Retrograde tracheal intubation

Abstract

Summary Successful management of difficult tracheal intubation by retrograde intubation has been reported for almost 50 years and can be used whether or not it is anticipated. There are numerous reports of variations to the basic technique to enhance reproducibility of this guided blind procedure. A review and analysis of the equipment and techniques provides a better understanding of this effective technique.

Variable Morphology of the Hyoid Bone in Anatolian Population: Clinical Implications - A Cadaveric Study

“…To determine accurate central positioning of the intubation guide surface, hyoid bone is a major anatomical landmark of neck . Its unskilled insertion can cause additional injuries, for example, to the front incisors Alexopoulos et al,1983;Dhara, 2009). Sometimes the shape of the standard endotracheal tube can not conform to the anatomy of the airway and this inharmoniousness is probably the most injurious factor of tracheal intubation.…”

Percutaneous Dilational Tracheotomy for Airway Management in a Newborn With Pierre-Robin Syndrome and a Glossopharyngeal Web

“…In our practice and that of others, the time required to perform a retrograde intubation is short and this technique can be life-saving. 21 In conclusion, this case demonstrates that, for newborns in whom endotracheal intubation is impossible and surgical tracheotomy is not available, PDT may be considered as a rescue technique for emergency airway management.…”

“…21 This technique has been recommended in the difficult airway management algorithm of several national anesthesiology societies. 21 Unfortunately, retrograde intubation is rarely taught or practiced, and has been reported as an underused intubation technique in the management of the difficult airway.…”

“…21 This technique has been recommended in the difficult airway management algorithm of several national anesthesiology societies. 21 Unfortunately, retrograde intubation is rarely taught or practiced, and has been reported as an underused intubation technique in the management of the difficult airway. 21 In our patient, even after excision of the glossopharyngeal web and corrective mandibular osteotomies, it was not possible to perform an endotracheal intubation or insert a laryngeal mask airway, as described above.…”

“…21 Unfortunately, retrograde intubation is rarely taught or practiced, and has been reported as an underused intubation technique in the management of the difficult airway. 21 In our patient, even after excision of the glossopharyngeal web and corrective mandibular osteotomies, it was not possible to perform an endotracheal intubation or insert a laryngeal mask airway, as described above. Because imminent cardiac arrest due to hypoxemia was ensuing, we decided to proceed with a retrograde intubation instead of waiting for the fiberoptic intubation equipment to arrive.…”