Transtracheal flow-regulated oxygen insufflation—a simple and safe method for prolonging safe apnoea time in difficult airway management: A report of two cases

Abstract

In the absence of upper airway patency, supraglottic methods of oxygen delivery become ineffective. We present two semi-elective difficult airway cases where oxygenation via the supraglottic route was deemed impractical due to upper airway obstruction. In order to facilitate safe airway management, apnoeic oxygenation was delivered via a narrow bore transtracheal cannula using a flow-regulated oxygen insufflator. The potential for safely prolonging apnoea time with this technique in both elective and emergency settings is discussed.