Airway management for the sports physician part 2: advanced techniques.

Abstract

Airway emergencies sometimes require techniques other than basic management methods. Advanced techniques are needed to manage laryngeal edema or fracture, upper-airway hemorrhage, or other injuries that make ventilation or intubation from above impossible. Placing various endotracheal devices and performing surgical techniques such as needle cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy can be done by physicians who have training and the necessary equipment. Surgical techniques can be performed with medical bag components, but commercial kits are available for those who are uncomfortable performing techniques using bag equipment.