Modern airway management for the trauma patient.
Over the last decade there has been significant advancement in airway management and a recent closed claims analysis indicates a decrease in claims since the 1980s. Studies and new airway devices have focused on managing the difficult airway and the failed intubation, problems which are common to the trauma patient. Although new airway devices have improved our ability to ventilate these patients, they are not 100% reliable nor do they provide a definitive airway. Formal training in airway management and the use of these airway devices has much room for improvement. With increased emphasis on training and the development of improved intubating aids, modern management of the difficult airway may approach 100% success.
Shearer
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Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235-9068, USA.