Obstetrical Advanced Airway Management

In this episode of the FlightBridgeED Podcast: MDCAST, we continue our OB Critical Care Series, focusing on airway management in critically ill obstetric patients. Hosted by Dr. Michael Lauria and featuring special guest Dr. Emily McQuaid-Hanson, Director of OB Anesthesia at the University of New Mexico, this episode delivers essential insights into managing one of the most intimidating and dynamic challenges in pre-hospital and critical care transport medicine.

Join us as we discuss modern advancements in airway safety, the physiological challenges of gravid patients, and the critical techniques and tools for managing obstetric airways effectively. Dr. McQuaid-Hanson shares invaluable strategies for pre-oxygenation, intubation, medication selection, and post-intubation care, along with a reminder to approach every airway with preparation and respect—without fear.

Whether new to pre-hospital medicine or a seasoned critical care professional, wherever you are on your journey, this episode offers actionable insights and pearls of wisdom.

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Takeaways

1. Advanced Insights: Modern airway equipment like video laryngoscopes and better preparation have made obstetric airway management comparable in difficulty to other critical care populations, emphasizing preparation and respect for physiological challenges.
2. Clinical Strategies: Proper positioning, effective pre-oxygenation techniques, and having a well-thought-out plan with appropriate tools are key to successful airway management in obstetric patients.
3. Foundational Knowledge: Awareness of the physiological changes during pregnancy—such as reduced functional residual capacity and increased aspiration risk—helps providers anticipate and mitigate challenges during airway management.

References
1.        Aziz MF, Kim D, Mako J, Hand K, Brambrink AM. A retrospective study of the performance of video laryngoscopy in an obstetric unit. Anesth Analg. 2012 Oct;115(4):904-6.

2.        Ahuja P, Jain D, Bhardwaj N, Jain K, Gainder S, Kang M. Airway changes following labor and delivery in preeclamptic parturients: a prospective case control study. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2018 Feb;33:17-22.

3.        Bryson PC, Abode K, Zdanski CJ. Emergent airway management in the labor and delivery suite. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 Aug;87:83-6.

4.        Šklebar I, Habek D, Berić S, Goranović T. AIRWAY MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES IN OBSTETRICS. Acta Clin Croat. 2023 Apr;62(Suppl1):85-90. 

5.        Dongare PA, Nataraj MS. Anaesthetic management of obstetric emergencies. Indian J Anaesth. 2018 Sep;62(9):704-709.

6.        Djabatey EA, Barclay PM. Difficult and failed intubation in 3430 obstetric general anaesthetics. Anaesthesia. 2009 Nov;64(11):1168-71.

7.        McKeen DM, George RB, O'Connell CM, Allen VM, Yazer M, Wilson M, Phu TC. Difficult and failed intubation: Incident rates and maternal, obstetrical, and anesthetic predictors. Can J Anaesth. 2011 Jun;58(6):514-24.

8.        Hannig KE, Hauritz RW, Jessen C, Herzog J, Grejs AM, Kristensen MS. Managing Known Difficult Airways in Obstetric Patients Using a Flexible Bronchoscope and IRRIS: A Case-Illustrated Guide for Nonexpert Anesthesiologists, without Surgical Backup. Case Rep Anesthesiol. 2021 Oct 8;2021:6778805.

9.        Preston R, Jee R. Obstetric airway management