Transport of oxygen is one of the most important functions of blood. How oxygen moves from the air, where its partial pressure is about 150 mm Hg to mitochondria, where it drops down to a single digit is an evolutionary marvel. In this article, we discuss the physiology of oxygen transport from the alveoli to the tissue, the alveolar gas equation and the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve. In the applied physiology section, we discuss the impact of high altitude, hyperbaric conditions, carbon monoxide poisoning on the transport of oxygen. Some common pitfalls in the interpretation of pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas are also discussed. Finally, we talk about the methods of increasing oxygen delivery, the compensation for hypoxia and some indications of venous oxygen saturation measurement.How to cite this articleArora S, Tantia P. Physiology of Oxygen Transport and its Determinants in Intenstive Care Unit. Indian J Crit Care Med 2019;23(Suppl 3):S172–S177.

In the present study, we report a case of successful endotracheal intubation using Airtraq™ Laryngoscope (AQL) in a morbidly obese patient. A 35-year-old woman, morbidly obese (weight, 105 kg; height, 160 cm; BMI, 41 kg/m2), known hypertensive and diabetic, was admitted in the operating room for total abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia. The preoperative airway assessment anticipated both difficult bag-mask ventilation and intubation. Tracheal intubation using AQL was attempted after induction with propofol and relaxation with succinylcholine. Successful tracheal intubation was accomplished within 12 seconds of insertion of AQL into the oral cavity. The minimal hemodynamic response during this maneuver was advantageous in our patient.

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