Flexible fiberoptic tracheal intubation
Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2023, 59(5), 25-34.
G. Penev1,2
1 Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive care, University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology “Maichin Dom” – Sofia
2 Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Sofia
Abstract. Fiberoptic intubation (FOI) of the trachea is a highly specialized medical manipulation, used to ensure control of the airways in a variety of conditions and situations. It is carried out with a special flexible endoscope-bronchoscope. Its special construction allows visualization of the anatomical structures and permits performing some manipulations. In a number of pathological conditions, FOI of the trachea is the only non-surgical approach in achieving an airway control. FOI can be performed under general anesthesia or on a conscious patient. Access way to the trachea can be oral or nasal. FOI of the trachea is a relatively safe and reliable manipulation, but it is not lacking of contraindications and potential complications. The most common complications are presented from the cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. For the implementation of FOI expensive equipment and trained personnel are indispensable. Acquiring the skills to perform FOI requires a long learning process and continuous practice to maintain the technique. The ability to intubate a patient with a preserved consciousness, breathing, and protective reflexes makes the tracheal FOI a medical standard in exercising airway control in patients with predictable difficult and/or impossible tracheal intubation.
Key words: airway control, fiberoptic, bronchoscope, “awake” intubations
Address for correspondence: Georgi Penev DM, е-mail: g.penev@medfac.mu-sofia.bg, doctorpenev@abv.bg