Airway Anesthesia for Awake Tracheal Intubation: A Review of the Literature

Airway topicalization is frequently utilized by anesthesiologists to facilitate open airway procedures, aid intubation for a difficult airway, and prevent adverse respiratory events. This review article summarizes the techniques available for airway topicalization for a patient who is deemed to be difficult to intubate. We focus on the indications for use, local anesthetic maximum dosages and safety profiles, sedation techniques, and trials and pitfalls during airway topicalization for difficult intubation.

Automated summary

This review article summarizes the techniques available for airway topicalization for difficult intubation, focusing on indications for use, local anesthetic dosages and safety profiles, sedation techniques, and potential trials and pitfalls during the process.