risk mitigation for cardiovascular compromise is necessary.
Conclusions:
- Safe airway management necessitates vigilance in patient assessment, monitoring, and physiological support.
- Healthcare teams must be prepared to anticipate and manage potential complications.
- A holistic approach integrating evidence-based practices is key to optimizing outcomes.
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