Management Of The Pediatric Difficult Airway: New Strategies Unveiled

Abstract

Purpose of Review This article outlines recent advancements in pediatric difficult airway management, driven by collaborative research and technology. It highlights challenges in newborns and infants, emphasizing initiatives like the Pediatric Difficult Intubation Registry (PeDI-R) and large-scale observational studies like APRICOT and NECTARINE. These endeavors aim to refine management strategies, enhancing approaches to both anticipated and unforeseen difficult pediatric airways. Recent Findings Studies have elucidated various facets of pediatric airway management, including difficult intubation incidence, contributing factors and efficacy of diverse techniques and devices. Noteworthy advancements include videolaryngoscopy, hybrid techniques, passive oxygenation, sedation, and muscle relaxation with a focus on reducing intubation attempts. Additionally, ultrasound’s utility and the significance of extubation planning are highlighted. Summary To summarize, continued research and collaboration refine strategies for difficult pediatric airway management, striving to enhance patient outcomes and safety through dissemination of knowledge and leveraging recent insights.